Coming late to this thread.
First, warm welcome to coming to our town. Like you, we moved from California to this area. We did a lateral move on house cost and as such, our new home here was three times bigger!
Even came with a theater which at the time was a big deal.
First things to make sure you get is a super airy, and bright place without much trees around you. Winters are dark here and you don't want any shading from trees. During summer they look fantastic but don't let that mislead you. Make sure there are tons of windows, tall ceilings, skylights, lots of lights, etc.
On construction, you will find the homes here superior to a lot of what was in California so it would be a step up no matter which way you look at it.
On basements, we don't have true basements. Instead, what we have are "daylight basements" which is created by having homes on hills and so one side is level with the second floor but the other, with the basement. They are not usually damp but make sure the dirt behind the basement is not too high as that will push moisture into that floor.
On audio room, you would need to step up in square footage to have a dedicated one of course. The larger the room the better. Dimensions and such are not that important.
PM me and I will give you my phone number and we can chat more.
Again, welcome. This will be a big change but one that we don't regret at all.