I would have no problem with small town living. Born in Tomball and I have lived the majority of my life in East Texas, Houston mostly. My work keeps here. Definitely would not miss the traffic and BS I have to put up with daily to have a decent job.
Thinking about Onalaska TX on Lake Livingston for retirement. Great fishing and quiet community. Already have a family lake house in the area and have spent a lot of time there. Very cheap cost of living.Two stoplights, a Dairy Queen, Subway and a Sonic. When people talk about goin' to town there are two choices in different directions on HWY 190. Livingston or Huntsville.
I am also thinking about taking a vacation trip up to the northwest, possibly Idaho just to check it out. Never been so I would like to see if it would be feasible to have a place up there or if I would even enjoy living there. I could do without having to endure the East Texas swamp ass every summer for the rest of my life. Any ideals from folks with experience in that part of the country would be appreciated.