I live within walking distance of downtown Palo Alto and really enjoy it. It's cheaper than San Francisco in most instances and you still have a high concentration of startup people. You can't go more than a few blocks without seeing a YC-er.
Of course, you don't have the massive social scene of San Francisco, but you're a quick ~30 minute CalTrain ride away.
Of course, you don't have the massive social scene of San Francisco, but you're a quick ~30 minute CalTrain ride away.