Grew up in San Diego. Surfing was life. Went to college there. Then lived in South America, back to San Diego, lived in Australia, then moved up to the Eastern Sierra in CA. The Eastern Sierra was the first place I really settled as an adult. Met my wife there. We realized our community wasn't what we wanted. So, we decided to explore.
We went on a few long trips to see where we wanted to be. We scoped out Mexico for a while and it was great, but then decided to try San Diego again. I've got great friends back there. I got stuck in traffic in SD one day and lost my mind. Literally, I rage-screamed, "F*#$ it!! We are moving to CO!!!" We've been in CO for two years now and it feels like this could be home base for a long time. Really enjoy it here.
Been a lot of moving around for most of my adult life and my wife for her entire life. My wife grew up between Europe and Colorado, so we talk a lot about moving to Europe. But, we really like Colorado and are working on somehow affording a home one day.
So, to answer your question more directly OP; moved states and countries for school, adventure/surfing, jobs, community and lack of traffic!