Where are all of the West Coast residents in this thread?! Too many people from the East Coast posting...
I live in Orange County and honestly couldn't imagine living anywhere else. I know, I know, we don't have seasons. And a single drop of water from the sky causes mass accidents and Storm Watch media blitzes. Are changes of season all that great? I like the fact that the weather is almost always the same. Snow and rain? I'll pass! And when it's under 70 degrees, everyone puts on their winter jackets and scarves and beanies.
Add in the beach a couple times a week. And that you can go practically all year long, and you can't beat it. The shopping is outstanding, and our museums and theaters are catching up to those on the East Coast as well.
One last thing I love about living here is the diversity. There are people from all over the world, and they bring their food with them! 
Lived in the Monterey area for 20 years, can't imagine anywhere more beautiful than the west coast. I have only been back east once, so most of my knowledge is based on photos, etc. But, while the coastal area of California may not have the "Seasons" they have on the east, you can drive 3 1/2 hours and go skiing, and where I live now in California, definate seasons. I guess I am literally thinking "Coast", and so think of the geology and forest. West coast I think redwoods, monterey cypress, craggy cliffs, Washington and Oregon trees. East coast I think dune landscape, which is beautiful as well...and I realize this may be total sterotyping.
But, I can travel from Lake Tahoe to San Francisco in less than 4 hours, and travel thru some pretty amazing places during the trip.
Starting Score: EQ 679, TU 697
North of Mombassa on the Indian Ocean if I had to live on a coast
