We retired where we lived last. We traveled a lot with the Air Force before we came here in 1977. We are originally from Upstate New York. We have our children all over the US, two in Texas, one in Ohio and one in Maryland. Being in Missouri we are in the middle. I guess we are in the right place. Cost of living is not bad, taxes are not bad. We do have some winters (not like upstate New York) and summers are HOT. Well Hot weather we can live with and the others are good for us. Missouri is were we retired to and enjoy it. Good luck on your decisions.