Have you ever moved to another state before, on your own?

I've lived in a town with a very small 4-digit population for the majority of my life. This place isn't all that tolerant of people who are 'different' and I'm finding that I hate it here more and more every day. About a month before I joined the fandom I found myself with some extra time on my hands, due to the loss of my primary job. I could still support myself on my part-time job, by cutting out all non essential expenses... but, I wonder how one finds a job in another state. It's not like I can just drive there for an interview if it's too far away. It'd be quite an undertaking.

I currently live in Ohio, but I've always liked the idea of living in one of the southern mid-western states like Texas and New Mexico. I guess I just want to get out of this state so I can start over fresh somewhere. New Mexico and Texas are really quite far away, and I feel like I'd miss my family too much. Shoot, my brother was blessed with a baby boy just about over a week ago, I'd hate to miss out on seeing him grow up, and seeing his brother and sister, my little niece and nephew, advance through school. I've gotten spoiled being able to see them so much.

I dunno... I guess I'm torn between two choices. Leaving and starting fresh, or staying and being able to see anyone in my immediate family any time I feel like it. I suppose living farther away would make my/their visits something to be cherished, as they wouldn't happen so often and would be less routine.

Gah... I can't decide. I really wish I could have the best of both worlds but that's never gonna happen - I'm not that lucky!