OK, well, here's what we believe we have decided (wow, am I vague or what?): We think we are going to Indiana. DH was accepted to Notre Dame, and they offered about the same level of stipend as University of North Carolina. Given that my sweetheart believes that it is still best for me to be home, even while he is in school, we believe that South Bend, IN would be best, as the cost of living is lower (for example, if you were used to living on about $21,000 in NC, it would only take $17,000 to live that same way in IN.) So, now to find a place to live. This was another plus to IN, that the real estate seems reasonable, and since we have enough in savings for a down payment, mortgage costs will be lower than rent. Thanks for all the help in deciding (I even made DH read all the comments!!)