When I got to Padova, it felt like coming back to the real world. I'd go downtown and see young and old, wealthy and the not-so-well off. These days, thanks to immigration, it's also acquired some ethnic diversity: my daughter goes to a public school with children whose parents are quite varied.

I'm confused; are you saying this is in contrast with SF? The Bay Area generally is one of the most diverse places I've ever been; Oakland is often cited as the most diverse city in America.