Redding CA. is the place to be!
1} No snow in the winter just rain
2) we have 3 huge lakes close by with awesome mountain bike trails
3) 3 hours from the big city SF. 3 hours from coast. 1 hour from snow skiing 3 hours from Reno
4) we have about 100k people.... not to big not to small.

Downside it does get hot in summer but you get use to it  

as soon as I get my gear and new bike I am going to bikepack to the coast

I am looking for a ridding partner to go with me. I will be going slow and taking my time. I am taking all back roads .  leaving the last week in May. PM Me if interested Karl