Terri, come to North Carolina! We are close to the mountains, close to the ocean, and we have 4 seasons, although sometimes if feels like they forgot Spring!
You can live in the country and still be close to Raleigh or Charlotte. Great place to find work, when DH grows up! LOL
We don't get much snow here and only about 1 month of bad weather, just right to settle in and quilt!
But, too far to drive to Illinois to see the horseys.