I always suggest Waco, Dalhart, or Dumas.
Serious or sarcastic? Can’t tell. I really haven’t been to Dalhart or Dumas so I can’t speak as to their qualities. Or lack thereof.
I have spent time in Waco over the years. What a sad dumpy forgotten little city with very little to offer.
Until Chip and Joanna Gaines single-handedly changed this city into someplace almost livable.
I would skip Waco. McClennan county is about as corrupt a place as you will find in this state.
As for the rest of the question, be aware that Texas economy is still tied heavily to the petrochemical industry. Things were pretty bleak here in the late ‘80’s when the oil market crashed. If bidet gets his way and destroys the petrochemical industry, we may go back there.