I would not say the northeast US around Boston is that much better in escaping the heat, only marginally a little bit at best. We’ve recorded a heat index of 41C (106F) earlier this summer. Summer dewpoints typically around 17-23C (63 - 74F), so the heat index is always several degrees higher than the air temperature. Because of the humidity, you may still find it quite uncomfortable without the air conditioning, and it is rare for nighttime lows to drop below 20C (68F) in summer. I typically see temps only fall to around 72-76F (22-24C) at 10pm and it is still humid. Daytime highs typically around 29 - 32C (84 - 90F). Subtract 1 or 2C for areas far away from the cities heading towards the mountains in the north.

There is always a threat of hurricanes on the US side of the border every year in the summer and fall.

In the winter months, snow and subfreezing temperatures are irregular in areas around the major cities, though nighttime lows do go below freezing even within the major cities. The major cities tend to get rain when storm systems roll through, followed by cold and dry, but if you are lucky, there may be snow in the cities (mainly about Boston). The sun sets before 4:00 p.m. here and it is dark at 4:30 p.m.

I’d recommend Toronto or Ottawa if you actually want to escape the heat. To my understanding, they have the lowest dew points and air temperatures of any major city east of Winnipeg. They also have later sunsets and snow is more regular in Ottawa.

I’ve lived in New England most of my life, and most other posters have covered the major points. One I would add is that the weather IS getting more extreme here, and we are now getting things like tornados and worse hurricanes. It’s not anything like as bad as other places in the US but climate change is definitely effecting this area too. I would watch out for where you end up being a decent elevation, and give any bodies of water a good amount of space, no houses or apartments right on the edge of a river. There was an unprecedented flood that hit Leominster and Fitchburgh MA not long ago that shocked a lot of people because the region had never experienced something like it. That will probably be happening more often in the coming years.

I found Nashua NH to be crazy-polite, and me a Canadian. if you end up there, go with my envy.

And if you have to come over the line - legally, please! - then we’d love to have ya. Our national capitol is a crazy melting pot of newcomers, but the flatlander regions have the best opportunities.

…if you can avoid Flatlander Dementia. That’s how our Peter Polyestre gets his votes – the lack of mountains and oceans makes ya crazy!

Depending on what you mean by upstate ny or Maine, some of these areas are short on jobs so make sure you have enough opportunity. If you’re looking for small cities, Albany is great. I think Binghamton is coming back but I don’t know about Syracuse or Rochester. If you’re talking really upstate …. I haven’t been back in years and really miss that l. I don’t know as much about Maine but they’re more tourist oriented, which is a problem this year

It really seems like we get a lot less snow than when I was a kid in upstate ny. It makes not be as much a change as people are claiming

Now I live near Boston, close enough for weather to moderate, and we only get a couple snowstorms a year. We never get accumulation lasting through the winter anymore. This summer I had my AC in non-stop for the heatwaves and humidity, so I very much see the desire to head north

Grew up in NM, moved to Mass about a decade ago and recently to Vermont. I love it. It gets hot though. And cold. And everywhere in between. People claim that folks out here aren’t nice. Never had an issue and frankly never met meaner folk than northern New Mexicans. Be prepared for a preposterously high cost of living though. (Especially Mass).

Plan a winter trip up here and decide how you REALLY feel about snow before you commit to anything.

I grew up there, but spent a long time in Colorado and have a place in northern NM. The snow, cold, all fine all doable, but it’s the dark overcast that gets you.

Depending on the region it’s a lot more interesting economically- lots of small businesses, plenty of summer activities. It’s getting expensive though, for what it offers. I think few people move to New England from outside new England though (except for the important cities). You will certainly get some funny looks when you tell people you moved from Arizona.

I would personally move to a town with a lively population but not a big city. Think Burlington Vermont or Binghamton NY or great Barrington Mass. Definitely different and if you can settle in there probably a better life!

Well something I have experience in! Nothing prepared me for my first winter. Yes there is snow and it’s cold. The dark is what got me. I would leave for work before the sun came up and it was already setting as I was coming home. It was so deeply unsettling that first winter, like there was no warmth left in the world.

It is a lovely area. It feels so much older because they tend to preserve the historic homes and just driving around through the small rural towns is super cute. Fall is the best season in the NE. The colors are gorgeous! Apple cider donuts are the best donuts, most local orchards make them fresh too.

It’s pretty rural outside of NYC, Maine is especially so. You’ll most likely need a car, even if you’re in a town. The towns are walkable, but they’re small towns so the selection is limited. Getting hooked up with local events can be a challenge as word of mouth is the most common form of promotion. Get in good with your local coworkers or other local groups and they’ll help you find the cool ski deals and niche concerts.

On the whole car thing. Snow ands salt are really hard on cars. The inspection in NE is much more intensive than the SW which only checks emissions. Good tires are worth the investment, but the best method is just don’t drive while it’s snowing. Keep an eye out for black ice, the melting and refreezing is no joke. The people are nice though, had a kind man help pull me out of a snow bank when I made that mistake. If you’re ever unsure just go slow.

People are meaner on the East Coast, but they’re also more capable.

Boston is very expensive. However, there are areas in MA that could/should be affordable.

Of course I’m biased because I’ve been in this area forever.

We get 4 seasons. I love the colors of Autumn. I enjoy snow, although, we may not get snow at all in the near future.

You’ve got great beaches on the Atlantic and then some nice skiing up in NH & ME that are only 2 hours away.

Boston area has the best medical care pretty much anywhere on the planet. I’ve personally transported numerous people from Logan airport to the area hospitals.

Sports? Big history of lots of champions.

Very diverse cultures all around Eastern MA. Very LGBT+ friendly.

People complain about cost of living and tax rates. Yet, the quality is worth it. I don’t know the particular tax rates, but, we are definitely not “Taxachusetts” anymore in comparison to all the N.E. states.

I’m somewhat familiar with the rest of N.E., so, feel free to ask.

Oof