1) I wanted to work in CA because they don't enforce non-competes. I don't want to move to a new field and start over every time I get a new job. Additionally, the highest-earning/highest-impact employees are the ones who are the most specialized and experienced. We award people who are extraordinary at something, not the people who are slightly above-average at everything. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/29/technology/to-compete-better-states-are-trying-to-curb-noncompete-pacts.html

2) I wanted to get a job in Silicon Valley because I think it's the best place to start a career. The best networking opportunities are found in the Bay area. It also gives me more options. Being in the Bay area decreases the chances that I'll have to move to a different city for a new job. For example, if I'm a computer vision guy and want to find a new job in the same field, there might only be one company in WI doing that stuff, but there could be 10+ in the Bay area.

3) Saving more. The Bay area does have a high cost of living but the salaries reflect it. The difference between saving 20% of $120,000 and 20% of $70,000 really adds up over time.

4) The weather in the Bay area is perfect.

You should start preparing for interviews now and start applying to jobs in a month or so. Most of the dream-tier and well-established companies start recruiting in the fall/summer and many of them are finished by the Christmas holidays.