I was born in the Bay Area and spent my teenage years in Palo Alto. I lived in South Palo Alto, the neighborhood is called The Orchards. My family’s home was purchased for 42,500 dollars in 1971. My father sold it in 1980 against my advice. The price had doubled and he was sure that the market had topped. He now lives in Arizona. I ended up in Fremont, lucky enough to own my own place there, though it was hard coming up with the down payment then, 30 years ago.

I went to Gunn High School. I had no hope then in 1980 of ever buying in Palo Alto. Today? Please; Even with the equity in the home I own, the property taxes alone would take all my income. This isn’t a new occurrence. It’s been going on as long as I’ve been alive and there isn’t going to be anything that will stop it. Density housing is a great idea, but infrastructurally infeasible, The traffic couldn’t handle it. It can’t now.

I have a son graduating from college in two years who wouldn’t even be able to afford where we live now when he gets his degree. He’s lucky though as I am giving our house to him when my wife and I retire to Nevada.

I’ll miss the Bay Area, but it ceased being affordable long long ago.