[pietasterp]

I've lived all over (both coasts multiple times, midwest). West Coast is like anywhere else - pluses and minuses. NorCal weather is not exactly what you think of when you think of "California" (e.g. Baywatch and the California of TV/movies with wide white sand beaches and palm trees is really a SoCal thing). The Bay area depends on where exactly you are, but it's sort of more similar to the Pacific Northwest than the rest of California.

Early start times are weird, but it's nice to be able to watch an entire day's worth of games including west coast and have it still only be 8PM or so. 7PM Eastern time start times are always tough, though.

I think you just get used to missing the first half of games you care about, or else sneak out early if you really want to watch something start to finish. DVR also works if you're disciplined about not looking at your phone etc.