I moved away from WNY in the late '80s and lived in DC, Ohio, Syracuse and Albany. I moved back in the ' 90s and it was the BEST decision I've ever made in my life.
I make a great wage here (many people do) and I live like a king because the cost of living is so low. I bought a 3,000 sq, ft. house in rural Niagara County that sits on two acres of land for a shade over $125,000. It came with a pool, fireplace, central air, Anderson Windows, skylights and an upper porch that overlooks my property. Oh yeah, and a 40-ft pole barn complete with heat and welding lines. Sure my taxes are higher than in many states, but considering that I paid nearly a half million less for the house than I would have in most locales, I think I'm ahead of the game.
I haven't seen a traffic jam in years, from May-October there isn't better weather to be had in all of America. When I want a great pizza, proper chicken wings, a Friday fish Fry, Chicken Chowder, a peanut doughnut or a Beef on Weck I can jump in my car or pick up the phone and order one and not lament the lack of good food in my area like all the ex-pats do.
My family is close (sometimes a good thing, sometimes bad) but I get to see my aging grandma often and won't regret my kids not having access to her or my parents once they're gone.
Nowhere else that I lived had as many great festivals (both summer and winter) as I enjoy here on the Niagara Frontier.
I don't think nature offers anything as beautiful as the Falls and the lower Niagara River. The Glen in Williamsville is a hidden gem and Allegheny State Park is just a short ride away.
Oh, let me also say that I truly love the fact that seeing a Bills or Sabres' game in person is just a matter of buying a (amongst the lowest cost in either league) ticket.
So to answer your question, should you leave what the late-great Tim Russert so accurately described as "God's Country?"
In one emphatic word, "No!" In this case the grass is greenest on our side of the fence.