Best quaint little town, and or suburb to live in
 

I am a divorced 40ish female, I guess I'm going through my midlife crisis because I just want to sell everything and hit the road and move to a new town. I am from and lived most of my life in Texas, I have also lived in Miami( hated it) and Las Vegas, ( not crazy about that either) I have always wanted to live some place where you can see all the seasons change, I want a slightly laid back atmosphere, but don't want to be bored either, would have to have job opportunities, be friendly, and I do have asthma so it would have to be a not too polluted environment, and someplace thats nice to us older single females lol

Maine? The Cape? Anyplace in the Northeast? What kind of job?

I was once in a similar situation. I decided to move into a cohousing community (google and you will find them in a variety of locations). I choose one in Tucson, AZ - you won't get much change of season there - but IMO Tucson is a good place for single people.

Look into cohousing - supportive communities and a great way to transition to a new environment.

As far as jobs -- it is tough most places these days.

At age 51 I sold my house, quit my career and moved across the country. It was the best thing I ever did. Sometimes you just need to launch yourself in a new direction. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Bronxville NY

upscale community with great shops, restaurants and movie house and a commuter rail to manhattan.

What kind of weather? To me that is more important as I get older.

Well as a single female my choice sure wouldn't be to move to a "quaint town", it's too isolated (been there done that).

I loved living in Vermont, and that sure the heck has all four seasons, but it's hard to find work, and not easy to be single in a small town.

Personally I'm thrilled with my life in Seattle.

There are jobs in Federal gov't. How about Takoma Park Maryland? A bit of seasons. Access to lots of culture. A small neighborhood near a commuter train or metro line so you can get into town for big culture and then leave for the mellow life might be a good fit for you. Look for interesting cities with good public transit (not LA!)

Franklin, Tenn?

Asheville, NC!

Asheville was the first thing that came to my mind as well.

ditto on Franklin, TN

Asheville - small city or big town, but you get seasons, scenery, community, etc.

Carlisle, PA. Small college town. And every year, there's a new crop of families arriving when the LtCol and Col Army members arrive to attend the Army War College.

Housing's affordable, as well.

our town is filled with dreamers.
http://www.ashlandchamber.com/

I don't recommend New England for anybody who wants all 4 seasons. Most years, we skip Spring. This year, we're apparently having 6 months of Spring and skipping Summer. You guessed it: 65 and raining AGAIN. Seriously, for anybody who has lived in TX, GL and NV, anything north of MD is going to be a shock.

I also recommend Carlisle, PA. I grew up there but have since moved to the big city-Baltimore. Carlisle is near Harrisburg - state capital - so there are job opportunities near by.

Franklin (TN) is great, but I find it geared very much toward families. Nashville proper might be a good fit, though it's not "quaint." We get more seasons than Texas, but if you're looking for snowy winters, you won't find them here.

Bronxville, NY

You better bring a REALLY big bank account to live there!

I moved from suburban NYC to Albuquerque in 2001. It was a wonderful move, maybe not different enough for you.

Colorado is pretty nice, Denver has lots to do, but can be expensive.

How much can you spend on housing? Jobs - tough times, what line of work?

If I were to move anywhere, it would be San Francisco, but with real estate [condo's] going for $1000 a sq ft, that won't be happening in this lifetime.

Deb

Keep in mind that all of those little 'quaint' towns have been discovered and over run and the prices are usually out of reach of most of us.

Anywhere?

Portland Oregon

check it out

Don't know about some of the others, but you can live in & around Asheville for about the same as you can in Charlotte or Atlanta, if not less if you venture outside of town a bit.

Try the findmyspot.com (or something like that) see where it puts you.

lolli, I've given this a lot of thought and really expected to end up in Colorado. If I didn't have to earn a living, it would be Durango. Friends have moved to Telluride and love it - but are just earning "spending money". Another option for jobs would be Colorado Springs or nearby. Washington State/ Oregon are too rainy for me, as much as I like them. I agree with "too much snow" in going too far north. Franklin TN is family oriented but near Nashville for jobs and activities. A friend moved to Asheville a few years ago and absolutely loves it. It really is pretty much what you have described. I've moved "home" so am not going anywhere anytime soon, but for me it would be some place in Colorado or Asheville. Good luck with your decision.

Jackson, NH - population 800, very friendly welcoming community, foliage, skiing groups, kayaking, bike clubs, hiking and running/speed walking groups, quaint church, 3 hours from Boston....

You don't mention what you do or could do for a living or if you need to work.

In general, many people's "small town dream" careers based on crafts, arts, alternative medicine etc don't work out real well. If you can fix things (small engines or outboards or cars or even people as a nurse or doctor), there are plenty of opportunities. If you are certified to teach science or math or are certified for special education, you can usually find a job. Otherwise, many towns don't have a lot of opportunities for jobs above the minimum wage unless you commute to a larger city.

The good side of a small town is the peck of quahogs someone gave me this morning, or the people who stop and sit on our front porch on their way to the post office, or the neighbors and friends who came to our potluck Fourth of July picnic in the backyard. The downside is everyone knowing your business all the time.

Taos, also comes to mind.

It's the need to still earn a living that will drive this train. If you were retired and indepedently wealthy (or at least comfortably set), would give you a lot more options.

What's your line of work? What kind of employment would you be expecting to find?

I have been reading about Paducah, Kentucky lately as a small arts center. Is it nice or just hype?

It is smaller than I would like, but it does have close proximity to the Land Between the Lakes region if you are outdoorsy. Too far away from an Airport for me. I'll defer to someone who has been there more recently than I, to give a more UTD assessment.

Asheville, NC or Charlottesville, VA.

Pretty towns. Four seasons, but not too cold or too hot. Smallish towns but with plenty to do. Reasonable cost of living (although expensive for smallish cities in the south, the expense reflects the desirable quality of life).

I would never move anywhere without a job, especially in this economy.

Springfield, Mo or Northwest Arkansas. Both areas have all 4 seasons, culture, shopping, restaurants, affordable housing, airports, and low crime. Plus you have the beauty of the Ozark mountains, and many gorgeous lakes.

I have heard so much about Asheville and am looking there myself. I lived in Charlotte for one year and loved it. Asheville was only two hours away, so it was nice.

I see here in this line-up I saw at least four people mention Asheville. what does that tell you?

<i>I see here in this line-up I saw at least four people mention Asheville. what does that tell you?</i> Lack of imagination?

Portland (OR), Austin, San Diego, Beaufort (SC), Santa Fe....

<i>I would never move anywhere without a job, especially in this economy.</i> Oh.

It would be good to move to a place where you have at least one friend or relative.

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