Quote Originally Posted by Rina120
I think I may be offered a job in the bay area (on the peninsula in Mountain View) from Philadelphia.
Of course I have been reading every Cost of Living index that I could find, but I would love to chat with someone who has actually done it or who lives there.
Also, I want to bring my baby with me so any idea how hard it is to pass the smog test? Will I need to add anything to my car? Are repairs more expensive there?

So..please any of you who are willing to give me some advice
We live down the coast a'ways in San Luis Obispo, one of the most un-affordable places to live in the country. You pay a steep price for near perfect weather, low crime, beach living etc. I can't afford to live in San Luis and instead live in a bedroom community of 20K about 20 minutes away. I get to drive the bimmer down a beautiful 2-lane road to work and back every day and wouldn't trade it for anything.
This weekend we took a trip to the snow and had to pass through the San Joaquin valley which was cold and overcast and dreary and caused my wife to remark that she would rather live in the tiniest shack at the coast than a mansion in the valley.
Granted the bay area is a little different but still similar weather-wise, just a LOT more crowded. I'm sure though that if you dig around you will find smaller communities off the beaten path. Hey, a bi-zillion people can't be wrong!
Equipment wise, I don't think there is any difference in our cars, a well tuned car with cat and good O2 sensor should pass smog. Shop repairs are always expensive, say 70-85/HR. but the choices in the Bay area are probably better than anywhere in the country and we probably have the highest bimmer per capita ratio in the country.
Finally, did I mention the weather? 75 today, 77 tomorrow.
H.T.H.
billy