While we're considering Seattle: why not take a step up North and try Vancouver? It fits pretty much all the criteria but being in the United States, and it would be easy for the two of you to get work permits, being in the field you are.

As for the wet weather, I think we're just a slight bit better than Seattle (but I'm not sure), and people do ride year long, we just have fenders and, for a few of us, winter bikes. (I don't have a winter bike for now.)

Just a thought...