I did a similar search in 2002-2004, chose Sandpoint, Idaho. Value, taxes, political & social climates, small-town pace, and beauty sealed the deal.
I have friends in E WA & MT who are happy there as well. You do need to be OK with Winter.
Property's really increased in price due to others discovering the area. Lots of building going on South of me
Jobs, income, and relative ease of some services are not at the level of many places I've lived, kinda comes with the territory.
Locally, the major medical centers are Coeur d'Alene & Spokane, with excellent & cutting-edge care available.
Back then I researched WA, OR, NV, NM, AZ, MT - and have lived in IL, CA, HI, NJ & PA and spent time in other states too.