Interesting area.
As people are talking I am beginning to think about making a road trip across the US and visiting the areas mentioned.
That would be fun, me in my Freeper-recommended Jeep with a little trailer, traveling the States.
Sometimes I wish I could have you all next door to me.
Just a suggestion on visiting potential retirement locations.
Visit during the worst season of the year—winter or summer depending on north or south. Everywhere looks nice in the spring!