I did a reverse JFWR, moved from central Illinois (UIUC undergrad) to NYC for grad school (NYU, law). I was surprised at just how mild the winters were in NYC, although that's probably the only thing about NYC that can be characterized as "mild," LOL. Nonetheless, I loved NY. Loved Champaign-Urbana, too, still hope to bring my kids to the College of Veterinary Medicine Open House someday.
It's insane how quality American shoes and the U of I seem to go together.
Are you in NYC now? I go back regularly to visit family. But I must admit: It is really great out here, too.