Welcome aboard from central North Carolina. My extended family used to live in Ohio so I spent some time there as a child. When it comes to pipe materials, it covers a wide range. Of course, briar is the most common wood used and among the best. Others include the aforementioned rosewood and pear, but also maple, olive, beech, mountain laurel, and others.
Good moderate priced briar pipes include Kaywoodie, Rossi (Savinelli sub-brand), Ropp (a French brand), and Dr. Grabow (I recommend the Royalton line).