I can only speak to Virginia, but the answer is depends. Especially if you like the outdoors, look at Richmond. DC area is more expensive and the traffic sucks. Richmond has crappy schools but the traffic's not bad and there's a lot to do and see especially if you like the outdoors. (Google James River Park System) The suburban county schools are ok.
We live in a rural area west of Richmond. Minimal traffic. Excellent school system. The people aren't that weird aside from a tendency to think maroon and burnt orange are complementary colors. Cost of living seems higher than Texas, but not outrageously so. Houses were more expensive when we bought ten years ago compared to suburban Houston, but you save on property taxes and homeowners insurance. Still appears to be the case.
If I had to do it again, I'd wind up in the same area. We're close enough to Richmond (30 minutes) to run into town for anything. In 90 minutes or so, I can be on the Appalachian Trail. Three hours to the beach. DC is 2-3 hours depending on the time of day. One weekend might be canoeing, the next hiking, and mountain biking during the week.