Las Cruces, New Mexico
With a humble population of 100,000, this New Mexico city offers small-city living at fair prices. The cost of living is low. It has a median income of only $41,000. It is home to New Mexico State University, which gives it a colorful character. This also means that it is home to a good nightlife and restaurant scene. You will get to enjoy the hot weather on top of that! There are 18 big healthcare centers here.

Las Cruces, New Mexico
Thousand Oaks, California
Fair enough, Thousand Oaks is not the cheapest place in the area with a median income of $100,000. Still, it is a good choice if you want to be in California. It is a green city with lots of outdoor activities and parks. It is near Malibu and not that far from LA. There is good healthcare to be found near the city too.

Thousand Oaks, California