Paso Robles is nice, as is the Big Bear area.

I would avoid Bakersfield or anyplace in Kern County unless you love the oil business. I retired from one of the biggest oil companies in the world and even I didn't like going to Kern County.

Ventura is OK, but is filled with Rattlesnakes.

California is so diverse you need only to decide on what type of place and area you are looking for. One of the best places in LA is the Rancho Palos Verde area, but bring along the $2 mil you will need for a starter home.

If you like golf then you might check out Palm Springs. It can be a lot cheaper to live there than you might think.

And if you want rugged then anywhere along the Russian River will do.