I was raised in Southern CA then moved to the Bay Area for a little over 10 years.
Personally, I liked living in the East Bay much more than living in SF itself. Most people hear "Oakland" and think that you will be dodging gunfire all day. My wife and I rented a place in Oakland near Berkeley and loved it.
Less expensive, easier to get around, more diverse (in many respects), and better affordable restaurants IMO on that side of the bay. Depending on your work location in The City, it might be an easy BART ride away.
Endgame and Games of Berkeley are great LGSs too.
SF is great if you are without kids and have a LOT of discretionary income. If you have a family, it is hard.
We moved to Seattle two years ago as many folks seem to be doing.