Northeast or the PNW?

That's just about the cheapest real estate in the nation right now. I grew up in Southern Ohio, and once in a while I look at what's there on Zillow.com. For a million bucks, you can get 500 acres, 4,000+ square foot house and a big lake. Or you can get a very modest house in a nice neighborhood for $175.000. I live in a modest house on a cul-du-sac in California right now that's valued over a million. I still can't believe it.

 

Doesn’t matter as long as the total per mile works out……

 

As someone from the PNW, I'll throw a second vote in for MN. I'd always dreaded the idea of winters there until I got a contract that lasted a couple of years. Would drive out and spend 3 days tailgating 8-10 stops a day. Everything from small towns in the Iron Range to the Twin Cities. I prefer a MN winter to a PNW winter any day. A 30 degree day in OR can feel as bad as a 0 degree day in MN, the snow in the upper midwest mostly just blows off the road (no chains), and you get more winter sunshine. MN has good schools, good healthcare, lower taxes, cheaper real estate, and whatever your preference between urban/rural and blue/red. Freight is generally better than the PNW or NE and operating costs are lower.

 

Long Island.. great beaches. Kind of short summer though... cost of living high. Lots of work. Good pay. Great schools.

 

They also have no income tax...