Originally from the Northeast, weather is also a good reason. I've been in North Carolina for the last 6 years, I moved for finances and weather after living my whole life in New England. There was a learning curve in the beginning.

Because all my old friends and family are here, and after living in California and Oregon, I missed them, and this place. Besides, my close family and friends are not religious.

Perhaps because, despite religious beliefs, we like the area for its beauty and climate, because our families are here, and because we actually like the people that live in the South, despite their religion.

Every location has its problems and it’s challenges. No one location is perfect.

Texas ranks pretty high on the religious aspect......its also known for being peopled with those that mind their own business. That and the culture of being super friendly, is the contradiction of Texas that I love.....also welcome....

Why do you live in L.A.?

I'm a native.
My family and friends and history are here.
I've never known anything else.
It's never been a problem for me.
The weather suits my clothes.

Maybe economic ties. Me, I could NEVER survive in the bible belt ... I have thin skin. Sigh.

I've been asking myself that same question more and more. Now that my Dad doesn't need my help (because he passed away), I'm seriously thinking of getting the hell out of the South. Change is difficult for most of us, it certainly is for me. I've moved about 15 times and hated it every time. I could go on and on giving details if you really want me to, but I hate writing and listing things like that is likely to snowball my depression. Juan, how many times have you moved, especially out of state?

Financial being the biggest reason. Secondly, my divorce decree states I cannot move our minor children out of the state. The largest medical center in the world is in Houston so it’s a Mecca for health care employment... no worries here.