[steve1011]

Ive lived here most of my life, in both southern and (currently) northern California. Sure, the weather is nice, but my advice would be to stay away unless you are already wealthy or forced to move here for work etc.

If you live in any sort of population center expect traffic to be a nightmare from 6-11am and 3-7pm. Taxes are also some of the highest in the country and poorly implemented social policies continue to increase these on an annual basis.

If you are looking for something in particular that California has to offer, there is almost always better alternatives (see: Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, etc...)

[akulbe]

Oregon is one of the most expensive states to live in, as well. (If you opt for Portland.)

It doesn't compare to California, but it's getting there.