If the OP owns a home in a metro area of NJ, I think he'll find home prices in TX to be lower and for more space. And while he would find property taxes to be slightly higher here (I believe), not having income tax would offset that. Some other costs here, like insurance, are pretty outrageous, but no worse than NJ. On the plus side, Kroger frequently has great cuts of beef on sale for $5.99/lb. I don't think you see much of that in NJ.
Denton is an interesting place to consider. You could easily live affordably nearby in Justin or Argyle and commute... IMO, I'd be looking a little further South at Roanoke if I was considering a move here. Woodlands/Conroe is also interesting, but the weather down there is too sweaty for me.
There are some nice towns West of Austin. I'd be tempted to look at business opportunities on the West side and live further West, lots of lakes out that way. Cedar Creek area (SE of Austin) is growing fast... and far enough outside the city... Maybe live in Bastrop? I don't know much about home prices out that way, but you don't have to go far to get rural still.