As a rider who rides past Stanford just about every ride, I would agree.

Also, the ocean is quite close, its just one hill climb away .

Skiing, not so close, that's what CO is for.

My youngest is all set to go to SDSU next fall. I'll be checking it out at the end of August when we dump him
and enter 'empty nest-dom'. I love him dearly, but I can hardly wait.

As for where to live, I like Ex's approach - go to where the weather is best if you can afford it.