Advice on where to relocate to find diverse 30-something people, 4 seasons and job opportunities? (areas)

[charmgary]

Hello,

I am a single woman in my mid thirties that has spent my whole life in San Diego, California. I lost my job in December due to company workforce reductions and am seeking new employment. More than that I am seeking a complete change in environment while I am not tied down. I want a new experience, new adventure.

While many think I am crazy for wanting to leave Southern California and head East, I am excited. I have been researching and been inquiring on forums for weeks. I am quite aware of all the negatives and positives and the biggest being adjusting to severe weather changes and all around culture shock. However I continue to be drawn to the East Coast, particularly Boston.

I am ready to experience 4 distinct seasons, we don't have seasons here. I am ready to interact with new people. I have been informed that folks on the East Coast are more reserved, not as easy to make friends with and numerous other thngs. Yet, I take everything I read with a grain of salt and would still like to experience for myself.

I am trying to really make certain I find areas that are most conducive to me. A place that has a big city environment that I like, that has 4 seasons, that has a mix of people that are diverse and also in my age range, where there are job opportunities.

I have looked at everything from:

Boston, Massachusetts
New York
Wahington, D.C.
Denver, Colorado
Austin, Texas
Portland, Oregon
San Francisco, Ca

and keep coming back to Boston. I would appreciate anyone else's advice on any of these areas and thoughts for a single woman in her thirties wanting to relocate. Thank you.