I live/train in the Houston area. I’m in a rental house in a nice neighborhood in the metro of Houston. Cost of living is not bad. $1525 in rent for a 3/2 house, 1450 sq./ft.
Weather overall has been pretty good. It’s been a dry summer so we have not been affected too much by rain. Regarding DPE’s availability I am not sure. I have not had a check ride yet so I don’t know first hand, but from what I have been told the DPE’s are pretty busy in our area.