You'll probably want to look at places where you'll have good job opportunities. Also, cities where you won't encounter unkind and gossipy types rules out much of the east coast...at least from DC northward.
That said I'd recommend Raleigh-Durham also but fear the type of salon/professional environment you're looking for won't be found there. You might check out Nashville. A low cost of living, a lot of big city amenities and it's geographically more centered to the midwest and east coast. The city is quite friendly and the presence of the music industry there should be a big draw for the salon industry.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nashville,_Tennessee