This Bay Area suburb isn’t a haven just for San Francisco commuters. Pleasanton, once known as the “most desperate town in the West” for its Main Street brawling and shootouts, has come into its own as well-planned community with an ample job market. Though Pleasanton is a wealthy, mid-sized city, it’s still an affordable alternative to Bay Area, with a lot more charm. It’s pedestrian-friendly, with lots of outdoor dining, and the Saturday farmers market is always a popular hangout.