I would never live on the West Coast.
The majority of places are overpopulated, overrated and expensive.
EAST - Some of you people might want to look into Hilton Head, St. Petersburg or various other smaller cities on the coast. You don't have to focus on NYC/Boston and the larger cities.
Additionally, people on the east coast are nicer. The attitude and atmosphere is just more laid back.
East = Hurricanes - Generally only major if you live in FL or the Gulf. Living higher up on the coast leaves you very little to worry about. These are also seasonal and you know when they are going to strike. You have the ability to RUN if you need to ahead of time.
West = Earthquakes. No warning. Year Round. Tremors happen at will. Not to mention the forest fires and mud slides that are famous.
Overall, I feel the East coast is a nicer place to live if you pick the right spot. Not to say West coast isn't nice, but the East has more +'s.