First, I'd pick a low cost of living place to live. I have family reasons why I live in a moderate-cost area, but the few years in post-recession Houston did wonders for our 'stache.
Second, I would sign a one-year lease on a one-bedroom apartment to get a feel for the area. If you want to keep yourself mobile, which I think makes sense, there's no reason to own a fancy footboard or other hard-to-move, low-utility furniture. I'd buy my furniture at Goodwill.
If you can go without a car for at least a few months, even better. Otherwise, lots of car advice on this forum that amounts to "buy a 2010-ish Honda Fit or a 90s beater".