Look to areas around SFO. Yes the taxes are high but the income opportunity being close to base will more than offset that. Plus walking to your own car when the brakes are set is invaluable. I've done both and the adage is true... Driving to/from work makes it a totally different job.

I have a guard buddy in Reno who says it's taken him upwards of 6 hours to drive home in winter when chain controls are up.