Where should we move?

It's time for me to start applying to graduate schools and I have no clue where I want to go. There are many programs at many schools that interest me but I can't even decide on state! I would prefer the Eastern time zone, but that's as specific as I've gotten. My family is in NC and VA with a few stragglers in TX and R's family is in PA (except her dad lives in CA) so we'd like to stay relatively (under 500 miles away) close to one side of the family or the other. We're open to any and all suggestions. We want a place where 2nd parent adoption is legal & we can (eventually) raise our family. The cost of living can't be atrocious because we'll need to be able to afford a house with a back yard for the furry kids. Public transportation would be nice. I've lived in an area where I had rocks thrown at me and people spat on me just for going out in public with a date* and I don't want to raise my children in a place like that. The place should be GLBTQ friendly; R and I are tired of being the token lesbian couple. Anyone want to tell us why your city should be our next home?

*Talk about a terrible first date. In high school I took a girl to the local fair. We weren't guilty of excessive PDA but were obviously together. A group formed around us and they were throwing rocks and spitting. We went to the cops to complain and we were escorted from the fairgrounds because we were "disturbing the peace." It was almost 15 years ago and things have gotten a bit better in that area. Even still, my hometown is out of the question.