It’s the weather stupid.
There are only a few places in the world where you can experience a “mediterranean” climate like socal / San Diego:
– european mediterranean of course and
– “Gold Coast” of Australia.
Move ANYWHERE else and the weather is a step down from San Diego. This is assuming weather is a big factor in your living decision – which begs the question > why are on earth would anyone choose to live in SD with crazy house prices, mediocre job / wage market if it wasn’t for the weather?