Several days, actually. But your point is fair, it's hard to judge in such a short time. But you have to go on something, right? For instance, my asking locals where one might find a trail to go run on was a source of endless amusement amongst those I asked (IOW, "no, are you kidding me?"). More so, other than working at Apple, what did SV have to offer that I couldn't find where I'm at now? And I came up empty. The area more than likely does have much to offer, but it might just be that what's on offer doesn't appeal to me.

I'm not saying, "don't move there, you'll hate it." I'm simply relaying an experience that many here might have: that being you get flown into a place you have never been or (in my case) haven't spent much time in, have an interview, then decide based on that little bit of information if you want to tear up roots and move. It's not a lot to go on, but from what I had to work with I concluded it wasn't for me. (Doesn't matter, Apple didn't extend an offer anyway.)

I was there for a couple years, and I have spent months there since.

I will ruefully concede that reasonable people can disagree about San Francisco. But I do not understand Palo Alto.