Oh, this thread touches a place in my heart. We left southern California about 14 years ago, and settled in central California for about 10 years. The traffic wasn't bad there, but we wanted even MORE country, so moved to northeastern Washington 2 years ago. We haven't looked back either. I miss the California weather, but I DO NOT miss the traffic or the smog. I was raised in the city, but am a country girl at heart, and love living in the country!! Kristy