Efficient cities that aren't freezing cold..? (home, law school, incomes)

[Eastern Roamer]

Are there any great cities that aren't freezing cold? I would like efficient mass transit, I really want walkable streets, more mixed use residential/commercial areas, and major companies to work for. I'm not asking much... I don't want to commute far and I want to be able to walk home from the bar.

Up North there is Boston, Chicago, NYC - cold, colder, and too damn cold. Down South we have Miami, where the seasonal nature of the majority of residents prevent major companies from locating there. It's great from November until March, but I want somewhere to LIVE. Atlanta relies too much on the automobile, traffic is among the worst from the burbs, and downtown is not walkable. New Orleans, well... not much opportunity, to say the least.

Portland and Seattle aren't too cold, but I need sunshine. I'm thinking Richmond, VA, Louisville, KY, or Charlotte, NC. I live in St. Pete, FL and love it, but there aren't enough job opportunies. Cost of living is not level with incomes - which rules out San Francisco, obviously. I'm finishing my Economic degree and want to work in business - sales, admin, etc. My wife is finishing law school and wants to do anything BUT personal injury and family law - something transactional, preferably.

Any suggestions? How is Washington D.C.? I've only passed through. Is San Diego affordable in the city or is it all sub-urbs? It doesn't have to be a BIG city, just one with jobs that pay the bills.