The Rocky Mountain West has big cities if that's what you need. There are more commonly largesh cities, not like LA, which are close to outdoors activities.
Cities of 50 to 70 thou. There are many 10,000 pop size cities, often closer to natural resources. Between known hangouts, like Sheridan WY or Boseman MT, there is still much unexploited room. But it is disapearing. You can find a community not far from true woods, if not nestled inside, have access to most modern stuff and still have 'home value' in the community. Wyoming is booming because it allows mineral and gas exploration. Montana is locked down. The Yuppie enclaves continue to grow, but many smaller places wither without jobs. There are many previously vibrant areas depressed, and land values will be slightly less, though not completely a panic sale. There are too many families looking for the same thing, and even land in rolling prarrie near the mountains is considered good stuff.
Western Co still has much unclaimed room. So does Montana and Wyoming. Idaho is filling up fast. New Mexico has few vacancies, though everyone I know has moved there.
I think AZ is getting filled. It's all getting filled. As the population increases, willingness to brave the cold pushes people north. I don't find the cold all that bad. I'm an old duffer now, and spend a lot of warm cave time. I can go outside and see the trees any time of year.
My wife has been wanting a move to a mid sized place, around 10,000, with modern stuff like little theatre groups and shopping, and still have access to woods. The Rocky Mountain West still has a lot of 'secret' towns like thouse, but employment is the problem.
munk
