LOL, nothing at all wrong with NW Arkansas. My comment was more to underscore the power of perception. Better is of course subjective to what you want in a place. For most, that means better employment, but those places often come with much higher living costs, so not much is gained. Some like urban lifestyle and convenience, others like a more reclusive lifestyle and nature. The key is to figure out what one likes and to accept the good and bad that comes with it.