I would say don't listen to the slams on both sides of the SFO-EWR debate. There are east coast and west coast people. Personally I'd much prefer living within a couple hours of EWR but I can see both sides. It depends on your preferences. NYC is arguably the greatest city in the world. I'd live in Manhattan if I could afford it.

As far as the flying goes...in my 2.5 years here I've been 73 in both IAH and EWR. No comparison at all in the flying. EWR is far, far better.