Where should I buy a home?

Currently I live in New York but I really am not a fan of the way it is being govern. The taxes are extremely high and I do not like the direction in which its going. My family lives here so I would like to remain somewhat close. I've been looking at Pennsylvania or Rhode Island. The main reason for these two is because they allow exotic animals and I am going for Zoology and because they are both at the min. 3 hours away. Could anybody please let me know which place would be better or more financially smart to live in?