I am in SoCal usually twice per year. So I am quite familiar with the entire region, even the low and high deserts.
And I don't know where you are, but as I have interests from San Fernando Valley to South Bay and Orange County, I have no idea what you're talking about as concerns traffic. It is the worst of anywhere I've ever been.....in the world. And I have the good fortune to have been around quite a bit.
And yes, I am aware that the visible air pollution has gotten better in the LA basin, but I'm also equally aware that the air quality is not very good and when you live elsewhere that has good air quality you immediately know the difference.
But you know what, if you are happy with things there, wonderful. Differences and preferences are what makes the world the diverse place that it is.
