I was stranded in AZ for eight years. Would've returned to upper ME for retirement but it's largely gentrified by now and out of my reach unless I would be willing to live in a tiny government subsidized apartment, which I'm not. At least here I was able to buy a big enough place that I don't have to hear the neighbors' quarrels and I can have dogs and do all the gardening I want. So what if the house was almost ready to fall down when I found it? The extensive rehab needed will keep me busy the rest of my life, and it's in a very nice neighborhood. Most of the rottenest neighbors have already moved away, and I continue trying to win over the nicer ones. Give me another 7 1/2 years and at least a few of us will be singing Kumbaya together. Most people already like my present dogs; can I be far behind? 
They're not all bad here, just more than I ever dreamed existed.
This is also the same gardening zone as lower Maine, so the climate suits me more than some places. Four seasons and green as Ireland when it's warm.
Have you ever considered trying Iowa? I know they run conservative, but I've met a lot of nice people there. When I used to drive my big van on long trips, for some reason people seemed friendliest there. In a way it's just as well that I couldn't afford to relocate from my current area, because I admit there were plenty of times I would've, given the chance. Now it's just up to me to make sure I'm the last one standing. I can state proudly that one town mayor yelled at me during an official meeting that I was the most stubborn damnYankee he ever even heard of! I laughed and said, "Well, get used to it. We're all like that."
Just be sure you go someplace you can have pets. Nothing like a dog to soothe life's wounds. Except a son or daughter, of course. It's nice to know you'll be raising him to be a good citizen and future life partner for someone. My best to you and everyone at NOW, a truly great group.
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