I love NC my home state, but I’m not sure I’d recommend Greenville for someone whose first choice is California just b/c the culture (ahem, politics) is so different.
New Bern, NC could be very nice. Lots of retirees. Charming historic town (It was the colonial capital of NC) and maybe 30 min. to the beach but also on the waterway. Not too far from Raleigh/Durham for more cultural opportunities, but closer 1.75 hours so that’s outside your parameters.
Agree with broader Sarasota area if you’re okay with Florida. Lots of cultural assets
Also agree with coastal Delaware. My aunt in her late 70s just moved from Va Beach to coastal Delaware to be closer to her D in CT. She loves it!
I don’t love Florida, but don’t hate it. The gulf being preferable to the other coast. I don’t want the Great Lakes because I don’t want a bitter, long winter. I am ok with seasons but not a winter that lasts forever and makes being outside dreadful. That seems to cover anywhere there is a Great Lake.
Regarding state taxes, if you consider that, you may want to consider which of income versus sales tax emphasis is better for your income level. Generally, higher income people pay less taxes when income taxes are low but sales taxes are high, while lower income people pay less taxes when sales taxes are low but income taxes are high.
Galveston TX? They actually have the oldest, continually operating library in the state. It is 50 miles or so from Houston and ticks several of your boxes, but it’s no California beach by any stretch.
Not near the ocean and not near the Great Lakes, Reno, Nevada offers Lake Tahoe, clean air, entertainment, and natural beauty.
While I love Charleston, South Carolina, Charleston proper might be a bit expensive. Plus, I think that you will soon have significant exposure to the area.
P.S. I think that you are doing the right thing by investigating retirement locations a few years in advance. I did so & just lost my dream lot to a higher offer. Looking back, I should have just offered the asking price as I am unlikely to make such a find again and it went at a very, very small discount (less than 4%) after sitting for 3 years on the market. My point is: If you find what you want, bite the bullet & pay the price if doable.
Has anyone mentioned Bluffton, SC (near Hilton Head)? We have friends there who love it. Or Neptune Beach , Near Jacksonville, or Bradenton, FL. near Sarasota. We also have friends on Anna Maria Island who love it there too.
Not once you get past the core historical district. Plenty of places that would fit the OP’s budget - or less - within a close drive to nature, beaches, and the cultural events and restaurants in town. SC also benefits from some of the cheapest gas prices in the state.