Not sure how things might have changed in the last 15 years, but I loved growing up there. Grew up in an amazing ward. Great friends and people in and out of the church. Easy access to lots of good outdoor recreation - skiing in the winter and mountain lakes and great hiking in the summer. Easy trips to Yosemite, redwoods, etc. Really dry and can be windy, but sunny and generally good weather. Good size - smaller city but big enough to have most everything you'd want.
Again, not sure if it fits your family or how things have changed in the last decade plus, but I would consider moving back if the right job were there.