It's a great place to live, the Peninsula. The best of times, weather, people, amenities, sites and sounds. And, in my day during the '60s it was the center of the Universe ... Something's Happenin' Here, Don't know 'Xactly What .....
I would think it's very tough to bring kids up in that area now. The peer competition is fierce. I was stunned that one of the partners (VC) had a limousine for his daughter for her junior prom.... (JUNIOR). And that was in 1985.
But, here we are, all safe and sound. Liz, I'll be interested to know where you decide to retire. Lots of choices out there. Phoenix Metro is affordable and accessible to many areas, West Coast. Lots of sports teams but little culture. Very little. Great, great restaurants and resorts. Oh and it is HOT in summer ... and summer lasts a long time. People say there are more license plates from AZ in San Diego in June-August than Calif plates.