Also might add, I drove through Memphis once.
That was interesting. As soon as one got past downtown to the SE side, everything went to crap.
Newark NJ is a well-known dump, but there are nice areas around it (if pay permits one to live in them). NJ in general is a very expensive state (especially in the northeast, around Newark). I think the pay will play a big role in determining where you opt to go; I don’t know if the Postal Service adjusts pay scales dependent on which part of the country you work.
On the positive side, there is something to be said about having food from thirty different countries available within a short drive.
FWIW Texas doesn’t have a state income tax.
If you don’t mind me asking, what will your rate be? I’m guessing your not a GS? Have you checked locality pay in the places you are considering? From a sheer $$ standpoint and for that reason you might be best served in DC. Just had a guy leave here in NE FLA. and his locality is way more than it was here. If you go to Miami or PR you might want to brush up on your Spanish. I’ve been to PR, you could probably live like a king down there. Beautiful beaches but you are out of the CONUS.