Ever thought about checking out St. Louis, Missouri? I'm a fan of the place. It has its share of snow and big summer storms, but it's sunnier on the whole than New England, plus it's a gorgeous city. The cost of living is very reasonable (again, in comparison to big cities in New England and the Mid-Atlantic region), and nature abounds. You've got the Mississippi, Merimac, and Missouri rivers all within driving distance, plenty of natural land and parks, Paleozoic fossil beds cropping out along the roadcuts, a major migratory bird flyway, and lots of research going on by the universities in the city (Washington University, University of Missouri-- St. Louis, St. Louis University, etc.). The food selection is pretty good, too, although seafoods can be a bit pricey. But you've got lots of food choices at places like the Delmar Loop, Olive Boulevard, Downtown, University City, and so forth, and the public transportation is decent.

Best of luck in your home-hunting search!