Best Place to Live in US?
Mar 3rd, 2005, 07:15 AM
#181
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I live in New Jersey in a town called Spring Lake. Jersey get a bad reputation, but you should not rule it out. It is the richest state in the country, and certain towns on the Jersey Shore (Spring Lake, Sea Girt, Cape May) are some of the most beautiful in the country (and I have been all over). The beaches in Spring Lake are much nicer than the beaches in say, a place like Hilton Head. Also, a place like Princeton, can stand up to any town in America in terms of beauty and culture. You are an hour outside of New York and Philly and less than an hour from the Shore.
One of the problems is that New Jersey is so expensive. A small, 3 bedroom in Spring Lake can run over a million dollars- and Northern New Jersey- forget about it. There are still some bargains to be found though...
One of the problems is that New Jersey is so expensive. A small, 3 bedroom in Spring Lake can run over a million dollars- and Northern New Jersey- forget about it. There are still some bargains to be found though...
Mar 3rd, 2005, 09:03 AM
#182
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I live in Eugene Oregon- it has several times been voted as one of the best places to live- small, university town,
1 1/2 to the coast/ hour to the closest ski area/ 1 1/2hrs to Portland- lots of cultural events/ has a lot of good restaurants for its size/ bike lanes connecting to all parts of the city.
There is article about it in Sunset Magazine this month.
I love Portland but if you are looking for a smaller city- this is great.
There is so much to see and do in this area you could spend every weekend for years doing something different -
Of course its a little rainy in the winter- but many times if you drive over to the mountains its sunny - and airfare to Hawaii is pretty reasonable
if you just gotta get out -
1 1/2 to the coast/ hour to the closest ski area/ 1 1/2hrs to Portland- lots of cultural events/ has a lot of good restaurants for its size/ bike lanes connecting to all parts of the city.
There is article about it in Sunset Magazine this month.
I love Portland but if you are looking for a smaller city- this is great.
There is so much to see and do in this area you could spend every weekend for years doing something different -
Of course its a little rainy in the winter- but many times if you drive over to the mountains its sunny - and airfare to Hawaii is pretty reasonable
if you just gotta get out -
Mar 3rd, 2005, 09:50 AM
#183
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I suppose casual readers would find this a wonderful thread. However, I really have serious doubts that christy ever would just pick up and move to any spot in the U.S. Either Christy has stumbled upon a way to get an interesting dialogue going, or she really is simply fishing. There is no one, including Christy, who is completely open to a move based on a suggestion rather than her/his own needs and interests.
Now, Christy, you have heard from one of the "actual people," and I can tell you that I think you have stretched the subject a bit by your question.
Now, Christy, you have heard from one of the "actual people," and I can tell you that I think you have stretched the subject a bit by your question.
Mar 3rd, 2005, 03:45 PM
#186
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Philadelpia:
-Lots of museums and art galleries. The NJ state aquarium is just across the river.
-Culture: China town and South
Philly (Italian).
- Food:Tons of good restaurants and cheese steaks!
-You can take a day trip to the shore, the mountians or Lancater (Amish).
-Theater and Music (Philadephia singers and Philadelphia Orchestra)
-Lots of museums and art galleries. The NJ state aquarium is just across the river.
-Culture: China town and South
Philly (Italian).
- Food:Tons of good restaurants and cheese steaks!
-You can take a day trip to the shore, the mountians or Lancater (Amish).
-Theater and Music (Philadephia singers and Philadelphia Orchestra)
Mar 19th, 2005, 09:26 AM
#188
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Hampton Roads, VA (southside)- Including the cities of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk.
This growing city is one of the few affordable places left to live on the east coast. But, that is changing quickly with housing prices on the rise. The upside - a home is a great investment here. Compared to other cities of its size on a coast, housing is very affordable.
The area offers beaches, a growing number of excellent restaurants, an outstanding opera company, lighthouses, a strong medical community, several venues for all types of entertainment. The area offers southern hospitality, without being "too southern".
Hampton Roads has several military bases. Many retired military personnel have fallen in love with the area and stayed. For this reason, the area is a melting pot of transplants eager to welcome new neighbors.
Weather is Hampton Roads is very mild. We have an occasional day of snow in the winter, beautiful blooms in the spring, and gorgeous foliage in the fall. If the weather has a downside, summers tend to be quite hot and humid.
Another positive of the area is its proximity to other desirable destinations. Within a one hours drive is Colonial Williamsburg, 2 hours drive to the Outer Banks of NC or Richmond, VA, and about 4 hours to Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD.
