One of the things about SF that I think is an eyesore is the huge amount of overhead lines on many streets

Nah, it can be done. Keep in mind that Manhattan has some very rocky parts, and almost all electric is underground. SF also has a lot of overhead wiring to power electric buses, which actually serves a useful purpose. As far as kids in SF, keep in mind the city’s high % of gays. Yeah, yeah, gays can marry and have kids. But fewer of them do than straight couples, on average.

Lastly, pretty views — how about this one (taken before the storm, d/k what it looks like now)? It’s NYC, but a lot of people say Seattle or SF when they see it: