Have lived in Kansas City, DC, Atlanta and now live in San Diego.
San Diego is pretty, but it doesn't have a very "urban feel". I miss living the larger city feel and the good mass transit in DC and ATL. I miss the shopping in DC and ATL. I miss the level of education in current events that I felt in DC. I also miss the friendly and calm feeling in KC and the cost of living.
San Diego is beautiful, the weather is great, recreational opportunities abound...but it is SOOOOOO EXPENSIVE. The cost of housing is outrageous and I know I could buy a house here, but won't because deep down, I don't feel I am a long-term "cali girl". I am much too high-strung for the pace of living here...
i grew up in LA, went to college in the bay area, and went to law school in DC and San Diego (i transferred after my first year). i moved back to LA after law school, and it's where i live now because my family and most of my friends are here.
If it wasn't for my family and friends, i'd move out of LA asap. This place is WAY too crowded, and the people are less than friendly, or considerate. The only things to like about this place is the shopping and the weather.
I've always wanted to live in NYC for a couple of years, and my brother lives there now, but it's just way to expensive (and plus i'd have to take the NY bar to work there). I've always wanted to return to San Francisco, and always love going back there to visit. The people there are the best, and it's such a beautiful city. However, with housing prices the way they are in CA right now, i doubt i'll ever be able to buy any type of property there.