The fam here talks about New England from time to time. Nothing quite like New England practicality and reasonableness. And I don’t mind the cold–in fact, I think my kids are missing out on one of the finer experiences in life. Snow Days! Including playing in the snow for a couple hours and then the delicious experience of warming up with a cup of hot cocoa. But I HATE humidity, so that means leaving the area for most of the summer.

I think the pacific northwest (SF and north) is a good compromise–not TOO cold, close to water, interesting wilderness areas not far away, and a decent economy in most cities. There’s my 2 cents.