Would new york city or california be a nicer place to live?

i've been looking through a lot of colleges lately and can't decide on whether im passionate to attend NYU or UCLA after high school. i personally love both places, in California, I have a lot of family who live there who i can visit from time to time and the beaches are gorgeous, but new york city is just a beautiful place :) it's always been my dream to live in the city. since NYU is in the city, i figured that it would give me the benefit to know the city well and by heart. what are your opinions?