Add Hawaii to that list.
I know it's not in the "Lower 48", but just for those FReepers who may have been considering it:
It's a beautiful place, great climate and wonderful people but the population has doubled in the last 25 years since I came here(Pop. density now 183 per sq mi) and that doesn't include visitors. Add to that the highest taxes in the US to go along with the highest cost of living, arguably the most corrupt government at all levels and really onerous gun laws and you have "Paradise destroyed" IMO.
This is a great thread! But I have already made my decision. As a fourth generation native Vermonter, I'm going home at last. We bought 40 acres in the Northeast Kingdom where we will build our retirement place and enjoy some peace and quiet and get in some hunting, fishing and skiing. (Of course we'll keep our sailboat at Nawiliwili for Jan thru April
d;^)