If you're looking for warmer weather + sunshine, then the Pacific Northwest isn't really going to do it for you as long as you're east of the Cascades (Seattle, PDX, etc). I just moved to SF from Portland, OR myself and the difference in climate is huge. Have you considered Austin, TX? It's pretty much the cultural hub of the south and there are a lot of cool things going on there with both startups and established companies. I lived in Houston for a couple years and the cost of living in TX is really low. It definitely gets hot as heck in the summer, but Austin isn't as humid as Houston so it's manageable. Plus, sunshine is in no short supply!<p>Best of luck with the move, wherever you end up!