I was born in NH. And though we moved to Arizona when I was 10, I had such idyllic/romantic image of NH in my head that I moved back there in my 20's. For two (non-consecutive) months out of the year, it is one of the best places on earth. Two or three winters later, I understood why my parents (father mostly) had to head west.

I second the Ex/Cleave endorsement, and further add that within "socal" there are like 7 completely different planets with completely different populations, terrains, economies, and weather. So most people can find what they need. Unless you want a really urban (Manhattan, SF) experience.