Florida, Ol' Miss, or Tyler?

Definitely not Tyler, Texas. 

Locations to consider . . . 

The area around Oxford, Mississippi is a haven for retirees. The area doesn't get much snow, is milder than being on the coast, is home to University of Mississippi (Old Miss) and has a quite impressive literary history. My company supplies several large CSA farmers, who also sell at the local farmer's markets year round. State property and income taxes are relatively low, especially when compared to CA.

One guy pointed out the downsides of Florida . . .

It's hot. All the time. People die from the heat and humidity, and the 

older you get the less ability you have to adjust.
It's terribly overpriced.
There are floods.
There are hurricanes.
There is lots of crime, drugs, and a significant push for 
a Spanish-dominant culture (I mean legally) in many areas.

IMO, unless you absolutely MUST be in Florida for some other reason 

(family, other ties) I would look into other southern and southwestern 

states with much cheaper cost of living, similar better climates, and 

better opportunities.

Seattle seems like a disaster politically.   

North has recommended Tyler, Texas but that does seem a bit 
remote to me.  What is in Tyler? There is the University of Texas.  
It looks nice.  This page cited 2 complaints about Tyler: traffic and length 
of time it takes to sell a home.  As to livability, it looks like your 
standard quaint, conservative Christian town.  I need a big city.  
I love a big city.

Tyler has a state park, a rose garden, a skyline, mall, zoo, and water park.  
How quaint.  I hate quaint.