I'm actually happy where I am, but can relate to wanting to get out of the Puget Sound gloom. Key points if I were considering:
- I'd be concerned about states that are growing but are notorious for not keeping up with infrastructure; Texas is not the worst in that regard, but it is probably high on the list. Florida & Arizona might be worse. The research triangle and greater Atlanta areas seem better.
- I'd want at least decent public schools without a lot of hidden segregation. That is more of a city-by-city issue than it is a state-by-state issue, but some states are definitely worse than others. You might ask why that is a concern for folks near retirement, without kids....it is because of the resulting culture. I've lived in both. Give me people who have had an education, please.
- How important is having at least 3 seasons?
- What is your tolerance to humidity? You can get used to it, but you never like it. How many months per year of big humidity is OK? Bear in mind that chiggers, ticks and a number of other things accompany humidity.
- How social are you? Because when you uproot, you will have to rebuild your social network. So will your wife. If both of you are not good at this, it will create stresses.
- Location of children/grandchildren. They will not be able to travel to you very often, so give that some thought.
- Finally, most people (especially males) who have worked for a full career often have part of their self identity wrapped up in their job. Retirement is a significant adjustment. Most folks seem to do better if they deal with that adjustment for a year or two before they uproot and move. That is not a hard and fast rule, but there are a lot of stresses built into trying to incorporate the move to retirement along with the geographic move all at once. Better to travel, rent, sample areas, etc., for a while before making any major move decisions...