Meteorologically, politically, economically...the list goes on for Illinois negatives. I still dream of California but from everything I hear, it's nothing like I imagine. Which makes me sad. I maybe think of California as it was in the golden age of hot rodding in the 1960s. Which, of course, is no longer the case. Tisk tisk. There is no ideal spot I suppose. I could imagine living down in Tennessee in the locality of the Dragon's Tail. I really liked it down there. Just washed the Laguna. I'm going to have a hard time letting that Boss 302 LS go, contrary to my dad's instructions. We shall see. I get psychologically connected to cars. It's weird.
I understand your frustration. As a native Californian, and currently a resident of the Central Coast, I know the joy of being able to drive either of my cars virtually any time of year. There are many cool places to drive almost any day. Up the coast through Santa Barbara all the way to Gaviota. Over Highway 154 to the Santa Ynez valley. Or Highway 192 from Carpinteria to Goleta. You can even waive to Oprah along the way if you so desire.
Politics and the cost of living aside, I do not know of a place I would rather live. Both sets of grandparents emigrated from Southern Greece in the early 1900's, building a life in California ten times better than they had in Greece. That is a foundation and legacy I am currently not willing to give up. In my almost 70 years of living, 55 of it really paying attention to politics, the pendulum has swung back and forth many times. My hope is one day soon it will swing back towards the center.
As for the car culture, I just attended one of the biggest car events yesterday. It is call Cruisin' for a Cure where some 3500 cars of all types gathered. The age group ranged from infants to old dudes like me. With many of participants and onlookers being young boys and girls very interested in the classic cars, hot rods, customs, and pickup trucks on display. Not to mention the numerous Cars and Coffee events every weekend in So Cal. So, I would say the car culture is very alive and well in California.
Sorry for the ramble. Just my thoughts.
Greek