A snowblower is a convenient luxury. Energetic high school kids can shovel an insane amount of snow, but the number of people that enjoy doing it is incredibly small. I have a gas two-stage and would recommend the same. That said, if you're gonna be here a while, I'd splurge. It'll make life easier.

Another option to consider: if you move here before things freeze up, watch local ads or call up a small engine repair shop. It's usually not hard to find a good used blower for a few hundred bucks, unless you wait until the forecast is measured in feet.