Shari
This growing city is one of the few affordable places left to live on the east coast. But, that is changing quickly with housing prices on the rise. The upside - a home is a great investment here. Compared to other cities of its size on a coast, housing is very affordable.
The area offers beaches, a growing number of excellent restaurants, an outstanding opera company, lighthouses, a strong medical community, several venues for all types of entertainment. The area offers southern hospitality, without being "too southern".
Hampton Roads has several military bases. Many retired military personnel have fallen in love with the area and stayed. For this reason, the area is a melting pot of transplants eager to welcome new neighbors.
Weather is Hampton Roads is very mild. We have an occasional day of snow in the winter, beautiful blooms in the spring, and gorgeous foliage in the fall. If the weather has a downside, summers tend to be quite hot and humid.
Another positive of the area is its proximity to other desirable destinations. Within a one hours drive is Colonial Williamsburg, 2 hours drive to the Outer Banks of NC or Richmond, VA, and about 4 hours to Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD.
Shari
Mar 22nd, 2005, 06:59 AM
#189
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no other place like New York City. yes, cost of living is high, real estate has gone mad, but it's NYC and there are tons of job opportunities. the diverse culture here makes restaurant businesses so competitive that u can get a good meal for under $10. I love New York.
Mar 22nd, 2005, 04:41 PM
#190
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I was born in Chicago and have lived in:
Fort Wayne, IN
Bloomington, IN
Boston, MA
San Diego, CA
After all was said and done I ended up back in sweet home Chicago. I prefer larger cities with a more urban feel.
San Diego to me is just one big nightmare of suburban sprawl. Plastic-town with plastic people describe it perfectly.
I enjoyed Boston, but the traffic was maddening and the cost of living is too high.
If I were forced to move tomorrow though I would choose Toronto or Vancouver.
Fort Wayne, IN
Bloomington, IN
Boston, MA
San Diego, CA
After all was said and done I ended up back in sweet home Chicago. I prefer larger cities with a more urban feel.
San Diego to me is just one big nightmare of suburban sprawl. Plastic-town with plastic people describe it perfectly.
I enjoyed Boston, but the traffic was maddening and the cost of living is too high.
If I were forced to move tomorrow though I would choose Toronto or Vancouver.
Mar 25th, 2005, 10:55 PM
#191
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Let's dig deep into America!
So many wonderful places have yet to be mentioned! For those who love peacefulness and wilderness: Ely, MN; (On the edge of civilization, possibly the last, coolest boundry town you'll ever find, water everywhere, Loons!, fish jump in your boat, serenity that you'll never find anywhere else!) Sedona, AZ;(spiritual, beautiful, but expensive!) Mendicino, CA (Beer & buds, the best buzz & beauty in the land); coastal Main (Lobster for breakfast, anyone?)!
For those that dig cities; Minneapolis (A shimmering, frozen, miracle of good planning & people; Milwaukee (the best small-town city anywhere, with Summerfest...when the whole city shuts down & parties for 10 days!); Chicago!!! no other city compares. Fresh water and great beaches, Countless Festivals, Magnificant Snowstorms (it's all about your perspective!) Blues, Jazz, U2 6 times in 2005, Dylan twice usually, so much cultural and culinary diversity, & of course,...The IRISH pubs! I invite the world to stand beneath or just behold the BIG Kidney Bean ("cloudscape") sculpture in millennium park, share the joy of the symphony or fireworks on the lakefront, or just marvel at the multitude enjoying this wonderful city. Remarkably, a city of gardens.
I live in NWI (Northwest Indiana) ...not yet mentioned...only 20 minutes from Chicago, Lake Michigan beaches and Dunes, near Cubbies, The spectacular Michigan beaches (with fantastic sunsets!) only minutes away, good schools, NO crime, NO traffic, 3000 sq ft homes for $120,000, and the most down-to-earth, friendly neighbors anyone could ever ask for. Yes, I've travelled. I love to come home. Jim
So many wonderful places have yet to be mentioned! For those who love peacefulness and wilderness: Ely, MN; (On the edge of civilization, possibly the last, coolest boundry town you'll ever find, water everywhere, Loons!, fish jump in your boat, serenity that you'll never find anywhere else!) Sedona, AZ;(spiritual, beautiful, but expensive!) Mendicino, CA (Beer & buds, the best buzz & beauty in the land); coastal Main (Lobster for breakfast, anyone?)!
