I concur with the Dallas or Houston Texas areas. The first shop hops started in Dallas. The biggest International show began in Houston. Both have good weather; cheaper housing; better grocery costs with most fresh fruits and veggies grown in state; easy access out of town with Love Field Airport (Southwest Airlines), DFW International Airport and Houston's international airport; dozens of quilt shops; United Notions (Moda!); many, many nationally known quilt instructors and originators; and guilds and their shows galore!
Gee darn, I've near 'bout talked myself into moving back there!
Jan in VA