We sold our house in Texas and relocated to northern NJ last year and couldn't be happier. The cost of living is higher but we are one hour to the Jersey shore, 40 minutes to midtown Manhattan, 2 hrs to the Poconos. More importantly, 6 hrs to Maine where we are considering buying some land which is dirt cheap. Think 70 wooded acres for $100K. Maine is one of the least populated states in the country for a good reason. It's BFE, remote with an aging population and mostly white. However, it's only an hour to so to Canada if this country goes to hell in a handbasket.
Other than an occasionally trip back to Texas to see family, I see no reason to ever live in Texas again. The weather is awesome outside of Dec to April but WFH so we pick and choose when we need to venture out. No drought, scorching heat, or tornadoes but a nor'easter can wreak havoc. The high today is 70 and the low is 59. The natives are rude but it's like an Aggie where we try to limit our exposure to them.
I do miss Whataburger, HEB (when it's open) and brisket so I get my fill when I venture back but the excellent Italian food and pizzas more than make up for it. Plus, I can choose any type of cuisines in NYC. We bike everywhere in the city and feel much safer than in Texas due to dedicated and sometimes protected bike lanes. No need to take the subway to avoid the occasional mugging unless we are going to lower Queens for east of Brooklyn (La Guardia). College sports sucks but a plethora of professional teams to root for.