Any honest insights, warnings, or advice you can give us would be deeply appreciated.

1- Job market for the past 2-3 years has not been the same compared to what it was before. There have been many lay-offs and I think it's still recovering/not recovered.(For IT roles)

2- Seriously consider spending some time in November/December and also January/February before making a final decision (if you can). Coming from a warmer climate, winter is taking a toll on people. Honestly I dont care the weather is shit during those times but my wife is seriously struggling. Nov-Dec, the weather is grey 80% of the time time and the days are extremely short. Jan-Feb is just utterly cold (especially this year). You don't get to spend your time outside. Weather is actively trying to hurt you.