Can I go with you?!
I want to go home to the Shenandoah Valley of VA.
I believe the larger metropolitan areas of Texas have their issues too. Parts of Houston and Dallas/Ft. Worth aren’t known for fine public schools. Sure, there are great areas of those cities too, don’t get me wrong. Just sayin...
No doubt that Texas has favorable gun laws. But I think NC does as well (the other State you mention).
If you are only focusing on those three, Texas probably is your best bet.
But their football team still sucks.
The state of enlightenment. :-)