I feel for you guys! Most folks around the country that I encounter knock NY without having spent any time there. "I see on TV". As a "young" retiree and off on another career with 2 young kids, I had to bail out of the Hudson Valley over high taxes. We were playing that NY sport of pass the baby. I relocated to NC and have found great deer and trout, after a period of adjustment. The tax base permits my wife to be a true stay at home Mom. Sure I miss NY bagels, and real pastrami. How can the average Joe save for anything? I Love NY, but the rat race is over for me!