If it weren't for family locally I would move back to the Carolinas right away. I spent 3 years in NC and loved the weather and the mild change of seasons. Education is always a concern in the south but the suburban schools around Raleigh generally had good reviews and the job market was thriving 10 years ago ( no idea about now). Less than 2 hours to the beaches or the mountains and lots of golfing. A good size city for cultural stuff and right in the loop of NC State, UNC and Duke if the kids are college bound. Definitely investigate North Carolina.