Discover Your Ideal Living Destination: Balancing Affordability, Job Diversity, Entertainment, and Nature in the United States

Given your extensive list of preferences and requirements, Austin, Texas might be a great fit. Austin has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other U.S. cities, although it's slightly higher than the national average. Housing is more affordable than in many other large metro areas, and there is a diverse job market, particularly in tech, government, education, and healthcare industries. Austin is also known for its vibrant music scene and hosts several large music festivals including South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits. There are also frequent concerts and other cultural events. The weather in Austin is warm for most of the year, with mild winters. The area offers access to a variety of outdoor activities, including the Lady Bird Lake which has a 10.1-mile loop trail for hiking and biking and is also great for kayaking and paddleboarding. The city is close to Texas Hill Country, offering plenty of hiking and exploring opportunities. As for population, Austin has a sizeable population (nearly a million people) but is spread out, avoiding an overly packed feeling. Please remember that housing and living costs can fluctuate, and it's always advisable to visit a location or do a deep research before making a decision. Austin’s popularity has continued to grow, which has had an impact on its cost of living, but compared to other major US cities, it's still considered more affordable.