I grew up in PNW and moved to Northern California for my BA and then lived in San Diego for 3 years for my MA. I think SD is wonderful. Balboa Park, perennial sunshine, 20min to the beach, chill hippy vibes, healthy beautiful people. Cost of living was rough but, the quality of life was great. I then moved back up to WA and felt very different about it. Especially when it gets dark at 4pm in October. It’s still the most beautiful place on earth in the summer, and the puget sound is so good for the soul- but id recommend trying San Diego, or just beach life in general.