We moved for similar reasons. Both of us working and we still could not buy a house. So far I've pretty happy with Portland. Not the nice weather of Santa Barbara, but the air is a bit more breathable. Not just for smog, but particulates as well.

Summer here are very nice.

Santa Barbara had a median house price of 1.2 million when we left. We got a nice house in Portland for a bit less.

Smog is a snap... And all premium is 92 octane. Seems to run better than the California fuel.

Kevin

87 Turbo Intercooled Raider, roller cam, torsen rear diff, LSD front diff, lockup auto with modified converter, V6 brakes, low transfer case gears...