Washington (East & West sides): Pro's - Lot's of public land, doesn't get too cold, great fishing and hunting opportunities, lots of stuff to do.
Cons - The politics suck, homeless camps, gotta get into the steep and deep country to escape the crowds during hunting season, combat fishing when the salmon are running, cost of living is absurd.
Southern WV: Pro's - Land and cost of living is cheap, lot's of deer and big coyotes, good fishing, doesn't get too cold, if you live up in the mountains then you have max freedom, many of the people are nice, bartering for goods and services is common.
Cons - A lot of inbreds and drug addicts that can be dangerous, some of the hillbillies hate yankees with a passion, cops/ambulances are 30-45 mins away at best, shopping is 45 mins away, need new brakes and tires every 1-2 years, the deer are small, storms can knock out power for weeks or blow down dozens of trees that prevent you from driving off the mountain for several days.
NE IA/NW IL: Pro's - Cost of living is pretty decent, fishing is great on the Mississippi, a lot of deer and turkey, schools are outstanding, lots of nice parks, good scenery because of the bluffs, politics are good on the IA side, the people are decent and crime is low.
Cons - Not much public land for hunting, IL politics suck big time (new Assault Weapons Ban inbound, no NFA items are allowed), a lot of Chicago people moved into the area during the pandemic and act like jerks, the summers are hot and humid but the winters are cold as a whore's heart.
I've lived in many other places (TX, AZ, GA, LA, TN, KY) but wasn't trying to write a novel. Out of everywhere I've lived, I'd say that TN, WV, and WA were the best all around states for me because of the quality fishing, hunting, and climates.