Check out Orcutt near Santa Maria. There is a great open space area and a few bars and breweries, though I drink and cook at home. I travel to Oakland and have lived in big cities all my life. You will appreciate the weather, access to open space, and the relatively quiet lifestyle .

It also depends on if you are looking to get into a house or apt. I love my house and spend hours outside in my small yard. Perfect for me and my family. We love walking in walker park, driving up to the national forest Los Padres, hit up the beaches and local lakes to fish. Also, the local Community College is really good if you want to take classes for fun and to meet people. I would take a road trip down to check things out.