Here in Northeast Texas we are in rolling hills, rural area with medium size towns close, and Dallas 2 hours away. Real estate is very reasonable. It is hot and humid in summer, but we like it because it does not get that cold in the winter which we also like. It is a good retirement area with a lot of lakes and water recreation areas. Also a good place to raise families. We are Texans by birth, lived away while in the Navy 20 years, but always knew we would come back home.