I got out of CA in the early 2000s, as I was transferred from my job there to another state. I wasn't happy about it at the time ... but I like to eat, so moved. Now I look back on it as one of the best things I ever did. Housing market was high, so I made a bundle on my house ... and got away from all the craziness that seems to have gotten oppressive since I've been gone.
I started in NYC, moved to NJ, moved to PA, and now I'm temporarily back in NJ while the wife finishes a contract she signed on for. We might go back to PA or we might head further.
I grew up in good old Bucks County PA. Most my family are still there. It used to be 'out in the sticks' when I was a kid, but urban sprawl is slowly making it's way. Good luck to you, no matter where you decide to settle.
I'm definitely one of them!