They say "Location, Location, Location..."
I've given a lot of thought to the same thing. I too have analyzed (way too much, probably) the money end of things...then I started looking seriously at new locales to live (possibly). At first I was looking at climate....I've been up to the butt in snow for just shy of 50 years....I want winter WARMTH!!! Or so I thought!
But then reality reaches through the snow drift and bites me in the bum, and I start to see the really important aspects of "Location".
It's about the proximity of good, quality medical facilities and staff, close by and in abundance!!! It's about low crime rates and good neighborhoods & neighbors!!! It's about opportunities for education, entertainment, culture, hobbies, fun, stimulating activites, changes of seasons (or lack there of), shopping, etc.
The more I've thought about all the possibilities for relocation, the more I've concluded that the best place to live (for me) is right where I am! I have a major (more or less) hospital 1 1/4 miles from my home, with more doctors and specialists than I can shake a squid at.
Also 5 more excellent hospitals and medical centers within 25 miles. And only about a 20-25 minute LifeFlight from one of the best cardio/neuro trauma centers around.
I'm just barely over an hour from Chicago, for that "Big City" entertainment and culture. I have several VERY nice and unique state parks within bicycling distance! Our community college is about 20 minutes away. We have several malls within a 15 to 40 minute drive....even though I'm not much of a mall person.
I live in a fairly quiet 'hood, with some of the bestest neighbors money can't buy!!! We share laughs, tears, venison, beers, a few neighborly lies, and homebaked fruit pies!!! VERY low crime rate!!! The town is small enough that everybody pretty much knows everybody, but big enough that know one really knows anybody elses business. The housing market is growing and pretty darn affordable, and the taxes aren't sky-high....thank goodness! There's a great deal of commercial development taking place, and land use has been well planned....good zoning laws!!! A good strong job market, and good wages. An EXCELLENT school system!!!
I think I may just about be in Nirvana!!! Well, except for the snow up to the butt!!! But, hey, that's what God created Florida beach front hotels for!!! I've been discovering that for the last 7 years or so!!! Nothing quite like a blizzard in Illinois, when you're laying on a beach in Florida!!! (I love watching the Weather Channel when I'm down there!!!) A couple years ago I called my boss from Key West, while he was looking out at a snow storm!!! He hung up on me!!!
I guess I just live by that old quip...."Bloom Where You're Planted"