I have been blessed to spend a lot of time in the Carolinas and understand completely your being drawn there. Our dear friends are in Elkin, NC and I love that area. It’s close to Mount Airy (where The Andy Griffith Show was filmed) and not too far to Charlotte or Winston Salem. We also have friends in Haw River, NC (outside of Raleigh) and another friend in Winston Salem. All of those areas are close enough to large cities but Elkin especially has a small town feel to it.
I also have friends in South Carolina, right on the border of North Carolina. I prefer North Carolina to south. The Carolinas are beautiful with 4 seasons and you can be anywhere up and down the east coast in short order, which I love.
I have experienced very friendly people there who have a lot of hospitality. Lots of transplants from other places. Duke University is well thought of and their medical care is outstanding.
I’m sure you’re aware they have state taxes there (if you’re truly in Texas, that will be a change). But I don’t think the cost of living is over the top. My husband and I have considered moving there too and haven’t ruled it out completely. We both have elderly parents living and so right now we are in a good location for this chapter in our lives.
Happy investigating. I’d recommend vacationing there several times during different seasons to get a feel for it.