I'm going to play the devil's advocate here for the sake of introducing diverse perspectives. I drafted my applications list according to my overall fit with the program - not according to the school or location. I'm an international student as well, and what I experienced thus far in my life was that I can live anywhere as long as I like my job, like the people, and have a semi-decent social circle. Midwest vs. Deep South vs. East Coast vs. West Coast, it really doesn't matter. Or better put, it matters, but as a student in a very competitive field, I don't get to dictate where I live. The universe does. Wherever the best program is, I'll go and live there.
Last year, my criterion for application was that I applied to a school only if I imagined myself living there (e.g., New York, Seattle)...Big mistake! You'll be so busy with your program and commitments that you don't have the time to enjoy the city. Even as a Master's student I had so many days when I literally didn't leave my building.
So this year, I applied all across the U.S. if I saw fit with the program, and honestly I can say it worked. It's very early to tally up the numbers, but the number of schools I am shortlisted at doubled compared to last year. My recommendation for next year's applicants, prioritize the program instead of the location. Your social life may suffer for 5 years, but your degree worth it.