Quoted from Atari_Daze:Well aside from that first issue you mention, the Austin area comes to mind. But as you mention Texas is BIG, Austin 'area' is BIG
By definition; any urban area is going to be blue. This isn't different in Texas.
Austin, Houston, and DFW area is blue. Just a fact.
If I were op; I'd stay away from these areas.
That said; Waco or SA might be more purple. and Property values are going to be lower. That said; it's going to feel a lot less like CA.
If employment isn't an issue - then those areas might be good.