I don't think I could do a Southwestern State - too hot. The hottest I have lived in was the San Fernando Valley. It was horrible during the 6-8 weeks when it would climb over 100. I had to get up at 5 am on the weekends just to get a bike ride in. My dogs hated it, hunting quail in the high desert was useless after 9 am, even in January etc.
Also, the gravel gets to me. That's what you have a lot in places like Phoenix and Albuquerque. Gravel and gravel ...
I like the Bay Area. It gets warm enough but you can always exercise and be out and run the dogs ... the north coast north of Bodega Bay is beautiful too on a sunny day.
G