Well, you don't mention where your offices are. It you move, try to get as close as possible on the water side of the communte. There is nothing like heading in the direction of the ocean on your way home to improve your disposition.
I've lived in all the major CA regions and I have to say San Diego had the best weather and environment of any of them. The south central coast near Santa Barbara come in a close second. If I were starting fresh I would head that way myself.
As you'll hear over and over house cost and breathtaking. But, renting is comparativly inexpensive, it's a buyers market at this time. That small apartment or condo on the water is within reach with reasonable means.
You'll see lots of Hondas and Toyotas on the roads, why? They are relable, and the one thing you need in CA is a dependable car.(The Bay Area has an OK public transportation infrrastructure, forget about it in SoCal)
Peronally I would recomend you ask for a visit to the offices and plan a stay over the weekend. It's the best way to find out if it's really for you.
RE: The Bay Area has an OK public transportation infrrastructure
Only if you live near a train line and work either in downtown SF or within walking distance of one of the trains. For the rest of us, you either drive or spend your whole life on buses - just like LA! ;)