It’s weird to me when people retire and move to a completely different part of the country. I’ve often, only half seriously, said that I would like to someday move to a slightly cooler climate, one that had true seasons. 3 months of summer, give or take, a real fall, real spring, and yes even real winter. Not quite as hot during the summer, with less humidity. There is really only two main criteria. It has to be in the “South”. And it has to have good fishing nearby. Oh, and the aforementioned climate. The other criterion is that it needs to be relatively low cost of living.
I’ve often thought perhaps Northern Arkansas or Southern Missouri would fit the bill nicely. I haven’t spent much time in those areas, save for short trips here or there, but the heat seems slightly better, and there are lakes around that should have great fishing. Other choices would be Tennessee, where I’m told some of our family originated from. Other choices may be the Carolinas, but I’d think the humidity would be bad, but I’ve never been. West Virginia might be a good one, except it may be too. LCOL.