I live in AR, which the map shows has the cheapest housing in the nation. I moved from Tucson, AZ, which is a growing city getting more expensive by the day, partly because of climate, but also because of affordability. Like you, I have a lot of education but underearn, partly because I write but now because I live in the sticks. Still--despite the low economy here, it's a better deal because of housing and frankly, this laid-back environment suits me. I've noticed more and more "anywheres" from TX, CA, and several large, midwestern cities are moving here, to Hot Springs Village. We are slowly becoming more liberal. Lifestyle matters--and the financial stress of trying to live in a big city isn't worth it, or even possible, for so many these days. I, too, miss my friends of 20 years from AZ, but I wouldn't go back....and I'm not sure I could realistically afford to because of the price of real estate. I'm grateful I had the means to move and resettle, and that online work has become so prevalent.