I've lived in the same small town in North Texas since the late 70s. DW joined me a couple years later. We both worked in the area our entire careers. I had a hellish commute into DFW for 25 years. We stay because: (a) DMIL lives nearby and depends on us for everything, (b) both kids and grandkids are in the area, and (c) we like it here. Our house is way too big for the two of us but the property and neighborhood are ideal... quiet, secluded, ponds, trees, wildlife, safe. The town is interesting and people here are the best. We have some long-term friends who are like family.
All that said, DMIL will be gone at some point. And odds are pretty good that the kids will "scatter" for job-related reasons. Our house and property really are completely impractical for two people. Maintenance and upkeep will become an issue as we age. We've always been obsessed with the Texas Hill Country. We visit there often and always find ourselves driving around looking at rural real estate. We want a small house on a few acres atop a hill with a shop building. We love the climate, scenery, wineries, food, culture, people, and the general quirkiness of the area.
When the time comes, that's probably where we will gravitate. But as long as the family is all here, we will stay put. That's just how the priorities stack up for us.