I dont surf and do major hiking and while the views of the coast are nice when I drive around San Diego they cannot justify a premium on real estate for me. Same for weather, as I spend most time at work indoors on a computer. I do hit the gym to keep fit but that is anyplace in USA. Now since I dont surf or hike or boat, it makes value for real estate important. I find people in midwest a lot open and friendlier than California or transplants to San Diego. SO.. for me, I can find a place for half cost of a new home with tax break and still have a gym and markets to buy food and toys in Texas. It makes sense to me! Dallas and Austin have good looking women. Houston people tend to be fat based on obesity studies.