This is *sort of* a travel-related post: I'm brainstorming possibilities for relocation, and I've come up with a list of some qualities I'd like. I was hoping that you Fodorites would be able to help! Can you think of any city that, in your opinion, matches the first 5 qualities? Bonus points if they meet all 10...

And the cities can be anywhere in the world, though I'd prefer the US and Western Europe (esp. Eng/Span/French-speaking)

Here are the qualities:

1) Population of 750,000 to 4 million people, give or take a few hundred thousand. (within city limits)

2) Tolerant, open, hopefully friendly people

3) Diverse population (ethnically)

4) Easy access to some natural space--near mountains, or forest, or something; also lots of green in the city

5) Walkable--don't have to drive to get everywhere; easy to walk around the city.
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6) A good amount of cultural institutions--libraries, museums, etc.

7) An international presence--not an isolated feeling

8) A pretty city--nice architecture, streets

9) Low(-ish) cost of living

10) Mild winters


Do these ring any bells? I'd love to hear your ideas! Also, if you think any of this is unrealistic or stupid, please set me straight.

except for #'s 9 and 10 - Edinburgh.

Except number 3 and it's growing on that also...Valencia, Spain.

Sorry, I meant to say 3 and 4 (not too much green in Valencia, certainly)

I've never been to either, but maybe Portland or Seattle (not sure about population). I was going to say my hometown of Dallas, but then there are a few boxes it doesn't fit (like population and being walkable).

To put a sense of realism into your planning:
11) Where a long-term visa (with a possibility to earn a living) is fairly easy to obtain for one's nationality.
This really excludes almost the whole of Western Europe, unless
a) you also hold a passport from an EU country, or are married to someone who has;
b) you are so wealthy that you can easily qualify as a person of independent means;
c) you hold skills and experience in a specialist field that is in much demand and can easily meet work permit requirements.

Hi I,

Paris, why did you have to ask?

Amsterdam.

But I hope you do realize that if you're a US citizen you can't very easily, if at all, just up and relocate to Western Europe unless you have dual citizenship, a company sponsoring you to go work there, or a gazillion dollars.

LOL, I do realize that relocation isn't that simple. But this is nothing immediate--I'm considering this for the very long-term. Since I'm just entering the job market, I'm hoping I could find an international or American multi-national company that might relocate me? Is that a pipe dream?

(I also may go back to school for a degree in IR, in which case living abroad may be likely)

A "lowish" (whatever that means) cost of living in A-dam, Paris, etc., etc.,,,,as compared to where do you live now, Imelda72????

Or St. Cirq is mistaken about needing gazillions of dollars

Some people just get a rug and sell junk to tourists on the street.

Dukey--I currently live in NYC, so almost anything will be a decrease in cost of living. By low-ish I mean not NYC or San Francisco (though that's on the list), but it doesn't have to be Shelbyville, KY either.

Ira--Oh yes, Paris is def. top of the list.

Any other suggestions?

Geneva. Especially since you mention trying to get relocated by an international company. Towns along Lac Leman such as Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux fit everything on your list except 9) low cost of living. It's expensive, but it's REALLY nice there. You'd commute by train into Geneva for your job.

San Francisco, like a glove ... well, except for #9!

LucieV - I agree with you - San Francisco meets every criterion except #9. You get what you pay for ... (um, sometimes)

Portland, Oregon.

But my feeling is, you really prefer Europe. If you can do it, go for it!

Did you just graduate from college? How old are you and what type of job are you interested in? The reason I ask is I know quite a few college grads from the past couple years that always wanted to live in Europe but cannot get a job even with a US company. Most of the companies seem to want someone to live overseas that can provide them with the experience and problem solving that they cannot find in the general population of that company.
I fly overseas everyweek and talk to quite a few business people and they usually state in the course of conversation that they are not interested in someone without experience and /or degree in what they need. However good luck with your search!

Glasgow fits all but 9 and 10

Toulouse fits all but 2

Pau?

Except No. 9, Zürich fits the bill completely.
Assuming you get a job locally, the average level of earnings makes Point 9 rather moot.

As to long-term visa, a job contract without definite termination date assures you a permanent residence permit in Switzerland.