My husband, Jerry, and I gave up our crowded Southern California lifestyle in 2000 after passing through the pleasant small towns of Yreka, Mount Shasta, and Weed in Northern California. We were returning from a trip to Portland, Oregon, to visit relatives. The contrast with living in the North State versus So-Cal felt good.  The lifestyle was compelling, and we returned in a few months and bought a house on a golf course with a full view of Mount Shasta (and not many people!