I had wanted to visit New York since i was a a youngster. Something about that state that just called my name. I went there with my spouse in september of 2004 and returned january 2005. It was awesome! We drove the whole way there and back to California! and we took our dogs :) and came back with a kitten. That was the first time. The second time was in November 2010 and we drove out there with our 2 kids and 2 cats. We stayed there for about 8 months. Its really a beautiful place to live but let me tell you, the people are much different from californians. Some of the people were just fine though. The snow fights and sledding were memorable. The frozen windshields and key holes on the car were not so pleasant :/ but we managed. oh and getting stuck in the snow! oh man, looking back it was kind of funny. :) The drive across country is what made living there so worth it. If you can get out there just to visit for a few weeks to a month, i would do that first, you dont want to be in a foreign place with no family and no idea how to adjust. But if your like me and do before you think…..then go for it. you only live once right!