I moved to Utah and a lot of towns cities straddle mountains like this where the town is in the valley next to the mountains. It's very cool, but Id take forests over a view. I find being surrounded by woods much more comforting than high desert with a view but I guess that just depends on where you grew up.
In my city we're surrounded by mountains, always one in view. No matter where you are in the city you know where you are cause they serve as giant landmarks.
I think it'd be chilling to be surrounded by an ocean instead.