Advice about these states!? -

Im am a year away from finishing my degree and would like to move some where up north. Places in mind are CT, RI , MA ,or NY. Im from VA and I know they general cost of living is going to be more expensive up there then VA but I would to know out of the 4 states I named which is the best places, to raise my future children , in a decent area, where there are a lot of cultures around! Where the best schools are at! And For a decent area, how much is the typical cost of living currently! I Don t expect everyone to be able to tell me about all the States. But if you live in any of those states can you give me pros and con about it and so on and so forth!THANKS!!! for any advice!---Also I have 3 pit bull pups , so I want to live in a area where I have to search and search for a place to live because the breed of dogs! ( only reason I ask is because thats how it is here in VA)

I live in MA and I m telling you, it will be very cold in the winter. You might want to think about that before coming up here.

k