[Germanauto]

Pacific NW, primarily Seattle area, seems to fit your criteria OP. Lot of water, hikes, seafood, coldish weather without the snow. Strong economy and no state income tax as well. Traffic, well that's going to be more than Phoenix for sure, but you can always live closer to work.

Only downside, for me personally, is the poor climate. 8-9 months of overcast and drizzle were too much for me so I left. If it doesn't bother you then more power to you. I'd rather put up with the climate of the east coast where you only put up with shit weather for one season and while not consistently sunny, at least you experience sunlight enough to keep your sanity.