Born and raised in Nassau County on Long Island. I have entertained other states, other parts of this state and even live in NYC now. For me a Nassau County, Long Island preference would not be for family at all, but I think what many may generally find likeable (as mentioned by others) are the beaches, proximity to the city and the train to get there, suburban lifestyle and good schools for the most part. I think the people in Nassau are pretty nice too
. Personally, I prefer a slightly more metropolitan area and not a suburban sprawl that is Long Island with very few exceptions. I've lived in the Hudson Valley and find that the parts closer to the city are not as nice as Long Island and the further North you go, your access to public transportation diminishes, not close to an area that might provide a healthy social life and/or you get into brutal winter weather territory. NJ with the tolls and the Turnpike may be unsavory for some, I know they are for me.