I am retired military, lived all over the US and nearly 15 years overseas... the only place I said I wouldn't prefer to live was the southeast for all those reasons...
I did my first tour of duty on submarines in 1992 here and said... never again...
This time around though, the AC everywhere! The culture and quality of the folks, the town of Charleston, pace of life, RESTAURANTS! and all that brings has definitely turned me though... not to mention all the enthusiasts with the right kind of things... (rollin' thunder stuff...)