What's a good city for a nature lover/technophile?

Question

I'm looking at various places around the US for places I'd be interested in moving to one day. Does anyone know of somewhere that has most of the following?

1: Less than 1,000,000 people
2: Reasonably priced land/ older housing (preferably hilly wooded areas)
3: Is somewhere in the mid-west or west coast.
4: Isn't too far from some sort of wildlife reserve or area one could find work with animals, wildlife studies, forestry work.
5: Isn't terribly cold in winter or at least has a short time where you get snow deep enough to have a hard time getting around.
6: Isn't too dreary weather-wise.
7: Has something of a strong technology sector to the economy.

I appreciate any input I can get. I'm just looking for places in general or somewhere to start looking, so anything I can get would be helpful!

Answer 1

Both Colorado Springs and Ft. Collins Colorado fir your description perfectly. Co. Springs was named best city over 300,000 and Ft. Collins was named best city under 300,000 in the U.S. to live in. Both are close to the mountains , have high tech industies, generally have mild winters, are sunny over 300 days a year.

Answer 2

Seattrle Washington

Answer 3

I've lived in the bay area most of my life, and his has most of your requirements, but is pretty damn expensive. If I were to move, I might think about Portland, OR. It is beautiful, has a good economy and is considerably less expensive than CA. They get there fair share of rain, but has pretty mild weather.

Answer 4

San Francisco bay area, see http://www.bayareavisit.com