What’s the best southern state to move to?

The southern states are not all the same so a lot depends on what you like.  Beaches?  Forests?  Deserts?  Not much in the way of mountains in the south. 

Be aware that while the cost of living is generally lower than in the northeastern states, salaries are also generally lower. 

The states I WOULD NOT live in are Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana. I happen to live in Kentucky. Don't move here either.

Based on my experiences: Virginia is probably the liberal of the Southern states. Not a bad choicet's closest to the Middle Atalantic. But DON'T live around Washington, DC. That area is expensive.

Florida obviously has the most desirable climate, but only the inland areas are affordable (but NOT Orlando)

The best states between the extremes of Virginia and Florida are North Carolina and Tennessee. Places like Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Knoxville, Chatta nooga, and Nashville have a lot of appeal. Frankly, either of these two would probably be your best choice. But stay in the urban areas.

The southern states are not all the same so a lot depends on what you like. Beaches? Forests? Deserts? Not much in the way of mountains in the south.

Be aware that while the cost of living is generally lower than in the northeastern states, salaries are also generally lower. 

NC has a much lower cost of living is a good halfback state 

Do some traveling around and see what you can.  Bible belt states can be harsh is you like to go to clubs and such.  In some places dancing is a sin or close to it.   If you consider moving it might be best to put your stuff in storage or sell it and move to any area and try it out for a few months.  First impressions are not always right.   Check out the type of social life you  want and see if it exists there.   There are seashores, mountains,  grass praires in the more western areas.   Is it city or rural life you seek?   Housing is cheaper in many places.   See who your neighbors might be.   I moved to the blue ridge area years ago and they were still fighting the civil war , attitude wise.  One man who wanted my wife and her daughters and the furniture contracted with a guy to murder me.   Thankfully the man bragged about it and some strangers warned me about it.    

The best southern states to live in
203 250. Louisiana. Baton Rouge
173 250. Kentucky. Frankfort
176 281 Arkansas. Small stone
129 264. Maryland. Annapolis
131 276. Mississippi. Jackson
96 243. Oklahoma. Oklahoma City
89 243 West Virginia. Charleston
74 274. Delaware. Dover