Hello… my family and I are considering New England in about two years time and would love your recommendations. We might do a scouting trip in the next 6 months and I was hoping to narrow down a few different places to check out.
Things that we prioritize:

A sense of community— a place has people from other areas of the region or country would be ideal. I’d imagine this is more in suburban and urban settings.

Relatively affordable housing as we have European salaries at the moment.

Progressive policies for children and families. School districts or counties that offer support such has free pre-k would be ideal.

I love the sun. Unfortunately there is no way I’m moving to the south. Even if it’s cold, what places have somewhat better weather.

Walkable neighborhoods would be a dream but that might be pushing our luck.

So where do you recommend?

EDIT: I’m American. Ohioan by birth. Husband is French. We’ve both lived in various countries/parts of the US. Assumed that NE would be the closest thing to Europe in terms of social policies.