You might try south/ southwest of St Louis, it's pretty country and just far enough south to avoid most of the big snows and really cold weather. Also plenty of small towns and rural areas within an hour or so of St Louis Lambert International, you can usually fly out of there for pretty decent rates. And being in the Midwest, housing and cost-of-living expenses are low.

St Louis is a nice smallish city, lots of parks and museums (many free), easy to navigate, good shopping and restaurants, and good medical care available.

Best of luck making your decision.