I can see the appeal of places like SF and NYC for 20-somethings, but I'm in my mid-30s with 2 kids and in San Diego I can afford a nice single-family house in the suburbs with good public schools and (relatively) affordable daycare. When I hear about the crowding and cost of living in places like SF/Boston/NYC it makes me shudder. I love it here, but I work in La Jolla not Sorrento Valley (I'm in biotech, not IT). But I think for more-middle aged folks, the restaurant scene near work is less of a factor? I don't need excitement, I need affordable housing and schools -- and the weather and outdoor activities are worth A LOT to me.