Since there is already a thread of comments on the contrapositive of this, I ask responses on this.

The reality is that many of us have not been given the opportunity to learn from our youths and be inundated with yiddishkeit. Our parents raised us in outlying communities and did the best they could, even as we did for our children. Perhaps we didn't realize how much we wanted to be in a frum environment until we were committed to jobs and family. This is indeed my situation. I have worked and provided for my family and saved money and now I would like to return to study. My wife would also like to be part of a more frum community. Then the question is how and where.

Moshe Rabbainu worked as a shepherd until he was 80!

There is a chassidic story that is like this:
(from "A Treasury of Chassidic Tales")

Reb Dov Ber of Lubavitch, son of Reb Shneur Zalman, as a young man once made fun of the attainments of his friend, both in scholarship and in the service of HaShem.
The chassid responded: "How can you compare yourself to me? Who is YOUR father and who is mine? Your father is our rebbe, and everyone knows his level of spiritual attainment! When you were concieved his intentions were noble and pure and he brought down a lofty soul -- for you! And as you grew up, you were carefully watched and all aspects of your development were tended to, and so see what you became. WHAT a great achievement! -- But me, my father swiped my soul from the storehouse of souls! And afterwards, I grew up like a wild goat! And now, in order to make a living, I lend the local goyim capital to buy their grain and then collect the debts during the winter. And of course, this means drinking vodka with him and his wife and wheedling and so on. Maybe three or four are done, and then it's time for home, to dip in the mikveh and daven... and you can imagine what kind of prayer one can muster.....
Now actually this chassid served HaShem with all his might and mind -- though being humble, he underestimated his own efforts.
When the young Dov Ber heard these words, he was overwhelmed. He returned to his father at Liozna and bemoaned his own spiritual achievements: it seemed to him now that his own divine service was almost worthless.
And when the chassid next visited Reb Zalman, the rebbe told him: 'I am indebted to you. You have made a chassid of my Berl.!'"

As was stated in the other thread, we all have our destinies. Our duty is to go where HaShem wills and do what He asks. For those of us with the opportunity (once again) to study, I ask: what cities and communities can you recommend?

Jerusalem!