Grew up in Arkansas, lived in Kentucky for a few years, and now live in Oklahoma. Oklahoma is great if you don't mind really unpleasant weather for 120 days in the summer. Cost of living is good IMO and with your purported skill set, you can make a good living. Happy to answer any questions...
I take the neck meat but some don't. I don't really care either way.
Secondly, i have to assume the aforementioned 12 year old has his crocs in sport mode. I have made a couple of more treacherous than expected climbs and sport mode is a must.