Lufkin, Texas feels like an affordable, friendly small city framed by East Texas pine country—perfect for multi-week assignments where you want outdoor options (hiking, fishing, forest trails), a tidy downtown with restaurants and local events, and a lower cost of living that makes longer stays comfortable.
For occasional bigger-city outings, nearby Nacogdoches (about 30 miles) and Huntsville (around 60–70 miles) provide college-town dining, cultural events and larger shopping without making you feel stranded.