IMHO, the US in 1959 was much better off than today. None of this progressive crap. People were generally more decent and moral.
If I could go back in time, the period 1957-1964 would be my choice. I would gladly give up all the technology and perks I enjoy today to live in that much simpler, more honest time.
Yeah, if Pat Frank was still alive he could re-write the book but it would be much more dark and possibly morbid.
Imagine the scene if it had happened today. Roving gangs of inner city Utes invading the countryside. Illegal aliens from the produce fields of Florida. Displaced tourists from Disneyworld.
Pat would need to move Fort Repose to Alabama!
Its a fun exercise to choose the most perfect period/year in which to have been born. Evaluating modern conveniences, health care vs. wars, famines, depressions, etc., and of course the future.
Given a future that looks not so good, I'd vote for coming of school age immediately after WWII, which would put you ready to check out pretty soon. 1941...the perfect year to be born ? Talk amongst yourselves.