Here's my five:
Tennessee
Texas
Notre Dame
Miami
Oregon
I live in one of Austin's suburbs called Dripping Springs. Yes, Austin proper is definitely a liberal bastion. But, the downtown area is great for people watching, live music, and good food. I'd say Austin and the surrounding Hill Country is probably the best place in Texas to live, but it doesn't hold a candle to East Tennessee's natural beauty!
P.S. Yes, 6th street is still party central, but the homeless situation taints its flavor these days...