Hi, I grew up in CNY and have been living in Upstate SC for the last 14 years. It is more affordable on the tax side. Our housing costs are catching up to NY (still less taxes). Job opportunity is very industry specific, and generally tough everywhere.
Moving is hard work (physically), but less of a hassle than switching your primary email address. If you have time, vacation to areas you think you might be interested in. When you go, don’t be afraid to be a tourist/outsider, ask for help/directions/opinions of people you cross paths with, it will really help you get a sense of the area and community. Some people might value a thriving board gaming community, while others are looking for climate/mountain/beach opportunities. If it’s something your worried about, also take a look at a natural disaster map to get a sense of what you might be in for.
I have found that most of Appalachia share a culture/ethos. There are a lot of similar attitudes and ideas among rural people in NY and rural people is South Carolina.
AMA.
On the east coast Raleigh, NC and southward is snowfree (snows maybe once or twice a year, tops).