https://wallethub.com/edu/states-mos...vernment/2700/
Tenn #8 on depending on Feds
Conn #42 on depending on Feds.
with an aging pop and more people retireing, people are heading out of colder climates and heading to warmer areas.
I always enjoyed Brentwood (sub. of Nashville). Very affluent area. nice people.
Edit: I would note that the places you mention are all liberal in cons. states.