Bend sounds like a real possibility. I'm at the same stage in my life, but without family to consider, I'm widening my search area quite a bit. Still 5-6 years off for me, but not too soon to start looking around. There is a 95% chance that I'm bailing out of California. The politics and financial condition of this state make Greece look like they are on a solid and sound financial footing.

An overseas location is a distinct option. Among places I'm seriously considering are Andalucia Spain, Appenine Italy, Aquatiane France, and coastal Uruguay. If I do stay in the states, I'll probably end up somewhere between Spokane, Washington to Bozeman, Montana. Winters are kinda tough, so might migrate south to Cedar City, Utah. Unlike you, cyclinfool, I need to live in a low-humidity area. No, "need" is not the correct word. Let's say that unless forced to, I'd go "crazy" in an area with a lot of summer humidity.