I'm big on relocation – having moved across a country to do it – and because let's face it, economic opportunities (and the recovery) aren't uniform across the nation – or a state, or the world. Sometimes you have to do it – now more than ever.
Of course is a location right for you – or for, say, a friend or family member looking to move there? the best way to go is to A) know someone there, and B) visit them.
You see where this is going.
However, if you don't see it, here's something I advise – and have done. Find that person engaged in a job search, and put them up for a short time (say a week or two) to scout the area you live out.