I live where I live, because that is where I chose to move to when I retired from the Navy.
I grew up in MI, a very beautiful state, but very tax heavy and costly. I spent most my Navy days on the East coast, 1 year in Boston, then 3 in Toms River NJ, then 1 in Norfolk VA, then 8 in Chareston SC, then 1 in Kings bay GA then the last 6 in Jacksonville FL. SC was the only duty station I really liked the area. Actually considered moving back when I retired.
I chose East TN for many reasons, Wife and I both loved the area and when we were in SC and FL to go visit either of our families we had to go thru east TN. So we decided thats where we would move to. We loved the Smoky Mountains, the lakes, the rivers, the National forests and especially the senic roads. With my job I can live any where I want in the Continental 48.
TN is not too hot in the summer like FL, not to cold in the winter like MI. Even in the winter there are a few nice days you can ride each month.
TN has a low cost of living, no income tax, and low property tax.