Living in ML is not a "bubble" it is the real world for those who have ambition, dedication to achievement and value education. These are the things that will make you successful in the "real" world. Parents instill in children what is important and having frank conversations around the dinner table reinforce these precepts.

Living in either an affluent or poor area presents its own unique social peer pressures. The difference is parental involvement and understanding who you are not what some else thinks you should become. Those who believe in status, cache, with no belief in substance will gravitate toward each other. Those with gravitas will become your allies.

You have to know that ML is a bubble outside the real world. It is safe and lovely but, boy, the peer-pressure is tremendous. There are lots of wanna-bes and those really know how to put the pressure on. On the other hand, there is also academic peer pressure - so no worries about homework. To go to the high school in ML, your kid has to be confident and smart. If they are neither, look elsewhere. Do you shop in Abercrombie and are your kids super sporty? Then you are OK.

Kids will find peer pressure in every neighborhood. If you find a home you love in beautiful mountain lakes that is affordable and comfortable for your family, by all means buy it. It's a great area! Much success!