I know Exidous said to skip the west entirely, but I really like living in north western Nevada (Reno area -- I live in Carson City, about 30 miles south). We do have snow in the winters, but winters are really pretty mild. No natural disasters to speak of, some earthquake risk.
Tons of outdoor activities, mountain biking, snow and water skiing, hiking, dirt bike / atv riding, and Lake Tahoe is 30 minutes away. No state income taxes, other taxes reasonable, and Bay Area of Northern Cali about 4 hours away. Track days at Thunder Hill are frequent and reasonable, about 4 hours away.
Construction jobs are booming in the Reno area, as well.