I've moved a lot, I'll answer for Oklahoma. Which, for me, is one of my most favorite and least favorite places in the country.

The region of Oklahoma I love the most is northeast corner sometimes called "Green Country." I don't think it's what most people think of when they picture Oklahoma. It includes the Ozark foothills, lakes and rivers (Illinois River and Fort Gibson Dam), Tulsa, and parts of old Route 66, including one of my favorite places the Blue Whale. Culturally it is Southern meets Midwest meets Southwest.

Although most of the smaller towns have seen better economic days, there is still some great architecture to be found, beautiful countryside, and Tulsa has a really interesting history, diverse culture (music, food, people), and some great neighborhoods.