I live in Texas (Austin). The biggest downside day-to-day is the weather in summer. The politics are also a valid concern.

That said, it’s not some dystopian hellscape. Day-to-day it’s not that different than any other place.

Also the cost of living is a lot less than the big tech centers (Bay Area and Seattle). A similar house to mine with a similar commute in a similar quality school district is 4x the price in the Bay Area. I can give my family a better life here.