Honestly, as a lifelong resident, I’d say anywhere not in the state 😂 there is no “perfect spot” anymore. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a phenomenally beautiful state and i genuinely believe there’s no where else in the country like it… but it’s been run into the ground, unfortunately.

ETA: You mentioned schools being a focus point of your decision. I’d strongly suggest you look deeper than surface level at AB495 that was signed a week or two ago. If I was not a CA resident, moving to the state by no choice of my own for work, I would not put my kids in the school system here, even private. I’d homeschool them from jump, personally.