For those that dig cities; Minneapolis (A shimmering, frozen, miracle of good planning & people; Milwaukee (the best small-town city anywhere, with Summerfest...when the whole city shuts down & parties for 10 days!); Chicago!!! no other city compares. Fresh water and great beaches, Countless Festivals, Magnificant Snowstorms (it's all about your perspective!) Blues, Jazz, U2 6 times in 2005, Dylan twice usually, so much cultural and culinary diversity, & of course,...The IRISH pubs! I invite the world to stand beneath or just behold the BIG Kidney Bean ("cloudscape") sculpture in millennium park, share the joy of the symphony or fireworks on the lakefront, or just marvel at the multitude enjoying this wonderful city. Remarkably, a city of gardens.
I live in NWI (Northwest Indiana) ...not yet mentioned...only 20 minutes from Chicago, Lake Michigan beaches and Dunes, near Cubbies, The spectacular Michigan beaches (with fantastic sunsets!) only minutes away, good schools, NO crime, NO traffic, 3000 sq ft homes for $120,000, and the most down-to-earth, friendly neighbors anyone could ever ask for. Yes, I've travelled. I love to come home. Jim
Mar 26th, 2005, 05:36 AM
#192
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ceilitwirl, this thread has been going for nearly 6 years and when I decide to post, you post almost exactly the same thing just prior.
Chicago is also getting harder to buy into, and more competitive in the job market, but it is still a city with everything that is best about America and neighborhoods to embrace you as well. If I had to raise children again I would probably be moving further into the city center, maybe the Western or Southwestern close suburbs, if I couldn't afford NW city itself. But as I age I feel the perks of a big city are needed only in smaller doses. After helping at least 5 different individuals or families to move back "home" from the West and the South in the last 5 or 6 years, I have decided that the Midwest is where I will stay. There are some almost unknown gems out there, especially in Minnesota, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana- and Madison WI is one as well. But I am lucky enough to have found one of the best in Michigan. The beauty of the lakes, wetlands, density of traffic etc. coupled with high educational levels and other quality of life issues, are a huge secret hidden mainly by the difficulties of accessability from the major big cities. If Michigan was not buffered by the baricades of the Great Lakes and dense industrial zones, it would be "found" much more readily. And yet I am lucky enough to have gotten there before the pack.
One time Go Travel detailed how if you lived by the ocean you can never go back. Well, I lived by an ocean for a semester in mid-life and I think it is absolutely wonderful and there is a quality that IS hard to convey. But on small inland lakes of over 600 to 1000 acres that are spring fed and with full seasons- AND with no traffic locally, good schools, great libraries, and good hospitals, diversity in not just origin/race or religion, but in politics also. I think as beautiful as lake living is- the people of lake living Michigan are even more beautiful. The "me" entitlement belief system is still looked upon as selfishness there, which it is. And the sunsets, rain upon the water, troll motoring to go visit your neighbor, Sunday Church mid-lake if you want it, room for individuals to grow regardless of their looks or IQ levels- just general acceptance of the good things in life are almost a constant 10. Weather in winter is beautiful but can be difficult, but if you are sturdy and I am- it's my best place to live.
Chicago is also getting harder to buy into, and more competitive in the job market, but it is still a city with everything that is best about America and neighborhoods to embrace you as well. If I had to raise children again I would probably be moving further into the city center, maybe the Western or Southwestern close suburbs, if I couldn't afford NW city itself. But as I age I feel the perks of a big city are needed only in smaller doses. After helping at least 5 different individuals or families to move back "home" from the West and the South in the last 5 or 6 years, I have decided that the Midwest is where I will stay. There are some almost unknown gems out there, especially in Minnesota, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana- and Madison WI is one as well. But I am lucky enough to have found one of the best in Michigan. The beauty of the lakes, wetlands, density of traffic etc. coupled with high educational levels and other quality of life issues, are a huge secret hidden mainly by the difficulties of accessability from the major big cities. If Michigan was not buffered by the baricades of the Great Lakes and dense industrial zones, it would be "found" much more readily. And yet I am lucky enough to have gotten there before the pack.
One time Go Travel detailed how if you lived by the ocean you can never go back. Well, I lived by an ocean for a semester in mid-life and I think it is absolutely wonderful and there is a quality that IS hard to convey. But on small inland lakes of over 600 to 1000 acres that are spring fed and with full seasons- AND with no traffic locally, good schools, great libraries, and good hospitals, diversity in not just origin/race or religion, but in politics also. I think as beautiful as lake living is- the people of lake living Michigan are even more beautiful. The "me" entitlement belief system is still looked upon as selfishness there, which it is. And the sunsets, rain upon the water, troll motoring to go visit your neighbor, Sunday Church mid-lake if you want it, room for individuals to grow regardless of their looks or IQ levels- just general acceptance of the good things in life are almost a constant 10. Weather in winter is beautiful but can be difficult, but if you are sturdy and I am- it's my best place to live.
