So you'll notice my car is AWD. I was concerned about the same thing. My only experience in a New England winter was my friends 20 year old POS when I was in high school and the tires were probably original to the car. I had a few people telling me that it was not necessary, including someone I know who has an M3 as a daily driver. Still, never having experienced it myself, I opted for AWD.
However, after experiencing what a good set of winter tires can do, I would have no concern going for RWD on my next car for typical driving. There's only been a few instances when I think AWD has been necessary (my friends driveway in northern NH for example). Unless you regularly drive up a steep hill that's never plowed, don't worry about it.
Good luck!
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Fun Cars (daily drivers) 2001-2016: 2001 Honda Prelude | 2016 - present: 2017 M240xi Glacier Silver Coupe
Family Cars: 1993-2014: 1993 Honda Accord 10th Anniversary Edition | 2014-Present: 2014 Honda Odyssey
Stable-mate: 2019 - present: 2020 230xi Seaside Blue Convertible
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