It's too bad you let Santa Monica shove you around. I'm about 28 miles south on the 5 Fwy on an acre lot surrounded by trails and 40 foot trees. I can hear the wind in my favorite sycamore tree when I need a break. There are plenty of pockets around So Cal that are escapes from the rat race. I'm 45 minutes from the ocean and an hour from the mountains. Nice choices without having to fly 12 hours. The most important thing to cultivate is my mental space wherever I am. Safe travels, both physical and mental.