Is LA your only option in CA? That's the last place I would consider moving to, if it were me... but anywhere else in CA could be manageable (if on the coast). Northern CA is especially beautiful... and of course, the Pacific NW is just gorgeous.
(I was born and raised in Seattle, and I love it there.) And if you are a nature guy... well, anywhere between San Francisco and Seattle is the place for you (or Colorado, but that's another option altogether).
I guess I'm wondering why you chose these two cities in particular? Are you willing to look at other places?