The one thing about the bay area - particularly on the peninsula, is the incredibly moderate weather. I've lived here for 15 years, and have turned on the climate control in a house or apartment I've ever rented - no heat in the winter, and I've never been in a home with air conditioning.

I will admit, in one house with close to zero insulation and very large windows, having finally purchased an electric blanket for about 2 weeks out of the winter - but never turned on the central heat.

Certainly a change from the Cariboo Interior in British Columbia, let me tell you...

Seriously, do not discount the weather. It is extreme.

Weather events in KC don't just make the news; they take lives. Flooding, ice/snow, wind, lightning, tornados, heat waves, cold spells. You name it, KC deals with it.

It can seem like there's always something to deal with everywhere, but the midwest gets the crap knocked out of it from the weather. It is not mild in the least.

There was also substantial, serious flooding in the area in the 90s. Probably will happen again eventually.

I did consulting work in Olathe, and it seemed like every other cabbie 's side job was storm chasing.