Originally Posted by
volosong
Having been born and raised in CA and having traveled extensively west of the Rockies for both work and pleasure, I need to warn you that anyplace west of the continental divide is an arid environment. If not desert, then certainly steppe.
Although in general you are correct, there are some areas at higher elevations that seem to capture more rain as the weather crosses the mountains. These areas tend to get more snow in the winter as well. It is these areas I would consider as long as they are within an hour of a good hospital.
One place I am considering is Park City, UT area.