[greggman]

Have you ever lived in a city where you can easily walk or take public transportation?

If you're into drinking, even socially, it means no designated driver. No hunting for parking (can take > 10 mins in SF), especially in the areas where all the food and bars are.

Most neighborhoods in SF (and I'm guessing NYC) there's usually some shopping district with a street full of stores and restaurants, non-national chain, within walking distance.

Growing up in Orange County that is something I had never experienced and at least until I have a spouse and kids I don't really want to go back to.

Where I live I'm within a 3 minute walk to a Whole Foods, 15 or so restaurants. A convenience store. 3 cleaners. A twice a week farmers market. Several banks. A drug store. 6 bars. 5 coffeeshops. 2 bookstores. 2 bike stores. And I'm only a 10 minute walk from the mission or a 5 minute walk to the muni (to go downtown).

Compare to the O.C. where pretty much had to drive everywhere. Daly City is a similar place.