I was from the central valley, moved up to the foothills above Sacramento into the "Gold Country" been here about 30 yrs, I will never leave. Some great gardens up here. Came because I wanted to raise my kids somewhere a little safer, stayed for a whole lot of good reasons. One little bit of advise, try for above the fog and below the snow if you look in the foothills. Good luck. PS Try Grass Valley!