Yakima Washington
It is nice in the summer. Very close to Mountains and Lakes. Not a huge city, but has reasonable pricing. I would have suggested Seattle or Portland, but you mentioned the rain thing. Yakima has around 300 days of sunshine per year. There are several universities within driving distance. And it's close to where I'm from!! :)
As a side note Manhasset music stands are made in the Yakima area.
Here is a link to a website about Yakima:
http://www.ci.yakima.wa.us/