...Just want to know where you live and what it is like as a resident.......

But that was my earlier point. That approach will not give you much useful information. The vast majority of the posters will like their area for their reasons. Which may not be your reasons. The responses are raising valid point which must be considered. Also, your are coming across as a little passive so maybe you are not that motivated to move anywhere and just want to talk about - which is fine.

What I like about Richmond....

No traffic issues
Moderate cost of living
Good schools
Nice people, friendly
Good restaurants and shopping
All four seasons of weather

My only significant dislike is lack of public transportation

You've been on Fodors for 10 years. You should know how things go on here; not always on the path you'd like them to follow.

Also - Keep in mind this is a travel website, the US board is about travel in US - not a relocation which as you say is a whole 'nother thing. In fact, thread may not even belong on this board....

Thanks JanetKMR.

fmpden: just started the discussion to hear from people about what it is like to live where they live or have lived. I am fully aware that everyone has different likes and they might not be mine, still like to hear about their place of residence. During our travels when we go through certain areas, I always wonder what it is like to live in that place and what people do for a living. Just something I find interesting.

I agree with fmpden, I'm not sure that other people's views will really help that much, although I was enjoying the discussion despite my flash of anger.

For one thing, I tried to think of things people hate about Tampa, just as an exercise.
--the weather (obviously!)
--the moneyed, glitzy superficiality of South Tampa
--the long commutes from MacDill AFB to more affordable suburbs
--the lack of public transportation
--high property taxes
--high home insurance rates--and flood insurance, forget about it!
--hurricanes
--sinkholes
--dearth of walkable neighborhoods

Is there anyone here who couldn't make a similar list about their home town or city?

Yes DebitNM, I have seen how it goes on Fodor forums sometimes.......have to weed through the junk.

Not a relocation website, but gave it a shot. Where do you live?

'Tween Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

DebitNM, your info on ABQ was helpful and interesting. Why do you say no to El Paso?

vjpblovesitaly: circumstances of waving at people. I am speaking of just waving to people in our nieghborhood as we drive down the street. Most of the time we get that "I don't know you" sort of look.

Grethcen,

I think you were talking with me a while back when we were supposed to go to Charlotte. I had pulled a few houses within our budget to check out during the trip but had to cancel. They were all within the towns/cities that were recommended as being nicer communities. I found many nice looking houses that were under $200,000. Maybe we will make it down there at some point.

Ah, yes. Sorry you didn't get here. I do think it would be worth a look for you. We were quite amazed when going with DD househunting at what is happening literally all over Charlotte--within the city itself. and the nearby small towns would definitely have good value housing also.

This should give you some insight to my no vote on El Paso. It is a few years old, but I'd say stii pretty accurate. Google - living in El Paso pros and cons for more

http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/to...ut-el-paso-tx/

<Just want to know where you live and what it is like as a resident>

Well I'm crazy for Seattle. I like it because it's liberal, progressive, and has lots of interesting things going on. Job market is decent. Housing market is OK. Weather is temperate (not too hot, not too cold, rarely snows). Really traffic is my only complaint here.

But that is completely not helpful to anything you're asking about for yourself (the point people are trying to make above).

Without making this a political discussion--really, no!--, suze's post above reminded me that the prevailing political and religious climate in the place I live matters to me and would figure into my thinking were we to relocate. No place is monolithic, of course, there are people of all persuasions pretty much everywhere, and maybe the OP is not as political as I am, but still, I'd think it would be a factor among many.

I couldn't/wouldn't live in a red state.

Not a political person at all. I do like the mindset and west coast way of thinking compared to the east coast.

I'll check out your El Paso link. We visited the area a few years back and it seemed nice, newer areas with the usual amenities/shopping, and all the people we met were very welcoming. Also included days in Socorro, Hatch, and Las Cruces, NM areas.

I am not a political person either. Not at all. I just prefer to live in a more liberal environment. There are lots of reasons for that, it's not only "political" the difference between red and blue states.

I actually like both West Coast and (northern) East Coast "thinking". I do not find them dissimilar at all. "Down South" is another kettle of fish entirely.

Just read that El Paso link. I have always heard about El Paso being one of the safest cities in the United States. When we were there, we talked to a bartender who has family in Juarez and he said it is horrible (which I knew) and does not even visit them. But, he had no problem with El Paso. We found the area quite enjoyable.

We also found the Detroit area to be better than we had always heard and the people were really nice.

I advise against El Paso due to it's proximity to Ciudad Juarez. There have been incidents on the bridges between them.
Juarez also has some nice areas but I won't be returning there.

I live in a red state (sometimes) and a blue county/city. it is a little disingenuous to paint it all as one. I can go whole YEARS without inquiring of my neighbors how they voted. I can ally myself with organizations that represent my social and societal values.