Apr 8th, 2005, 04:10 PM
#193
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wow, this is an old thread. BUT, i think that Portland, ME has to be one of the greatest, little cities in the Northeast. Everything you can ask for and quite reasonable!!! Plus right on the ocean!!!
May 28th, 2005, 09:57 AM
#194
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I'm not sure if this thread is still active since it has been a month since the last post...
A few thoughts on places to live--
Minnesota (2 yrs) beautiful, clean air, culture and transportation, mild summers, too cold in winter.
Omaha, NE (4 yrs) a nice-sized city with friendly folks, very good medical school, not on the cutting edge so you feel a few years behind the trends, great steaks, summers can be hot, but not unbearably so, winters can be too long sometimes although the snow doesn't bother me, it is the gloominess that seems to last too long, beautiful spring and fall.
Columbia, MO (10 yrs) college town, rolling hills, four seasons and the winters are more mild, summers can be hot and humid but don't last so long, quickly coming up with better stores and restaurants, friendly people and natural beauty, although it is a couple hours from major airports.
Austin, TX (4 yrs) beautiful little city, rolling hills, 4 seasons, though winter is mild, summer is hot but not as humid as it could be, lakes, trees, great music, culture, education and politics, great food, great BBQ, is now becoming more expensive to live and has succumbed to the influx of people which has brought more traffic, nice small airport.
San Antonio, TX (3 yrs) More desert-like, dry with less trees, the hills are covered with scrub oak and cactus, pretty in a wild way, but I need more green around me. Great sports, several universities, river walk and tourism, amusement parks, and fabulous Mexican food. Hot, but drier, summers, no winter to speak of.
Houston, TX (14 yrs) Very green due to much rain --4 feet annual rainfall--flowers year round, looking from an airplane, the city is carpeted in many areas with trees, mostly live oaks, which do not change colors or ever appear to lose their leaves since new ones force old ones off the branch. Two seasons, mild (covers winter, spring, and fall) and unbearably hot and humid (usually from May to October). 5,000 restaurants covering every nationality and culture. Approximately 4 million inhabitants comprised of 100 nationalities, over 90 languages spoken. An excellent example of an international city with rich diversity without ethnic unrest. 2 major hub airports, unusually flat city (the highway overpasses serve as hills). 1 and 1/2 hours from the hill country, an hour from Galveston and the Gulf Coast, although the water is brown, excellent museums and theater district, world-class shopping. Bad traffic, and the city has just realized it needs public transit and has started with a short 7-mile light-rail system which will hopefully expand across the city. Everything is air conditioned most of the year.
Not offering opinions here, just impartial observations. Hope it helps.
A few thoughts on places to live--
Minnesota (2 yrs) beautiful, clean air, culture and transportation, mild summers, too cold in winter.
Omaha, NE (4 yrs) a nice-sized city with friendly folks, very good medical school, not on the cutting edge so you feel a few years behind the trends, great steaks, summers can be hot, but not unbearably so, winters can be too long sometimes although the snow doesn't bother me, it is the gloominess that seems to last too long, beautiful spring and fall.
Columbia, MO (10 yrs) college town, rolling hills, four seasons and the winters are more mild, summers can be hot and humid but don't last so long, quickly coming up with better stores and restaurants, friendly people and natural beauty, although it is a couple hours from major airports.
Austin, TX (4 yrs) beautiful little city, rolling hills, 4 seasons, though winter is mild, summer is hot but not as humid as it could be, lakes, trees, great music, culture, education and politics, great food, great BBQ, is now becoming more expensive to live and has succumbed to the influx of people which has brought more traffic, nice small airport.
San Antonio, TX (3 yrs) More desert-like, dry with less trees, the hills are covered with scrub oak and cactus, pretty in a wild way, but I need more green around me. Great sports, several universities, river walk and tourism, amusement parks, and fabulous Mexican food. Hot, but drier, summers, no winter to speak of.
Houston, TX (14 yrs) Very green due to much rain --4 feet annual rainfall--flowers year round, looking from an airplane, the city is carpeted in many areas with trees, mostly live oaks, which do not change colors or ever appear to lose their leaves since new ones force old ones off the branch. Two seasons, mild (covers winter, spring, and fall) and unbearably hot and humid (usually from May to October). 5,000 restaurants covering every nationality and culture. Approximately 4 million inhabitants comprised of 100 nationalities, over 90 languages spoken. An excellent example of an international city with rich diversity without ethnic unrest. 2 major hub airports, unusually flat city (the highway overpasses serve as hills). 1 and 1/2 hours from the hill country, an hour from Galveston and the Gulf Coast, although the water is brown, excellent museums and theater district, world-class shopping. Bad traffic, and the city has just realized it needs public transit and has started with a short 7-mile light-rail system which will hopefully expand across the city. Everything is air conditioned most of the year.
