I lived in the midwest all my life and never been on either coast.
I have visited the south (MS,TN, and LA) on occasion. My experience living in the midwest is in direct contrast from what I read above, because I'm close to a city. It's cool how I can just travel 30 minutes outside my area and find myself in a completely different environment.
+'s
We are very laid back.
No hurricanes!
Chicago, St. Louis, and Kansas City
If you're into the outdooors, you don't have to worry about too many weird insects, scorpians, bears, alligators/crocadiles, etc.