Best Place To Live In California For A Game Designer?

I am Moving to Pauma Valley California with my family but do not plan on staying there long. I am wanting to move closer to big city. I am a 22 year old game designer/ Programer and want to find a good place to start my gaming company, and to live I have been looking around a lot and have liked couple locations such as Santa Monica, West or north Los Angeles. I know there pricy with rent I really don't want to be paying outrageous for a place I like to be close to the beach, but a place were crime is low. I am currently (Happily) single, and very active during night time so I'm looking for a place with a lot of night life, and things to do I live in a boring small town and can't stand it. I like to live around Los Angeles area but have been looking at San Francisco also. I know it is more laid back like I am; but don't like that it is around a 8 hour drive from were my family will live while living in LA wouldn't be as long as a drive for me. It also the same for San Diego it is not as far drive which I like. I do plan on going to Los vegas during weekends once in a while So less of a drive to there if possible would be good.

After reading this very long question and considering what I want were do you think would be a good place that I could enjoy living that is reasonable on living, good night life, close to family, and have a low crime rate. I know that is a lot to ask for a single place but It never hurts to ask.

Ps:
Thanks in Advance For your Replies.