Not offering opinions here, just impartial observations. Hope it helps.
May 29th, 2005, 12:37 AM
#195
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One of the best places to live in the US is with the parents - when everything is free.
Another one is away while at college - when there's little supervision and every experience is new.
Far and away the best place to live is at 10 and 2, between the 2nd and 7th.
Another one is away while at college - when there's little supervision and every experience is new.
Far and away the best place to live is at 10 and 2, between the 2nd and 7th.
Jul 6th, 2005, 05:29 PM
#197
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For a big city: Cleveland, OH area (suburbs) - 4 seasons winter is a bit rough; great medical care; beaches of the clean fresh water Lake Erie (zebra mussels have been cleaning the lake for years); cost of living is relatively low; excellent culture; college town CWRU, JCU, BW; large airport; major sports nba, wnba, mlb, nfl, soccer; miles and miles of park Emerald necklace; great orchestra; fabulous & diverse theater; music, concerts, restaurants of all ethnicity; comfortable neighborhoods; easy commutes to work; easy access to city or country; walleye, hunting and fishing in easy reach.
For a small town: Lancaster, PA Wholesome; great climate moderate summer, moderate winter (schools are cancel if weather forecast suggests snow); good theater; very low cost of living; Amish horse and buggy; pace of life is calm; good hospitals; close to big cities Bmore, Philly, NYC; close to mountains; close to shore; close to Penn State (?); beautiful women!; fabulous shopping; low taxes; great public schools; chocolate; fresh locally grown organic fruits and veggies; no traffic jams 3 cars and a school bus at a red light is a traffic jam!; shoofly-pie;
For a small town: Lancaster, PA Wholesome; great climate moderate summer, moderate winter (schools are cancel if weather forecast suggests snow); good theater; very low cost of living; Amish horse and buggy; pace of life is calm; good hospitals; close to big cities Bmore, Philly, NYC; close to mountains; close to shore; close to Penn State (?); beautiful women!; fabulous shopping; low taxes; great public schools; chocolate; fresh locally grown organic fruits and veggies; no traffic jams 3 cars and a school bus at a red light is a traffic jam!; shoofly-pie;
Aug 23rd, 2005, 04:42 PM
#198
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I was sorta amused by the earlier competition on this thread by someone from Raleigh and someone from Colorado. There's a website that lets you compare cities head to head on a number of rankings, from crime to medical care to education. It's at:
http://www.bestplaces.net/
It seems that the Raleigh chamber of commerce has done a good job of compiling lots of honors for the city. I'm sure it's a great place to live; we were considering it for retirement in about 10 years. However, Diana has mentioned rapid growth, which makes it seem less attractive. We've lived in several cities over the years, with our main experiences in Chicago, Seattle, and Boston. No city is perfect; they all have good and bad qualities. Did you know that Massachusetts has the lowest divorce rate? Or that New England students have the highest SAT scores? So there are lots of ways to rate a place.
Right now, we're thinking southern Oregon is the place to retire.
http://www.bestplaces.net/
It seems that the Raleigh chamber of commerce has done a good job of compiling lots of honors for the city. I'm sure it's a great place to live; we were considering it for retirement in about 10 years. However, Diana has mentioned rapid growth, which makes it seem less attractive. We've lived in several cities over the years, with our main experiences in Chicago, Seattle, and Boston. No city is perfect; they all have good and bad qualities. Did you know that Massachusetts has the lowest divorce rate? Or that New England students have the highest SAT scores? So there are lots of ways to rate a place.
Right now, we're thinking southern Oregon is the place to retire.
Aug 24th, 2005, 01:13 AM
#199
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hi folks,
this is why i think cape town is the best city in the world:
http://www.best-places-in-capetown.com
cheers
gernes
this is why i think cape town is the best city in the world:
http://www.best-places-in-capetown.com
cheers
gernes
Aug 24th, 2005, 07:39 AM
#200
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Live in Northern NJ (all my life) and still can't afford to buy a home. Very depressing, but found this post to be quite informative on other desirable places to live. Problem is, my entire family lives in Northern NJ and not so sure I'd want to move someplace new where I have no relatives to visit.
Tough choices....
Tough choices....
