Hey Jeff, If you do not think the Carolinas would be for you then consider North Georgia..We have one of the largest Tractor Trailer fleets in the US due to this being the Carpet Capital of The World...Lots of jobs to be had and the taxes are fair and the food cost are reasonable...Brian and I live within a 1 day drive of 2/3 of the US so everything is convenient...However, I have seen 2 feet of snow here once and 11 below zero so we do have a cold snap from time to time, but it is very seldom that bad...I can teach ya how to speak southern YA"LL