whitesox780

I know ultimately, it's up to me, but I want some insight from people in other states! I was born in upstate New York and when I was relatively young moved to the Chicago suburbs. I've been there for the past 17 years. I know I want to move somewhere totally different while I finish my last two years of school...that means if I hate it I can move back to Illinois or move back to New York once I get my degree. I do fancy NY quite a bit and I suppose that's still an option too, but where do you live/go to school and do you think I'd like it there? I have an Australian Cattle Dog and we do a lot of running/hiking together and we love the outdoors. I have ALWAYS experienced winter and that doesn't deter me...I actually really like feeling the sharpness of the crisp, cold winter air on my face during a hike or jog. However, I am looking for something totally different than Buffalo and/or Chicago. I suppose I am really open to anything! However, I recently visited near Amarillo, TX though...and I can already tell Texas isn't quite the place for me. Anyway, any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Oh, BTW, I was late to begin school and I will be 24 when I go away to school/move.

gail

Western Massachusetts - quite a few colleges in Springfield/Northampton area. Mountains and hills, lots of real winter, beautiful surroundings and everyone seems to have a dog.

Amy

With Philadelphia you have the east coast vibe, the largest urban park system in the US (or perhaps the world, depending on who's counting what), a lower cost of living than NYC but with very easy access to it for visits, great food--both street and restaurant--and winters that give you that cold crisp air without snowing you in for days...usually.

Ackislander

As is often the case, I agree with Gail.

I think it would be cruel to have a dog the size of yours in an urban apartment, and Western MA and the adjacent areas of Vermont, NH and Connecticut are a dream for people who like the outdoors, though I am not sure there are colleges in NW Connecticut.

Check out the Appalachian Mountain Club as a way of meeting people.

The downside is having to go to Hartford, Albany, Burlington, or Manchester, NH to fly.

Amy

(Just wanted to note that there are a lot more options than urban apartments in Philadelphia.)

nytraveler

I think you really want 4 real sesons to think about weather. Texas is hot - very hot, incredibly hot at times - and doesn;t get much winter - so if you want 4 seasons you should cut it off your list.

Also agree with you type of dog a city center is not really an option.

Other than that - look at relocation sites to get info on weather and cost of living

Gretchen

Colorado. Dog lover state!! Son's dog was even in his wedding. Young people. Good schools. Great weather.

tomfuller

I moved from PA to central Oregon eight+ years ago. I still love it. Come check us out. Bend is a dog (and bicycle) lovers city (81K) population.
It is one of the few places where you can ski in the morning and play golf in the afternoon at least a few days per year.

whitesox780

Last year, I spent a couple weeks in Boston and I have to tell you I was enamored by the city and the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I'm sort of an East Coast girl at heart. I was actually just in Colorado in October and I was enamored by that state too, haha! Apparently, I'm easily amused. I REALLY liked Colorado as well, it was the first time I'd seen the Rockies and they certainly are a sight to see, compared to the Catskills. I was off put by how quickly I would lost my breath while in Denver, that is something I'd have to get used to. People don't really think about that when visiting/moving to Denver or other high altitude cities.

DebitNM

They say it takes a year to acclimate to living at altitude; that was about right for us when we moved from NYC burbs to NM at 5500+ feet in 2001.

HappyTrvlr

Shouldn't the choice of the appropriate school for you be the major factor in your decision? Have you considered colleges and universities in those areas?

whitesox780

I am majoring in Marketing and it is offered at virtually every school. I spent 4 years, part-time finishing my Associate's Degree at community college. I am currently, out of convenience, attending Northern Illinois University because it is only 40 miles from home so I can attend as a commuter. I obviously will tour schools before I make a final decision, but I want ideas on states that I otherwise would not consider!

fmpden

Denver metro area would satisfy many of your requirements. Small but vibrant downtown, decent public transit, good colleges in the metro area, very recreation oriented with 500+ miles of bike lanes, year around, relatively speaking, mild climate. You acclimate at the rate of 1000 feet/day so it only takes a couple of weeks and you are fine. One of the youngest communities and most fit in the US. Low tax rate with an economy that didn't take a huge hit when compared to other parts of the US and recovering a bit faster. It is worth a long visit.

fmpden

PS - You need to work a year to qualify for in-state tuition. Univ of CO has a full campus in the downtown area of Denver.

suze

I do like western Massachusetts a lot.

Now I live in Seattle. How about Seattle?

girlonthego

Boston is a great college town. Both of my brothers went to schools there and loved it. And there are a million schools to choose from!

Penn State in State College PA was one of the prettiest towns with a huge wonderful school. I loved it and could almost see myself there just because it was such a cute town.

isabel

I'm a little surprised at all the votes Western Mass is getting - well not really as it deserves them. We do have 15 colleges in the Pioneer Valley (aka Connecticut River Valley). Definitely dog and bike heaven (many miles of bike paths between towns). Definitely have four seasons. Day trip distance to both NYC and Boston. There's another thread around currently with someone looking where to relocate and they list 10 criteria and we hit 9 out of the ten, the only one lacking being warm all year and you don't say you need that.

capxxx

Of course, if you move to Western Mass you'd have to change the color of your sox.

Tulley

I've lived in Chgo and TX but never NY. I spent near 10 years in Madison, WI. It's a great place to begin a career. Madison is a top-notch college town, full of culture with numerous interesting things to see and do. It's a beautiful city, surrounded by several awesome, well kept lakes and parks. It's well known for it's medical research and facilities, especially the UW of Madison Hospitals and Clinics.
It too is a dog heaven with many miles of bike and running paths. It has been voted #1 multiple times as thee best place to reside. The population is over 300,000 but it retains a small town atmosphere. It would be my first choice given your stated interests and background. You'll certainly feel the crisp, cold winter air on your face in Madison but the other seasons are fabulous too.
I encourage you to do a bit of research. Where ever you decide to relocate I wish you well!

HappyTrvlr

I am sure you know how difficult it may be to be admitted to many colleges and universities. W. MA is filled with many highly selective colleges.