The peninsula is much nicer than the city, I think. I lived in the city for a little while after moving here, but after my car got broken into TWICE in one month, (even my sunglasses were stolen), and a couple of way too expensive parking tickets and even getting towed on one occassion, I decided to go migrate south. Very glad I did; it's much cleaner, there are more trees, less crime, and notably fewer crazies. It's easier to hear yourself think, too. Rent is not really any less than you pay in the city, but you seem to get more -- as in square feet -- breathing room, etc.

Yes, agree, but also it is 10times more boring. Just drive-everywhere burbs. Better weather thou, but that's it.

There's really nothing like a stereotypical "the burbs" on the peninsula -- or anywhere in the Bay area for that matter. Concepts like "the burbs" are perpetuated by the perception of a need to commute via personally-owned vehicle or transport, as there are no other options -- and that just doesn't happen here. It's perfectly reasonable and viable to live without a vehicle in this place. Besides, Caltrain is fun.

If you think about it, the only people that benefit from people en masse becoming infatuated with a certain neighborhood (or likewise shunning certain neighborhoods) are Realtors, who make $ based on turnover of property in certain areas, and Realtors are all pure Evil. I actually gave up driving my car after I moved down here; only 5 months thus far, and I estimate I've saved a lot -- far more than I would have spent otherwise -- in transportation costs, time, and even energy.

I guess I just don't understand your point. I've never met a genuinely creative person who ever gets bored. I guess I don't really think of "getting bored" being resultant from a function of place.

Yeah when I lived in the city I had two screamers follow me home from work.

There's nothing like having crazy people yell at you while you walk home, unless it's being panhandled 20 times during a 15 minute walk. Or maybe all the "urban camping" that goes on. Nothing like the smell down by the bus station early in the morning... :)

I live in the avenues, which really helps with this sort of thing.

I was up at the top of nob hill. Great view, great city -- didn't mean to put it down. City living is just something you kinda need to get used to :)

I got a great workout everyday walking back and forth to work! At least, until I wussed out and started riding the cable cars. I'd go back anytime. Great location.

It's sort of mysterious, in a way. So many people around, and nothing much to do.

There are tons of things to do. I think its the best of both worlds since you're between the City, the Valley (San Jose, Palo Alto, etc.), and the water (Half Moon Bay). But then again, my opinion may differ because I grew up in the Bay.