I'm moving to California and I was wondering...

I have a friend in Sacromento. I very much liked her city. I drove through Fresno - and the part I drove through wasn't very nice. Never been to Stockton. But Sacromento is a really nice place. They have a nice historical district, museums, etc. Only a couple hours from San Francisco. In the opposite direction, a couple of hours to the mountains and National Parks. Weather isn't bad. They don't get snow (bonus), but a short drive east there is enough to ski in.