These are all great suggestions. No doubt *at one level*....this will be easy. Why? Because in almost any "category" of quality of life ( taxes, weather, etc, etc)..... NYS pretty much always ranks anywhere from 47th to 50th. No kidding. That means almost anywhere will be "better" ( this is all subjective of course, as those "of means" and wanting things like nightlife, opera, etc....won't consider anything except New York City...the Big Apple. Ahhh ...nope...not for me).
Without tipping my hand too much on financial needs or wants.... and also not giving too much away as to the humble lifestyle we lead, we need a place with good weather, good politics, gun friendly, small yet *newer* housing availability in the $100k-$150k range comparable to Buffalo-area home values....property taxes under $1000/yr, of course close to medical facilities. Favorable pension and/or social security taxation is a plus...as well as homestead provisions that allow a big real-estate tax break after age 65. So far....SC looks pretty darn good on most all these points. I would guess Florida, Texas and a few other states mentioned here look good too.
I like the comment to rent first close to where one has an interest. No doubt buying something and lamenting the decision later, is a big damper...and hard to change later.
Thanks all for the hints and suggestions. If there are things you feel are better said in private, feel free to follow up using email ( phonetically < ferch dot wil at gmail dot com >.
