States are products. Like cars, washing machines, lawn mowers, or colleges. Choose wisely and you will get a great return on your investment. Choose poorly and you will be constantly paying for upkeep that you wouldn't otherwise.
My wife's childhood friend chose to remain in New York. They chose the same career. Their husbands both have similar careers. Her friend went to private colleges and insisted the same for their two children- my wife and I both went to state schools and chose that for our children. My wife and I retired three years ago (when she was 58) and live in a 3000 sf custom built home in a resort town. Her friend and husband are still working, live in a 2200 sf 1940's suburban home, will likely work to age 70 before they can afford to retire. His daily commute to the financial district in NYC is over an hour each way.
