I live in the Southwest Houston area (Sugar Land). The air quality is much better here than near all the refineries and chemical plants. There is no smog here.
It takes me 20-25 minutes to get to downtown or the museums and about 30 minutes to the stadium/arena. During rush hour, that time doubles (or more), but I never travel those times.
The State of Texas is very conservative, and it overly protects businesses that pollute, build things cheaply and even discriminate, but the city areas are pretty liberal, especially Austin.
It's super cheap here. There are jobs here. The cost of living is very low. Ask yourself, why do you think many people are moving here!
It has its faults, but those New England winters are deal-breakers for me.