When I decided to leave New Orleans and start my life over, I researched America for about 8 months. I traveled all over, Vermont to SoCal (mostly for expenses-paid interviews), subscribed to newspapers, read bools about waterfalls and ski areas and pollen counts, did my homework. I decided that it would be San Francisco or Portland. I visited SF, had some good experiences, and picked here. I felt more at-home here the day that I arrived than I ever felt in New Orleans.
I like waterfalls. Does Texas have any?
I've spent a fair amount of time in Texas, Austin and Houston and Galveston. It's OK, lots of nice people, but California is physically spectacular and has better weather. And, in my opinion, better women.
Tastes vary. Sure CA is expensive, but there are great opportunities here too. And lots of cheap or free things to do.