I am enjoying SE Tennessee along the river, the Cumberland plateau and Appalachian Mountains and near the edge of the Smokey Mountains.
Nantahala and Ocoee white water rivers, and the heart of the Smokeys are about 3-4 hours way.
Some stunning scenery all over the place.
Plenty of outdoor sports here. Mild winters. Reasonable cost of living. The people are very friendly.
Close to Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville and Birmingham. A little more then 7 hours to the northern gulf beaches.
I came close to buying this house on the side of Signal Mtn and making it into a air B&B. I was selling for about $120k. I kinda wish I had. https://i.pinimg.com/236x/84/6c/ae/846caef821e8a71aa30f6aa72b6ad644--unusual-buildings-unusual-houses.jpg