If I was given just two choices...

Stay in the Philadelphia area or live in Portland -- all other things being equal (job, townhouse, etc.) -- I would choose Portland. Because...

1) It rarely if ever snows there
2) Real nature is not far away
3) Desert is half a day away, along with dark nighttime skies
4) Crazy aunt and uncle are just 3 hours away (artist types are always fun to hang with)
5) Friend dating back to high school about 8 hours away
6) Vegetarian options more varied and available
7) Southern California (my home planet) a day's drive away
8) There's an accessible public university (Pennsylvania State University is way out in Timfucktu).

Nature-wise, about the only thing I'd miss in Oregon are fireflies and cicadas. The frequent rain might drive me nuts, but again: no snow!