There are a Myriad of places to live if you keep in mind that you Won't be close by the airport, from the South? I might suggest Morgan Hill, to Salinas South on US-101, Down I-280 to CA-17? Santa Cruz, Watsonville all the way to the Monterey Area. East? up I-80 Vacaville, Fairfiels and Noth to Sacramento Area. Take your Time and Don't Rush!! The Bay area is a great place to live. I've lived and worked all over the Country. I considered Dallas, Atlanta, Houston and the Carolinas All In all?? Each place was good in it's own way. But? I had to bring it home to Northern California in the End. I'll give up some things and gain on others and we decided on Rio Vista CA, east of Fairfield on CA-12. I've got a SOLAR POWERED HOUSE and there's PLENTY of sun for the power. Don't forget to look in the Pittsburg, Antioch area, you might like it. And there's BART to get to work as well.