[pookie]

I am hopefully getting a new job but will more than likely be getting relocated to the West Coast. In reality it looks like I might have a choice of Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Francisco. I realize there are a ton of West Coast pelicans and was looking for some info. Let me begin with if we do end up moving out there I will get a company car which will allow me to drive up to 50 miles from any of these cities.

Now some info about me. Married, no kids, planning on starting soon, within the next year, one large black lab. Both of us are from small towns, I lived all over though as a military but consider myself small town. Both like the small town pace but like the amenities of living near a big city, lived near Charlotte NC, and currently about an hour from Washington DC. Both like to be outdoors, riding in the 911, or 4 wheeling in the Jeep, also do a little bit of canoeing, and some camping. My usual weekday routine is work, gym, and home. Not into the party lifestyle or going out to clubs. We do eat out and like to take in movies and plays a little. Also like to go watch hockey and love college football. I also like to shoot skeet, hunt, and fish (in shore saltwater and freshwater). Assuming all goes well we will be in Cali for at least 1-2 years but maybe up to 5 years. We will be moving at least 2 cars 911 and her Liberty. Debating on whether or not to move my Jeep as with the company car that would put us having 4 cars and 2 drivers. So I'd prefer to have a garage and not be in an apt. Will most likely rent though for at least the first year not only till we figure out what is going on but I hear housing prices out that way are horrible. Also all friends and family are withing MD to FL so pretty much be on our own at first. Both of us are looking at it as an adventure.

What I know about Cali-lots of gun restrictions, lots of liberals, lots of crime, expensive and lots of hussle and bustle. Although I hear it is car lovers mecca and pcar heaven, and I'll take sunshine over snow, we do like seeing all four seasons. So of the cities I listed I need to know the pluses and minuses of each and which one would be most conducive to our lifestyle. As looking at wheather, housing cost, economy, traffic, starting a family, etc.

So...

Los Angeles
San Jose
San Francisco
and a 50 mile radius.

Thanks