Wifey B: The Tri-Cities have spoken.
That makes me think that often what we love is where we've been and what we know best. When I first joined my husband on a lake in NC, that was all I knew of boating and I loved it. We went with acquaintances once to the TN River and I dreamed of it, perhaps for retirement. Then we magically ended up in Paradise, otherwise known as South Florida.
However, we've boated so many places and enjoyed them all. I'd say there's a lot to be said for familiarity. I'd also say I could enjoy anywhere on the water, except.......(hold your breath, here comes the big reveal.
Climate. Environment. Amenities.
Think of the climate you're use to. Having very nearly avoided any cold weather for 8 years, I couldn't go back. Sorry, not moving to Minneapolis or to Ketchikan or to Boston. All nice place, but not the climate for me. So think about your tolerances of different climates.
Environment, some of us are made for big cities and some for country with few people around. I enjoy visiting nowhere. I loved some of the areas of Alaska with great wildlife and no people. But for home, I'm spoiled by city life. Many couldn't tolerate large cities.
Then amenities fits with that. Are you happy with a marina that's really nothing but a dock and with no real amenities near or would you prefer to be somewhere with tons of service at the marina, delivery available for meals from dozens of restaurants and grocers, anything you'd want nearby, a pool and gym for your use, tennis court.
So my point is it's not one place is better than another. It's fit for you and I think those are the factors that are most critical to most of us in choosing home.