Smug city?

A thought I had this morning: it might be lovely to get an art-type live/work space in the Gilman Street area. It would be easy commute for current work and could also be central to SR if something happens in that area. Then I am not stuck in the burbs but am in a more lively urban and artsy area for my 'home life' time but can share a lot of time / space with P in my 'work life' (potentially.) Although I have not heard back. But that's par for the course.

I heard someone talk about Berkeley as being self-obsessed and smug, which bothers me somehow. Has anyone ever described London as smug? I don't think so. Could I get past that idea?

Here is an article written by someone who really hates Berkeley.