There are a few other places that I probably would be happy living in, but I have no plans to move. I'm active on a Facebook site of people who "hung out" in the "center" area of my hometown. It kind of amazes me how many of them live in Florida. We decided a long time ago we are not going to move anywhere else when we retire, because we like it so much here. But, we will travel more. I might be willing to visit AZ/CA for 2-3 weeks in the winter, where I have friends and family, but only if it doesn't interfere with my x country skiing! I have a lot more of Europe I want to see, too. We have considered moving out to the Berkshires, but after about 10 years of spending time there every summer, I don't think I could live there year round, as it's too New York focused. Despite the fact Great Barrington is in Massachusetts, no Boston newspapers, and all NY TV stations. Yeah, that's another Boston prejudice, one of which my birth family really took to heart. Hard for me to shake. We have considered buying a small (very small) second home there, because it really is a place you can do 4 season outdoor activity.
Rebecca, you gave the facts. Of course, one can always find like minded people anywhere, and i certainly did in AZ. But, there was so much I hated about the place after awhile, it was time. And when my friends started flying to LA to buy gold jewelry, I pretty much said, "I'm outta here.!"
It's funny, one of my kids feels just like me and probably would not leave here, even if he was offered the best job ever. He's a quintessential Bostonian. The other one stated continually since moving here at age 5 that he was going back. He did, first to Tucson, then San Diego, now LA.