All of the Northeast and MidAtlantic region is very cold in the winter. For my money, if you’re going to be cold anyway, might as well be cold in Maine. It’s much prettier there in the winter and there is easy access to reliable ice skating, skiing and snowboarding.
My daughter attends college in Maine. Her friends are literally from Florida, Morocco, Tunisia, and Hawaii. You will be warm if you have the right gear. Your joint issues are best discussed with your doctor.