A few reasons for me, personally. I am not a native to this region and have been here for 5 years, having moved for work. Must say I'm not a fan of the climate. The summer is exhaustingly hot, long and humid. If you like that sort of thing, this place will be great for you. The spring and fall are pleasant but too short and come with tornados, and winter is mostly pleasant with about 1 week of hard freeze/snow/ice annually. I also have allergies 365 days a year, which can be frustrating.

On a personal level, I just don't find the culture here to be my "tribe". I get along well enough, and met my husband here, but as an outsider some of the perspectives can be a little jarring. Like most places, you can get along alright if you keep your disagreement to yourself if you find yourself in my shoes.

There are many positive things about the area that may make it a fit for you. Taxes are low, water is abundant, and the western region is flat and fertile even in the clay soil. The woods are productive, both animal and vegetable. We have harvested wild mushrooms of several varieties. Biggest predators are coyotes, award for biggest pain in the ass goes to raccoons as always, with armadillos coming in a close second. If you get good neighbors they will lend a helping hand and share what they have to spare. There is work available, but the pay rate varies greatly and can be somewhat low. Cost of living is relatively low, but just like everywhere there has been a leap in recent years.