When I moved to California in 2000, I moved from Buffalo to Walnut Creek, CA via Amtrak. The deciding factor was that at that time, every box I loaded up, no matter the weight and size, was $10 per box. So 11 boxes with all my stuff crammed in for $110, it was a no brainer.
I ended up getting a sleeper car on the train, and that was a game changer. No way I could have spent 3 1/2 days sleeping in a chair. The dining car was superb with great food. I was smoking at that time, and they had a dedicated smoking car which made the trip that much more enjoyable.
All in all it was a great experience and I definitely want to take another long train trip again. Wife and I have talked about Via Rail in Canada through the Canadian Rockies.