Currently.. front wheel drive, automatic trans, all season tires.

Ideally.. front with limited slip or AWD, manual transmission, and winter tires.

Winter is definitely better than all-seasons with the added benefit that you only use them in winter so they tend to have better tread. I don't mind swapping wheels around twice each year but not doing that at the moment.

But I'd stick with all-season if you don't have an extra set of rims.

I see no reason to get 4wd unless I'm driving off road for fun or using it for utility, like towing someone out of a ditch.

When I lived in WA I had to use chains any time I went up into the mountain passes but around here that's overkill, I'll just stay home if it comes to that.