I have been to North East Texas, specifically the McKinney area and up to lake Texoma. Once outside of the Dallas Fort Worth area, I noticed miles and miles of corn fields, little towns here and there, and the real estate prices on acreage are way cheap once you are well out of town. I've seen hundreds of little roads, well, driveways to be exact that have mail boxes on the main road and these 'driveways' stretch through the trees and way way back into the cornfields, brush, and through the trees to mostly unseen houses. My friends in the area say it is extremely conservative, the schools are pretty decent, and most people mind their own business.
I had a flat tire in a rental car one business trip and I'd be darned if three people didnt stop within half an hour to see if I needed help. Talked to a farmer on a busy county road in a vegetable stand, seemed like a real human being.
I've been sold on the area. The fear of tornados and storms may be true to a certain extent, but they can be prepared for and avoided. Dont mind the "if-it-bleeds-it-leads" TV news.
The hunting and fishing are outstanding. There are plenty of farmers and rural people willing to show you how to do things.
Just bring a good barbecue! You'll need it with all the great people you will meet.
I live in NE Texas. Some things to note:
There is a big air base in Shreveport. Don't count on your cell phone to work when you get off the interstate. The soil is acidic and sandy. What grows well are cowpeas, squash, potatoes, watermelon, blueberries, and peaches. You can grow corn and green beans by adding compost and wood ash to the soil. Everything else grows ok with compost.
There are lots of chicken farms in the area. Horses and cattle are popular, and there's plenty of brush for goats.
What Ed says about the friendly people is true. We moved here from Austin and the first things we noticed were the friendly folks and the laid back pace of life. Politically the area is very conservative but traditionally Democrats. (???)
Beautiful country to live in, especially in the spring. We love it here!