I'm a transplanted New Yorker living down in Houston. Been here since 1976, I could live anywhere I want but I love Texas and the gulf coast. For me the weather is ideal, we're located across the gulf from Orlando. Until I got into my mid-fifties the heaviest jacket I had was a windbreaker. In 38 years I've seen the "white rain" only four times and it only stuck to the ground overnight twice. Melts the next day.
If your church matters, this is a great place. Stafford (next town) made national news because they put a moratorium on new churches. Since they have no property taxes too many churches were moving to the area. Another thing to love about this area is that it's the fastest growing county in the US right now and Texas has no state income taxes.
I live in a suburb of Houston (Missouri City) and a NRA 1,000 yard range is 15 minutes away from my house, some guys drive two hours to get here. Membership is $140 year, I can literally shoot any and every day, but if it drizzles a bit I wimp out and wait an hour or so.
As we get older access to doctors is important and Houston has a Medical Center second to none and it's only a 35 minute ride to it. Another nice thing Houston has two large airports and getting places with a direct flight is easy.
Another thing you're going to love, for half of the money that you get from selling your house you'll be able to buy one that is twice as big here. The only downside, no basements and it's flat. Big sky is what I call it. Love to see the horizon and sunsets. Miss it when I'm away.
I volunteer at the food pantry one/two days a week and another guy there is retired NYC PD from Queens and he likes it here too. His daughter also lives here. The joke around here is that Yankees are like Hemorhoids, once they come down they never go back up.
Good luck in your search.
