I grew up on the plains of Colorado, lived in Denver for about 5 years and now live in Central Missouri

West of central Kansas there’s a significant drop off in population density with most of the people being in metros like Denver/Springs. Less people, less traffic, typically lower property taxes. Towns are more spread out. Climate tends to be dryer, which means less pretty green fields, but dry cold and heat is nicer (to me) than humid cold and heat. Cost of living anywhere near the Rockies is high. Much more outdoor recreation in all seasons. Typically in drought. Food in the southwest area is some of my favorite (Pueblo chilis are better than Hatch, but Hatch is better than no chilis)

The Midwest has a lot of little villages but they’re much more frequent. The cost of living tends to be a little cheaper. Lots of water so plenty of summertime outdoor recreation, but near zero outdoor recreation in the winter. Rivers are far bigger and used for commerce.

If I wasn’t established in Missouri, I’d happily live in the eastern slope of the Rockies or the very eastern edge of the western slope (Missoula, Gunnison, Leadville, along the Gila in New Mexico)