bigtyke

I would consider Denver. I don't think of it as cold (and that is after 50 + years in Phoenix, So Cal, and Florida). When it is sunny, even temps in the 20's are pleasant.

Bowsprit

Boston has 'weather'. It sounds like the op would like to live in a place with a little less metereological personality.

suze

People keep bringing up Boston. But the OP said she has already lived in Boston for a period of time, it's not in the running for this move.

bkluvsNola

Sounds like the decision is among SF, Seattle, Austin, and Denver. I don't really agree with the "mild" assessment of Denver. It can get single digits or below and with massive amounts of snow. I know, I've been there during those times.

SF is prohibitively expensive so that doesn't meet your requirements as stated.

So, it sounds like the choice is between Seattle and Austin. In my opinion, if you're from upstate NY, Austin would probably be more different for you than Seattle and it seems you are seeking to experience something totally different than what you are used to. Also, Austin is significantly cheaper than Seattle which is important.

I think I'd have to give the nod to Austin, which is the logical choice given your preferences. But either would be fine for you I think.

suze

I'm not going to duke it out with a Texan (and I mean that in the nicest way bkluvsNola!) but moving to Austin or moving to Seattle couldn't be two more *different* experiences!

I wouldn't rule out San Francisco, because it IS fantastic. And I do have friends who happily live there, you'd just need to rent out in Oakland or other outlying areas and use the BART to get around, not plan to rent a fabulous apartment right in the city (because that ain't going to happen in our price range).

Or better yet find housing & employment in the same general area if possible (actually that is good advice for moving anywhere, try to avoid a long "commute" been there done that & it's a drag).

lgnutah

Travelgirl
I think you have dropped Atlanta from your list, but I was just reading where you mentioned the importance of a good "social scene" for a someone in her late twenties so I thought I mention that you are exactly my daughter's age. She lives in Atlanta and if her experience is any indication, the social scene is incredible.
Oh, the summer temperatures in Atlanta range from 88-94 degrees most of the time.

bkluvsNola

suze, I agree, Seattle and Austin are like polar opposites in some ways (weather), but very alike in others. For weather, the pros of one city's season is the con of the other. For attitude towards environment stewardship and funkiness, I think both cities are very similar. Basically Austin = Seattle minus rain plus hot sun.

The question is "Is Austin more different than upstate New York than Seattle?" I think the answer is a resounding "YES!" The reason why is upstate New York is very green, lots of precipitation, mild summers, very similar to Seattle except much colder in the winter. Austin is more of the Desert Southwest feel, with some South mixed in.

That's why I feel the OP would probably "grow" more in Austin, IMHO. But we *know* I'm biased!

suze

Have you lived in Seattle before?

Travelgirl0909

While I think Boston is a beautiful and amazing city I just really do not want to deal with those winters again so it's not really an option right now. It would be perfect if it wasn't freezing!

I looked into Denver a little more and they do get a lot of snow, more then I want at least, haha. Maybe if I liked snow sports it would be a great choice but I prefer the water.

Lgnutah I'll do some more research on Atlanta thanks for bringing it up.

I'm going to still consider the San Fran area but in one of the surrounding areas as San Fran itself is not really an option financially. It would be like me trying to find an apartment in NYC. I love the culture, laid back vibe, outdoor activities and of course the nearby wineries. One thing is that the summers never get that warm. Suze - It does seem like Seattle and Portland have warmer weather then SF but do you have 80 degree weather in the summers? Does the weather differ much from Seattle to Portland?

I think Austin is a place that I probably have to check out in person. I hear so many great things about it and the cost of living is definitely appealing. To be completely honest my main concern would be culture shock.

Althouh it's not really an issue now I would like to find something with good neighborhoods nearby if I have a family later on in life. Although, I love the beach, the lack of yards and greenery is one thing that bothers me about Southern Cal. No place is perfect right? And right now I'm going to be in an aparment or condo anyway. I just want a liveable city and I don't even mind living slightly outside of the city if I can have a car, dog, etc.

I'm going to have to make sacrifices so it's helpful to look at all options and hear from people that have experience living in these places. Thanks guys

suze

Yes we have 80 degree weather in the summers in both Seattle and Portland (the two cities have very similar weather patterns). More typically probably mid-70's. Occasionally we will have a real heat wave when it hits 90 for a couple days and everyone complains like mad (we are "weather whimps" here in Seattle, we don't like it too hot or too cold).

I'm not sure why you say the summers never get warm in San Francisco. It does have unusual weather patterns but it does most certainly get hot some places some times!!

You should absolutely come visit both Portland and Seattle, you can live either place eassily with a car and a dog. Both would be great for raising a family if that happens for you later on.

bkluvsNola

I lived in the Bay Area and it's quite unique in its "micro climates". It can be cold and foggy in San Francisco and hot and sunny somewhere else (usually East or South Bay).

Since you stated you couldn't afford SF, then you would most likely be living in the East or South Bay, which are considerably warmer than SF.

I've actually been in SF when it was 97 degrees and we went swimming in the Pacific. I've also been very thankful for a light jacket or sweater many a summer evening in SF as well.

Winters are very mild there, it never got below 40 the 3 years I lived there. It does rain quite a bit in the winter though.

bkluvsNola

You also mentioned settling down eventually and having that option available. Again, I think it points towards Austin. Part of the reason I left the Bay Area was I wanted to start a family and homes were prohibitely expensive.

Austin is a great place for singles, but it's also a great place for families. I've experienced both of these while I've been here.

Also, one last thing, we have green yards and greenery here, but it's a little different than what you have in upstate NY, and it's not always green. But it's a little more lush than the Southwest or LA for instance.

My advice would be to come visit for an extended weekend and figure out if the city appeals to you.

sunbum1944

If you are interested in the Bay Area - but not necessarily SFO, I would suggest Los Gatos- very upscale community, not far to SFO or San Jose- and close to Santa Cruz too. Many company headquarters close by for employment opportunities - my daughter lives in the area and I love opportunities to visit.

NCPat

For quality of life, you can't beat Charleston, SC or Asheville, NC. Both are small cities in lovely settings and are great for singles. Charlotte, NC may have a better job market (it depends on your profession) - it's between the other two.

krgystn

San Diego, hands down.

sassy_cat

San Francisco! There's a reason it's expensive; everyone wants to live there

krgystn

San Fran is also good, but the OP wants nice weather which SF rarely has (this past Saturday being an exception!)

suewoo

I absolutely adore living near Charleston, but get a job first. It's been pretty tight around here. But you can't beat the beaches, the food and the entertainment value of SC politics

MonicaRichards

sunbum, a person on a limited budget isn't going to find themselves in Los Gatos! Maybe Campbell, or San Jose, or Santa Clara or Sunnyvale but not Los Gatos. To Travelgirl, the weather in the South Bay (this year excepted) is pretty good, never too cold, doesn't USUALLY rain from Spril to October, and gets in the mid 80's all summer long with a couple of weeks usually around 100. Yards and houses and trees abound.

SOCALOC

I'm not a big fan of cold winters, do not like humidity and I love being active outdoors especially the beach. I'm laid back and although I want a city I would like to still have a car. Dog friendly too! I would prefer a larger city as I will be moving alone and want to have a better networking of meeting people.

Places I've been considering are...San Diego, Denver, Santa Barbara, Orange County, San Fran, Charlotte.
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cold winters-scrap San Francisco and Denver.
humidity-Charlotte is out?
dog friendly- OC and Santa Barbara are out.
Coonclusion- San Diego. Very dog friendly, lots of hip young professionals, laid back and great weather all year long.