I’m still not believing there is actually life beyond the northeast corridor, but here’s a testimony from a New Yorker in San Diego:

I am a big fan of NRO and the Corner. I feel compelled to give you my two cents about your discussed move to a warmer, “red-state” clime.
I was born and raised on Long Island. Worked in NYC as a corporate attorney for the last 8 years. Freezing in the winter. Hot and soupy in the summer. The only respite from environmental discomfort came in the form of a few days in the spring and fall that were moderately warm (70s-low 80s), sunny and, most importantly, not humid.
After laying a two year seige to the lame southern california legal employment market, I finally found a suitable position and moved my family here in September. We now live in San Diego, where pretty much every day is sunny, 70s-80s, and low humidity. In other words, Heaven. I am now a laid back, southern California hippie (albeit a hippie who is a coporate attorney and realizes the benefits of lower taxes, restrained federal spending, strong law enforcement, private gun ownership rights, and strong national security/defense — including blasting the beejeezes out of terrorists where ever they may be).
The best part is that San Diego is a red enclave in a blue state (something that I could not brag about on Long Island).
Also, my secretary is a professional surfer. How cool is that?
Good luck in your search!