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I lived in TX for 25 years (Houston/Galveston/Clear Lake area), got transferred to Phoenix 6 years ago. Great people and food in TX, oppressive humidity and terrible traffic in Houston metro (which is about 50 miles in all directions from downtown). Very green, very flat, lost of rain, mosquitos, and fire ants (did I mention the humidity?).

Phoenix is blazing hot for about 4 months out of the year, but only a couple of those have somewhat high humidity. The rest of the year has gorgeous weather, with many scenic areas a short drive away. Property taxes are so-so, there is a state income tax, and the politics are strange (you meet lots of conservatives on the street, but we recently elected a woman Democrat for governor).

If you like a smaller-town atmosphere with four distinct seasons and nearby access to the big city, consider Prescott/Prescott Valley or Payson (elev. about 4,500 ft.), and each about an hour NW or NE of Phoenix, respectively. Both are in the cool piney woods (about 20 degrees cooler than Pheonix on average).

Phoenix, Prescott, and Payson all have low HUMIDITY (can you tell that's a big deal to me?). Good luck!