What city would forum members suggest for over those over 40 married couples with no children? I would like to relocate from the incredibly dull, staunchly conservative, small Florida city I now endure. Work is not a factor but money is an object so exorbitant cost of living would be tough. We are looking for a range of seasons with outdoor sports (maybe sailing and skiing), social people, diversity, music and other creative arts.

Asheville NC comes to mind.

Somewhere between San Francisco and Sacramento on the I80 corridor, which will put you close to the Sierra (two to three hours, depending on location--4 hours from San Francisco), the ocean or bay for sailing, and the cultural activities of the Bay Area--theater in Berkeley (Berkeley Rep, Aurora, Shotgun theaters), music and opera in SF, etc.

Sadly - there is no Nirvana. It's all a trade off between cost of living, your job prospects and what type of living atmosphere you prefer, nearby recreation, acess to family members, etc etc etc.

Water skiing or snow skiing?

Chicago, right on Lake Michigan, much more affrodable than NYC. Culture, sports, beautiful parkland along the lakefront and riverfront. Not dull or conservative.

It honestly would be helpful if you told us where in Florida you are now in terms of comparing the costs of living.

I assume you have factored in the costs of possibly paying

state income tax
higher property taxes
higher sales taxes
higher car insurance premiums
higher car registration fees

and also

lower hazard insurance fees
possibly lower property taxes

the effects on your costs of living where there
really are four seasons including utilities and clothing costs

Portland, Oregon comes to mind.

any town with a major University...

Thanks for all the great suggestions, especially Dukey1 with some points that I could easily have overlooked. Today I am going to investigate the 180 corridor in CA- thanks Michael!
In answer to where in Florida, it's the Panhandle; also very accurately known as the 'Redneck Riviera'.

It's I80, not 180