I thnk the OP should focus more on work. It doesn't make sense to move if you don't have a job. The jobs are just starting to come back but they are paying less than before. The best place to live at the moment is the town that's willing to pay you the most!

Once he finds that job, then looking for a place to live becomes a problem. Those who want to live close to their jobs pay the most rent or property taxes. There's no way to get around this problem. The commuters who travel sacrifice their time open space, lower taxes etc.