The north east has some of the longest-standing cultures of bureaucracy and corruption in the US. I would not expect anything above average from these locations

The north east has some of the longest-standing cultures of bureaucracy and corruption in the US. I would not expect anything above average from these locations. As you mention, there is to much inertia and precedent in these regions. If you can, move somewhere else. I've never heard anything good from the city management or education systems in the oldest parts of the nation.