Having lived on both sides of Washington state, I will say that either side is quite pleasant. I currently live in the foothills of the Washington Cascades, about half way between Bellingham and Mt Baker. I also think that anywhere north of San Fransisco along the coast is very beautiful. I did live in south Florida for several years, never again. Moved here because I was born in this area, my wife is also from here, so we moved back 12 years ago.