Well, I didn't get picked up for an overseas assignment 

 so back to the good ol' US of A 

Now I just have to narrow down where I want to head to. I'd like to avoid the mid-west at all costs, but can't decided between East or West coast. I love the WC but haven't really given the EC a chance. 
What I'm going to need is easy findings for apartment/houses that will allow pets, both dog and cat. Easy-going atmosphere for pet owners, as in wide selection of pet stores/botiques, plenty of places I can take Rizzo along to...Plus I'd like to have the option of a dog walker/puppy day care just in case I work too far away from home to get home during the day for playing/walking.
I also need colleges around the city where I live. 
So far, Phoenix, AZ and Charleston, SC are on my list of places I 
think I'd like to live for the next 3 years. But I've pretty much gotten stuck trying to find a good state to live.
What do you guys think? Any advice?