I made a post in the Idaho forum along such lines after reading another post there. I wanted to move there in the mid 1970's but was told it's a depressed economy. I let others sway me. There's about three similar posts.
By the late 1980's I was fed up with Deaths and Violence at work and took the wife and then two children up into Oregon then Washington seeking Mayberry RFD Law Enforcement. I failed to find the magic City/County and returned to, what I was very good in. I again allowed friends to sway me. Now a very large number of them are retired and, in Idaho. Their retirement income is far above what a Chief or Sheriff earns. They say the youth leave and head to other States.
I have no regrets and have lived a blessed life/career and have a family that is beyond wonderful. I suppose I am saying, it's not where one lives but how one Makes Successful steps up the ladder of life, that matters. "Making Things Happen" is the key. I even wanted to join the Mormon Church (never arrested a Mormon) and move to Utah but the wife, did not agree. I'm not a Bible Thumper but having Jesus on your shoulder sure helps (My opinion).
I would say you already have won, due to the support of your wife. If finances allow, be a drifter for 1-2 years and see what each State has to offer. Maybe much is just as it is in Hunting. You can "Make" a number of things "Happen" then the rest simply fall's in place, as if It were "Meant to Be". I've learned from others that going to friends/family is not always best, it may lack a survival element(s) only felt when all alone in a strange land. Carving a life in a place that shall have a future for your immediate family may, in 20-40 years have those distant friends/family gravitating to your location.
Send me a PM, we live close. I will do my best to help.
