BTW... North Carolina CAN be pricey, but it's really beautiful and the geography is great for everything .... 2-3 hours east and you're on a beach... 2-3 hrs west and you're in the mountains. Nice, clean towns (in my experience)... lots of state troopers (cops) on the highways, last I remember... Carolina, though, can be subject to hurricanes on one side and snow snow snow on the other... (again, just depends on where you are)... Mike would have to speak more on that. I think the overall picture of the south can be summed up like this: There are a lot of little towns all over the place that are pretty safe and good weather and can be found within a decent driving distance of some major metropolitan areas; cost of living, as already mentioned, is pretty good all over the south. If you want to use your A&P license for work, then I'd say let that be your guide. There are some wonderful, beautiful areas on the outskirts of Atlanta (and they have a huge airport)... same with Memphis (huge airport and FedEx)... same with Louisville, KY (good airport and UPS)... same with Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham NC .... Dallas/Ft Worth TX ... AND.... all those towns have established kendo schools.... Just some thoughts.. It's a big country over here, y'know? Lots and lots and lots of options.