Hi Eric,
As Mario indicated below, a 90 minute commute would allow you to live almost anywhere in the Bay Area and work in Palo Alto (located almost exactly between San Francisco and San Jose).
You need to decide what is important to you in a home - do you prefer a more urban atmosphere? Suburban? Country? Views?
What hobbies are important to you and your family? Hiking? Travel? Visiting museums?
Budget certainly enters into the picture. There are numerous communities all up and down the Peninsula and Bay Area with very good schools.
You'll want to evaluate what is important to you and then narrow your search and investigate which cities feel right to you.
If you have friends in the Bay Area, I'd talk to them and get their recommendation on places to investigate. Real estate agents can also provide similar information, but your 90 minute commute range probably means you'll want to talk to several agents from various areas in order to get local expertise.
Good luck in your final interview. The Bay Area is a wonderful place to live!
John Barman
Coldwell Banker Palo Alto
650.380.8440 - Tue Nov 10 2009, 10:47