sdr, I totally agree with you. Regarding lifestyle, it is totally different in St. George, which is what is attracting people from CA. So it is not only the cost of living (perhaps half or two-thirds that of San Diego), it is the lifestyle as well.
And those darned mountains to look at. Always the same. Except they are snow-capped in the winter. So boring.
BTW, why did your friend move from NYC to Dallas (your previous post)?