Different strokes for different folks. I quite like PA in relation to other cities on the peninsula. It's upscale, has a good mix of cuisines and fanciness/expense for them, has interesting differing types of shops to explore on a few different streets so it isn't just me main strip like Castro in Mountain View, or Laurel in San Carlos, and is generally safe and clean.
I'm not sure what would make it more appealing to you, but it may be that you're just seeking a different vibe or are at a different point in your life where you may not value some of those things the same.
I mean, the food is pretty mediocre especially when you look at the prices (except Bevri and Zadna that are delicious), the nightlife is basically non existant, the shops are eh, there’s cars everywhere downtown and the general amenities (playgrounds, parcs, cool places to walk and bike around) for kids are sub par. I don’t see how it can worth paying $2k a sqft to live there imo.
Sushi Shin is a Michelin starred sushi restaurant. We have decent ramen options, we have Zareen's and Broadway Masala for Indian, we have Redwood Bistro which has some authentic sichuan and iDumpling for XLB. We have good beer and decent brewpub options, and a few good brunch spots. There's several other decent food options as well. Agreed things are overpriced at many, but that's the peninsula as a whole.
If you're at the stage of your life where you have small children, or are not someone who does a ton of going out, nightlight is irrelevant.
Agreed it could have more shops, it's very one dimensional right now.
Every downtown has cars everywhere, and the strip of restaurants on Broadway is notable in that it is still blocked off for foot traffic and is wonderful.
I have no idea what your idea of above average is for parks and playgrounds. We have a Magical Bridge, Maddux and Stafford parks and others. We have Stulsaft and other options.
I'd be really curious where you're getting $2k/sqft.
I'm not sure what would make it more appealing to you, but it may be that you're just seeking a different vibe or are at a different point in your life where you may not value some of those things the same.