Northeast - Looking to move back to the N.E.

I'm finished with school, and am considering moving back to the Northeast. I'm originally from Rochester, but I've been looking more into Vermont or New Hampshire. I'd ideally like to be in (or close to) the mountains, in an area with a strong cycling scene (abundance of events, races, club rides, etc), and someplace that cheap housing can be found. I really don't have much more criteria other than that. I'm still young and just want to see new places, ride my bike, and work whatever job I can find (usually some sort of labor).

Any recommendations for places to look into?

Both Lake Placid/Saranac Lake, NY or Burlington, VT are worth looking into.

Amherst, Massachusetts is a big bike scene - sorta quiet, though, outside of the schools there, but you can find mountains without much trouble. New Paltz, New York - very young, Shawangunks Mountains are right there, Hudson River and a ton of rail trails, including the one over the Hudson opening right this instant.

But, I would endorse Burlington as well. Great bike scene, bike trails, mountains, ferries, the lake, U. of Vermont, etc. It's also a little more built up than the other two which might make it easier to find a job, etc.

NH pros:

No income nor sales tax (except at restaurants and lodging).
Pick your tax by where you live. Pay none if you rent (but of course it's in the rent).
North of Concord, most roads are rural and lightly traveled.
Most drivers are courteous.
Plenty of hills to climb and descend.
Active bike clubs in Concord, Manchester, Nashua. Probably others as well.
My favorite LBS Goodales in the towns mentioned above.

NH Cons:

In the mountains, winter can begin in early November and last until early May.
Winter sanding can keep the roads messy until early June.
Frost heaves keep many roads rough.
Very few long flat areas to ride.

Best of luck in your decision.

Amherst, Massachusetts is a big bike scene - sorta quiet, though, outside of the schools there, but you can find mountains without much trouble. New Paltz, New York - very young, Shawangunks Mountains are right there, Hudson River and a ton of rail trails, including the one over the Hudson opening right this instant.

But, I would endorse Burlington as well. Great bike scene, bike trails, mountains, ferries, the lake, U. of Vermont, etc. It's also a little more built up than the other two which might make it easier to find a job, etc.

+1 on Amherst. It is quiet, but you have Northampton right on the other side of the river. Cool town, lots of great riding.

+1 on Burlington. GREAT city, especially if you love winter.

If you're considering NH, check out Portsmouth. Awesome town, easy to get to Portland, Me (~1 hour, I think) and Boston (<1 hour). Great riding, too.

You are going to have to come look for yourself. A lot of the jobs are in the Boston area, and prob a lot of the racing as well. I live just outside Portland, call me biased, but it's a nice place. Burlington impresses the heck out of me, but I don't want to live
away from the coast, and I don't want the long winters.

Look at small to medium sized cities, Worcester, Burlington, North Conway, Portland. Easy to get out of for a ride, but large enough that you might find a job.
Something centrally located to cut down the time it takes to get to races might be helpful to you.