Hello All,
I recently happened on the Fodors forums by accident and have been hooked every since. Here is my dilemma. I am a 32 y/o male, not married and no kids. I am educated and work in the financial services (money management/stock research) field. Been in Richmond VA for the past ten years and am ready to move. Looking for more metropolitan, more culture, and a fantastic singles scene! The young professional scene, in Richmond sucks in my opinion!. In my field NYC is the obvious choice but I'm still questioning the quality of life aspect. Places I'm considering include Chicago (top choice), Boston, Philly, Charlotte, Baltimore, Florida. Here are my initial thoughts. Chicago: Most like NYC but cheaper, Can have a car. Fear-Will I feel isolated in Midwest, not near a coast. Boston is probably the best in terms of my career. Fear is too cold also I heard there are racial tensions in Boston. Is this true? (I am an African American who appreciates all). I think I would like the quality of life in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, but I am worried about lack of career options. The DC area is always an option as well. Any insight on these or any other suggestions would be most appreciated! Would especially like to hear from someone who moved from Richmond. Also, which has the colder climate...Boston or Chi town? I heard Boston was much worse.

Don't move to Boston if the cold is an issue. And yes there are lots of undercurrents there if you ask me.

I'd vote for DC area.....Alexandria/Arlington maybe.

LOL, gladiator. I moved from Richmond in the early 70s after getting a graduate degree at VCU and marrying a guy from CA. I loved being single in Richmond, and one reason was because there were so many guys there just as you describe yourself, educated and professional!

Have you looked into the SF Bay Area to address your quality of life needs.

I've lived for many years in both Chicago and Boston. Boston is slightly cooler in the summer and slightly warmer in the winter. Boston gets more snow on average, but Chicago is more likely to experience bitter, bitter cold. Check this website for a comparison: http://www.weather.com/outlook/trave...mpare/USMA0046

Anyone move from Richmond VA recently and found it was the best/worst decision they made? I have to get out of here...yes I know the cost of living is cheap compared to any other happening place (except maybe midwest0

I just moved from Richmond, and I miss it. But I have a baby, and it's a great place to raise a family.

If I were you, I'd head straight for DC. The young professional scene in DC is second only to NYC in the US. Plus you don't have to deal with NYC winters.

Gladiator-

Look into Charlotte- a good singles scene, Southern, has BIG financial district outside of Atlanta, comparatively lower cost of living than DC- You need a car to get around-and the weather is the BEST!