After spending almost 15 years of my 23 in the Navy in Virginia Beach, I didn't end up too far away. Right over here in east TN. (Knoxville area).
Sorry, no 1/4 mile tracks, but as I've found out, 1/8 mile tracks are just as much fun and not so hard on the car.
I ended up here because my searches in the south (FL/TX) I discovered it's way too hot more me. Having been born and raised in WI, I already knew the north was out of the question (too much snow and cold).
I was looking for a state with no income tax. (wanted to keep as much of my Navy pension as possible). That was mainly TN, TX, FL. Hence ended up here in east TN because of the great year around weather (MUCH better than west TN). I guess because we're so close to the Smokey Mts. it regulates the weather much better. Milder summers and milder winters than the west end of the state.
Low cost of living, reasonable realstate costs, very low realstate taxes didn't hurt either! Our winters aren't a lot different than what you're used to in VABeach. Maybe a little cooler.