First, no problem about the time it took for you to reply. Aha! Okay, I'm really enjoying what you posted because it sounds like the kind of place I'd like to be. Sorry about that Bakersfield guy who keeps complaining. To be honest, we don't have any real rednecks out here; just Californians in flannel shirts. Real rednecks don't complain, they just get things done. Now, I find it weird that you mention Californians who spend too much time talking about California? Why? If someone leaves a hell hole wouldn't they prefer to forget about it? I know I'm going to! I can understand why you'd secretly be jealous of California but trust me! There is NOTHING TO BE JEALOUS OF! Sure, we have mountains. So does Texas. Sure, we have the Pacific Ocean (with vast stretches of rock, seaweed, broken glass and garbage strewn beaches full of homeless camps) but you have the Gulf Coast with those beautiful snow white talcum powder beaches and bath tub warm surf. Sure, California has big, historical cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles but I'll bet your cities aren't packed with homeless campgrounds who've turned those cities into open cesspits and syringe disposal areas. I'll also bet that your cities are a lot safer than those in California so, again, what's to be jealous of? As for the food, well, hey, I don't have a problem with Tex Mex as long as it's good (but if you serve me a Quesadilla or Chile Relleno made with anything less than real Mexican Qeso and Crema I'm liable to cuss you out! (Nah, just kidding. LOL.)

Funny you mention tornados because I've always had a fascination with them. Although I actually can't say I'm jealous of the things I wouldn't mind seeing one occasionally from far, far, far away! Hmm... Suburbs don't sound good to me. I don't want to move into what I'm trying to leave so that's out but a small town does sound good to me because, frankly, our family just wants to live in peace and quite, away from all the noise. (Where I live there are FIVE different airports, FOUR of them military.) Don't get me wrong: I support our military but there's nothing quite like the sound of a C5A transport taking off at five in the morning to bring you instantly awake. (Works better than coffee! Trust me!) lol. Something that just occurs to me that sways me even more in the direction of Texas is that Florida, although traditionally conservative, has always been politically influenced by the Northern Liberal Snowbirds who visited and then settled there, particularly New York Liberals who went there to retire, turning the state bluer and bluer over the years. But now the Democrats are working hard to turn that state completely blue as quickly as they can and the only thing standing in their way is the incredible and amazing Governor Ron DiSantos who's working hard to protect all Floridians and preserve traditional ways. But, what happens when his term expires? Even worse, what happens if DiSantos is replaced with a Lackey commie Leftist Democrat; a terrifying thought. Conversely, Texas has always been and continues to be staunch and steadfast in the defense and protection of traditional ways and, from what I've seen, those who don't accept and adopt those ways don't do well and even leave sooner or later. To me, that gives Texas and its people a kind of continuity that's not found in other states. Also, finally, there's the option in the Texas State Constitution that gives Texas the legal right to seceded from the United States if things get too bad so there's that to consider, too. Okay, I'm making notes of those four towns you listed and I'm going to be doing my home work on them. Thanks so much for all of this great info! I really appreciate it! :D