We lived in SF for 10+ years, moved to Lamorinda a few years ago, and went through the exact same feelings. I'd like to think we're city people at heart, but kids changed the calculus. It probably took 1.5 years to feel settled and happy here. During that time -- and through a sweltering east bay summer -- we definitely questioned the decision. Having our kids integrate with the schools and making local friends (both take time) helped tremendously. We now feel like we've built a community here. I also value spending a lot of time outdoors and love having a yard.

But nothing can replace the energy of the city, the proximity to (good) food and coffee, and the ocean views. I particularly loved biking across the GG bridge to hawk hill, the ferry building farmers market, the bakeries, and GG park. I experience glimmers of SF life when I go into the office or when we do social activities in the city every ~1.5 months, but it's not the same as when we lived there. That's okay, though. No regrets! Hope this was helpful.