Every single place is, frankly, what you make it. I think, if you are picking, you should pick based on climate, because cold is cold and warm is warm.
But do not underestimate the importance of family when you have kids. You say you aren't close, and I guess you should think more about that. Do you think your families would be close to your kids, or do you really want some distance?
The one thing that I regret is that we were not close to our families when my kids were growing up, and talking to my kids, they do regret that as well.
Beyond that - there are atheists and condoms and restaurants pretty much everywhere. You move someplace, and you pick your friends. You may have to work at that.
Also, if you have small children, you might as well live in a one room apartment, because the only time they don't want to be glommed on to you is when they are up to something.