Allan. I actually moved to the Bay Area around 25 years ago from San Diego, with a break in there when I lived in SD again about 8 yrs ago.
I like the Bay Area and really like the LA/LAH/MV area a lot. I have lived in MV, PA, LA, and Berkeley over those years and now San Jose the past 8. It has changed, but it is still nice. My complaint is not so much the high cost of housing as it is what those big $$ buy you. Not much. Ranch homes abound up here. I don’t like ranch homes. There are few homes like you find in RSF, and when they hit the market, they are twice the RSF price. Selection just is not there up here.
Silicon Valley is a special place and I do appreciate it for what it is, but my family wants back to SD and that is what matters. I am lucky to be able to accomodate them.