Berkeley vs Los Altos: Where would you live if money wasn't an issue?
Berkeley vs Los Altos.
Curious where people would want to buy if money wasn't an issue. Also school district isn't an issue (planning on private school). Commute a non-issue since we're both remote. Moving out of bay area is not an option.
Pros and cons of each:
Berkeley: decent school district if we did opt into public, not a full suburban feel, lots more diversity (racial and socio-economic), easier to get into the city. Smaller homes / lots than Los Altos, but not as expensive. Can possibly retire earlier since lower home payment.
Los Altos: prestige, great and well funded school district, not super pedestrian, but not too far to get into downtown Los Altos. Not super diverse. Bigger homes and lots but at least double what you pay in Berkeley. Likely very wealthy neighbors, and may feel the rat race more.
Total TC as a couple: 1million+
comments
It's a nice city, quiet, and unassuming, but I don't think growing up there builds self-sufficient people.