Basically you don't want anything "west of the mountains" in either Oregon or Washington for the climate you desire.

Otherwise Corvallis Oregon and Olympia Washington would have been my suggestions, but you need to be "east of the mountains" instead for mostly sunny days.

Thank you for all the responses. I'm looking forward to doing more homework! By the way, I think I understand the sentiment behind "we're full" ... makes me want to explore those areas further. :)

EML

My husband and I are considering Tucson, AZ or San Antonio, TX for our early retirement in 3 years. We both of course will work but most likely not at what we are doing now. We've also put in the Seattle area (east side near Redmond), Victoria, BC and the Portland area. We grew up in Ohio and don't see us retiring there with the snow and humidity!

How far east do you consider "out west"? Like would Colorado be under consideration?

Hi Suze,

Yes, we'd consider Colorado if the weather meets our criteria. My husband is from Worcester, MA and he'd like to get away from gloomy winter days and shoveling snow.

EML

I was just thinking it's known for sunny days, right?, unlike anything west coast along the Pacific.

You should also consider the eastern Sierras- Reno, Tahoe, Minden areas all have lots of sunshine and a brief, cold, but sunny winter with lots of winter sports.