We're in the middle of that process right now.

Fundamentally, the way to think about is to look for somewhere that has the amenities you value, but not ones you don't, and doesn't have nuisances that bother you, but do bother other people. That's how you find a good deal.

For us it looks something like this.

Amenities we value: kids stuff, outdoor recreation, temperate climate, quality produce Amenities we don't value: restaurants, entertainment, bars, public school quality Nuisances we don't mind: remoteness, liquor taxes, tobacco taxes Nuisances we do mind: crime, income and property taxes, state regulations on land use