Found a map image I forgot I had. Anything in the green zone and east will be pleasant if you don't want an arid environment. It really does encompass a considerable amount of land.
If you're considering cities or counties, here is my opinion (other's will vary): We currently live north of Houston in the Woodlands. It's 100% green and wooded (duh) and is a bubble insulated from the city itself. We did live IN the city of Houston for 3 years and it was extremely convenient from the perspective of shopping, food, entertainment, etc. However, it was a nightmare with traffic and overcrowding and filth. Dallas is the same, in my opinion (we both go there monthly for work).
If we had the choice, we would move to Fort Worth, Arlington, or east of Dallas in the Mesquite area. Very close to the major cities and everything you need, but further out and quieter and cleaner. We often check Zillow for properties in those areas and we like to search for 5 acres or more as well. You will likely find that in order to get 5+ acres in a reasonable budget, it's going to be a half hour outside of the city limits unless you're budget is $1mm or more. We don't even bother to do that in Houston, but the same would apply. Conroe, Montgomery (which is beautiful) and a few other nearby towns have options, but will require travel.
Not a chance I would live in or near Austin. There are some neat pockets, but I disagree with a considerable amount of the bullshit that goes on there.
Wouldn't consider San Antonio either because of the client and landscapes. We just don't prefer arid environments and I feel San Antonio is too far removed from lots of cool stuff to do, which I'm sure isn't true at all, but it's a feeling.
Lots of options, but unless you are in the sticks, the prices are similar to other major cities; land, houses, property taxes, etc.
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