Well, if you want high rise living, that eliminates most of the surrounding cities, so you're looking at Dallas, and for bars/restaurants/groceries, the Uptown area is likely your best bet. But it's also one of the pricier areas, so you'll have to research rents to see if it's in your budget.
But in general, yes, it's cheaper here. Cheaper rents, cheaper houses, cheaper beer. And no state income tax.
Traffic can be bad at times, but compared to the cluster-f that DC calls rush hour, I think you'll find it's better than that.
There's lots of good mex and tex-mex food, but if you don't like it, eat someplace else. We have BBQ too.
And french, vietnamese, modern american, and whatever else you're looking for - the restaurant scene has improved a lot here over recent years.
Guns, I don't know. I was not happy when "open carry" passed here, but months later, I myself have yet to see a civilian with a gun.