It's all in what you want in life. I, like you, absolutely love the south. I love the weather, the friendly people, and the fact that the pace of life perfectly matches the slow lazy days of summer. But, Ol'Sox makes a very convincing case for Connecticut. Others have thier reasons for living where they do.
I myself absolutely fell in love with Northern California when I was stationed at Beale AFB. Absolutely beautiful countryside, amazing summer weather, just perfect --except it is in the Repuplik of Kalifornia.
And add in the price of houses to the pluses down here. I'm in Augusta, GA. Down here, 300K gets you a palace.