I live on the west coast and I love it here. However if you are looking for east coast I have a suggestion. My son lives in Columbia SC and when I go visit him I am struck by how much I like it there as well. They are far enough inland that Atlantic storms don't bother them much...just bring rain. The area, especially rural small towns are charming, the country side quite verdant. House prices are very reasonable and well made. I am sure there is a lot of quilting going on you would just have to check it out on the Internet. I was also impressed by how nice were all the people I met. It is close to some wonderful scenic attractions and not that far from Charleston. As for snakes I did not see any, but snakes are a part of nature as well. As for fabric stores...I did check out a few and had to bring an extra bag home to accommodate the shopping.