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Regarding Huntsville there is a thread in the Huntsville forum about a younger couple that moved there from OKC and is complaining there just aren't many exciting activities for them to partake of in the area. I have no context but guessing that Huntsville might feel a bit too small for you particularly if you've lived in Boston and NJ for much of your lives.
As suggested above SAC, Boise, Reno all seem like really good options if you're willing to venture out west. I know it doesn't check the weather boxes but I think living in greater Chicago area could be an interesting option. I think it has the vibe you're looking for albeit on a larger scale, its dog friendly, the people are generally nicer and the pace/grind is less intense than in the Northeast. Beach is Lake Michigan and although the mountains are not easily accessible your are smack in the middle of the country so pretty much everywhere in the lower 48 is a reasonable flight.
You say you like hot weather and sun, but what about winters? Boise is an excellent choice if you are prepared for such a long, cold winter with a short summer. This is vital info. Are you OK with the heat and humidity of the south? I love hot weather but I'd never live in SC, way too hot and humid.
Places such as Knoxville and Chattanooga TN seem to fit most of the criteria. Mountains nearby, both have minor league baseball and D1 college sports, both are more spread out, but have areas with things to walk to; both seem to be more moderate and have enough to do.
Location: northern Vermont - previously NM, WA, & MA
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Two men, one conservative, other leaning left; Raleigh-Durham seems very agreeable. Decent climate that's warm enough but also has noticeable seasonal changes to keep it from getting boring. It's not cheap but has a reasonable enough COL and a wide range of modern construction. It's also road tripping distance or short flights to your roots up north.
I'll second the Boise metro. Winters are not that long or extreme. Overnight freezes are possible from mid-Sept to Mid-May, but days are mostly in the 40s/50s in that stretch, with days 60+ degrees, or staying below freezing all day sprinkled in. It really is a nice area that is still growing mostly pretty smartly.
I know it doesn't check the weather boxes but I think living in greater Chicago area could be an interesting option. I think it has the vibe you're looking for albeit on a larger scale, its dog friendly, the people are generally nicer and the pace/grind is less intense than in the Northeast. Beach is Lake Michigan and although the mountains are not easily accessible your are smack in the middle of the country so pretty much everywhere in the lower 48 is a reasonable flight.
They'd need to live pretty far out to get most of what they want, especially because of the traffic. I've had commutes in the Cook County panhandle and DuPage and going a mile in 20 minutes is still not unusual out there. Maybe Lake County IL (especially the northern half) would work, or Kane County. Those areas are also more politically centrist (albeit blue-leaning) than Cook Co.
Not sure why everyone sleeps on Louisville. This is the best unsung metro in the USA. On e of only 13 cities with all professional performing arts from opera to ballet.
This is a high cultured, festive city with major festivals monthly. The food is easily top 20. Architecture ditto.
What you will not find is overhype, sprawl, and trendy 20 story glass condos in downtown. Nothing flashy here.
As far as new urbanism suburbs, this is the BEST in the USA:
And oldham county schools are about as good as anywhere with consistent high schools ranked in US news. Give it a look
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