Lots of good suggestions here. I am sweet on Santa Fe, NM for it's distinct beauty, ethnic culture, arts community, fascinating sites of archaeological interest locally and within the state, and far lower cost of living than you saw in NY (I'm from Long Island).
Mendocino county, California is one of the most beautiful, rustic places I have ever seen. It's in the northern wine country, about 100 miles north of San Francisco, and there are mountains filled with vineyards, beautiful small towns inland and redwood trees in coastal areas. (There is also a town called Mendocino.) Inland is drier and you will see palm trees. Ukiah is a beautiful small city with a thriving arts community and great places to eat and hang out. Santa Rosa, about 60 miles south, is another cool wine country city, and the former home of "Peanuts" cartoonist Charles Schulz.
Waikiki Beach, Oahu is great if you can deal with the expense and the remoteness of the place. I also love the San Diego area, and have even stayed in San Ysidro to have access to quick hops south of the border.
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