OT Paul, I love your idea of moving to a place you'll love.
In times of 'irrational' behaviour (stay put cuz hate change, as if we ALL haven't been there), try a baby step.
Treat yourself to a week or two getaway up there and see whatcha really think. Esp in winter. (the true test , lol)
When I moved from NJ in '87, all it took was a 2 wk visit to a friend's farm in Loudon County VA to do it. I loved VA right off and never looked back. And, after visiting Annapolis MD innumerable times (from VA) and then joining a sailing club where I could sail all I wanted, I made the move again, 3+ yrs ago.
You may WANT to stay in NJ, but give yourself a closer look elsewhere, cuz I KNOW how completely unnecessary it is to stay there, esp for someone who loves the outdoors.
Then there's Colorado... but that's another story;-0)