You're right, It's a beautiful region but the downside is it is in California. If I decided to move back to California, I would probably pick Weed, Yreka, ar Weaverville. Small towns but 4 seasons.
No matter how conservative the interior of the state is, the coastal metropoli set the agenda and I don't like that agenda. (I have guns-some illegal in Kali)
I have talked to a lot of Yreka people in the past 5 years, and they love it. It definitely has 4 seasons. Some people are moving to Weed and Dunsmuir for smaller town living, the 4 seasons and not that far from Redding for shopping. Of course if you live in Yreka, Medford is not that far away.
Good luck! Let me know where you decide to move to!