Re:There are some worthwhile cities (Score 1)

I agree with all of your west coast examples. DC is very livable, especially in the NW areas (the NE and SE parts were largely destroyed by Eisenhowever highways and the consequent urban blight). Northern Virginia is a total nightmare in terms of livability. Suburban concrete deserts as far as the eye can see, horrible public transit, downright disgusting environmental planning, etc.

Unfortunately, more and more of the west is becoming more and more like VA in terms of its (un)livability.