+1 Left Texas quite a while ago and have lived in DC, Denver, Seattle and now SoCal. Have loved all of those places. I loved Texas. I thought it had the best sports (maybe), best food (possibly), people, and even scenery. I also scoffed at people who said Texas was only populous because it was cheap.
I love the fierce Texan independence. Loyalty. But I've seen it's ugly side. While not as bad as the deep south, I've seen and heard my share of racism and homophobism. I'm sure it's not quite as common now. But still, I view Texas and florida as the conservative stalwarts and California and New York it's liberal counterparts.
There are beautiful parts of Texas but I think objectively most of the areas I lived were prettier. But there's just something really enthralling on gazing at the chapparal on a drive from San Antonio to the coast or valley. I truly believe Texas has the best sunsets.
That being said, I haven't been back in two years and other than food and family I'm not sure I miss that much. If I were smart, I should just move back to Texas and relax. Cali is pricey as fuck, but I just can't. Not right now