I was in your situation. I lived in SoCal (Calabasas/Westlake to be exact) my entire life. Then, about 2 1/2-3 years ago I was forced to move out to Arizona. I thought it was going to be the worst thing to ever have happen in my life, lol. Well, I was wrong. It is pretty great out here (depending on where you live). Yes, it gets HOT. But for 2-3 out of the year; and that's it. The rest of the year is absolutely GORGEOUS. The only downside is I see this place turning into LA really quickly and steadily. That's a real bummer. I still LOVE my hometown, and am planning on moving back out there once I have enough moola saved up (cause you're right, it is FREAKIN' expensive to live out there!!!).

Great thread, it will be interesting to hear how it is in other parts of the country/world (seeing as how I've only been to California, Arizona and Oregon, lol)...

Jennifer