Grew up in PA but spent nearly all my adult life in NY. Love both, but as I'm getting on a bit (56) I'm starting to get a little tired of the long winters here. The wife and I are thinking about buying a winter hide away where its warmer. Not too far south though, couldn't totally leave the north east. Maybe south western VA. In time maybe make it a permanent home. Anyway, as far as the best state, overall I'd have to pick NY.