I would say towns in upstate New York such as Rochester. Pros: + Cheaper housing market, affordable rents. + Beautiful places, trails, gorgeous state parks,

I would say towns in upstate New York such as Rochester. Pros: + Cheaper housing market, affordable rents. + Beautiful places, trails, gorgeous state parks, proximity to finger lakes, beaches (actually a big lake -- Lake Ontario). + Great arts and music culture scene, good museums, rich history. + Good enough local public transport, multiple Amtrak trains to NYC. + Close to big cities like Toronto (3hr drive), NYC (1hr flight, 5hr drive). + World class universities. Cons: - Ridiculous property taxes. - Gloomy weather and heavy snow. - Higher than average crime rate.