Why do you like Roanoke? I've been passing through that area en route to other places since I was very young. I'd love to know what you like about it.

We are pretty much tied to the eastern part of the country because of extended family obligations, but I'm curious as to why is the cost of living in Alaska so high?

I want to know where people love living and why. This is partly out of curiosity and partly because we often talk about moving but never can figure out where we would go. Ease of homeschooling and great public and private school options for MS and HS would be very important to us. A manageable cost of living would also be key, and we would love to find a community with like-minded folks, which seems like it should be easier than it is. What are the great places out there?