mix I am not sure I agree 100%… I think there are some pretty pricey neighborhoods in La Jolla, Mission Hills, even Kensington. Also it goes without saying coastal properties are going to be higher in price simply because of the proximity to the ocean.
I do agree with your points though about paying a high price to pay simply to grind through an hour or 45 minute one way commute. I just don’t buy into that and could not agree more with you on that point.