I've been contemplating Flagstaff or maybe even the Reno area... I haven't been out looking yet but Flagstaff is wonderfull... or even Prescott.

The advantage to Reno area is no state income taxes...
Prescott info:
Prescott's average elevation is 5,400 feet. The local climate is mild, with average temperatures ranging from fifty degrees to ninety degrees F and the average precipitation recorded at 19.8 inches, most of which is rain.

The City has experienced moderate growth since 1975 with the population increasing from 16,888 to 33,938 in 2001. As of July 1, 2001 the city encompasses 38.40 square miles.

Flagstaff info:
http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/index.asp?NID=2
At nearly 7,000 feet, Flagstaff is also one of the highest elevation cities in the United States. The city is a year-round Mecca for visitors and many Arizonans maintain second homes here.

Reno is at 4,400 ft... of course, being in Nevada, you might gamble all that retirement away... and of course there's a big lake up that way... Lake Tahoe that has a Nevada side.. but it does snow a bit..

Canie