I've often related my opinions on California.

I spent some time (1966-1970) growing up in San Francisco. It's the place with the most fond memories for me. If I had a magic wand, I'd probably want to live back in the Bay Area. However, as I tell people when the subject comes up, there's no way that I could afford to live there. It's one of the few places more expensive than the greater Boston area. I would have had to grow up in San Francisco to be able to afford to live there. Now? There's just too much sticker shock.