South Valley Fwy, Gilroy

Highway 101 runs through Gilroy, which is perhaps the southernmost town that can still be considered a part of the Bay Area (loosely). It is a good hour and a half from San Francisco, is a sleepy town with lots of housing developments, and the streets near the highway can be infected with the noise of traffic. However, there are some benefits.

The climate is good - mild, Mediterranean (like much of the South Bay), and far warmer than San Francisco. The area is still relatively spacious and underdeveloped, compared to the rest of the Bay. San Jose is far more accessible, at a mere 30-50 minutes away, depending on traffic. The lovely San Luis State Recreation Area is a stone's throw away. Highway 152 allows easy access to the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. The suburban area could be located almost anywhere, allowing for a manageable environment to raise children in. I could go on and on with the benefits of this town...

Overall, the town is just that - a suburban area about 90 minutes from San Francisco. Do with that what you will - that could be good or bad, depending on your taste.