We are thinking west for more nature and lower cost of living. He’s a teacher. I’m a pediatric therapist. Both with major student loans. Budget would definitely be under $250,000 - even that makes me sweat a little. However we are both used to NC pay which is some of the lowest in the country for what we do. Recreation: hanging with the dogs, reading, board games…as I think about this it’s all very indoorsy. It’s so hot here (to me as a midwesterner) that I only really go outside 3 months a year. But I used to love hiking, kayaking, just walking around, ice skating, any rec sport, checking out local art and music.