These days I only play 1 game... 6 deck shoe. The 8 deck game is beatable but of course 6 is better in my book. I only play when theres ATLEAST 2/3rds penetration... any less don't even bother with that table. Proficient counting will serve you well with these conditions.
Living in Vegas is NOT a must, but Vegas will always be the best place to play. I hate the tables at AC, and I'm not even fond of Reno anymore. I hear Miss. is still ok. Vegas is numero uno, after that I'd say Louisiana but keep in mind theres literally like no casinos in Louisiana that allow the option too surrender but at the end of the day its not THAT big of a deal if you know what your doing. But the fact remains, you gotta have the cards man.
May the cards fall ur way, good luck.