Don't care for CA for several reasons although I know the weather is generally great.
I have considered the PNW. I have some family members in both the Portland and Seattle areas.
Also long considered CO. Have family in Col Springs.
My son has suggested Minnesota. He apparently has researched the job market and says it's doing well there. Don't know if I or my wife would want to deal with the winters there though.
DC is out, sorry, even though a number of my wife's family members live nearby in VA and MD.
Also looked somewhat at AZ and NM.
Hearing y'all talk about cities, remember I came from Houston, 4th largest city in the USA with over 6 million in the greater metro area. So anything considerably smaller would be a welcome change. I also grew up with the heat and humidity. I also want to get off the coast and away from constant street flooding and hurricanes. We have to deal with typhoons here as well.
Thanks for all the input so far. Keep 'em coming. I am reading and considering each location.