Skymess, I actually left JFK for IDF right before the paycuts and was glad I did. I had to do a mutual lateral with someone at JFK who took an IDF proffer and then swapped places with me a month later. Try doing a lateral because there have been quite a few f/a's at IDF that have got here by doing just that recently. If you haven't done so yet, add your name to the lateral list in Sabre. I just flew with a girl from LAX-I that got here b/c the company called her from that list and asked if she was still interested in doing the lateral b/c they had matched her up with someone at IDF!
Not sure how you feel about commuting but I know many f/a's that are JFK based but commute up from DFW. They hold their commutable LHR or South America trips and try to back them up so they have at least a week to 10 days at home.
You do have to get used to the heat in summer but it is very inexpensive to live here. Property taxes make up for the lack of a state income tax however...our 2000+ sq ft house in a nice typical new neighborhood (golf course, swimming pools, tennis courts, etc.) 20 minutes north of DFW airport has property taxes of roughly $3600 a year and it's appraised way below 200K.
PM me if you have any questions that I can answer for you.
Good luck with your lateral/transfer!
Tim