No, NorthwestMale, I didn't mean to say that the number of Starbucks a city has or even having one is a good indicator of the quality of life there. But you can get an idea of the kind of people who live in an area by sampling the patrons of a local Starbucks.

Andrew

Wow, this is the first thread I've taken part in, and it's been interesting to read all the follow-ups. I felt a pang knowing that the great homes I'd looked at in Philly had probably been sold by now but also realize that I'm unlikely to find as (relatively) fulfilling a work situation in Philly as I have in NY. There simply aren't the opportunities in my field available in Phila. that there are in Manhattan. And commuting to Malvern or Valley Forge or King of Prussia, where a lot of companies are based, from downtown sounds like it would totally suck. A comment: Moving to Philly wouldn't be moving "home," as you had mentioned, unless you actually moved in with your parents. You'd still have a fun city to explore and make your own. After all, living downtown would be nothing like living in the Main Line suburbs. I grew up right near there, and while I have sentimental attachments to that area in particular, I get a charge from walking around/going out/exploring in Center City. Frankly, I don't think that sense of energy is possible hanging out on Lancaster Ave. I'd also advise living in Philly as a renter for a while (and you can tell me how it goes) to gauge your feelings for the city but holding onto your lease in NY! That's my fear: I leave NY for Philly, sell my apt., decide I want to come back to NY but can't afford it anymore. Although maybe having more than one closet, a washer/dryer located in my apt., and a guest room, rather than a guest couch, would make it worth it.

Hi all, this has really given me a lot to digest.
I've narrowed down my choices to
1. Denver 2. Philadelphia 3. Portland
Any further commentaries on these cities appreciated.
Thanks again.

Author: citycentric
Date: 06/02/2006, 02:36 pm
Wow, this is the first thread I've taken part in, and it's been interesting to read all the follow-ups. I felt a pang knowing that the great homes I'd looked at in Philly had probably been sold by now but also realize that I'm unlikely to find as (relatively) fulfilling a work situation in Philly as I have in NY. There simply aren't the opportunities in my field available in Phila. that there are in Manhattan. And commuting to Malvern or Valley Forge or King of Prussia, where a lot of companies are based, from downtown sounds like it would totally suck.


>>>>
Citycentric:
Yeah a reverse commute wouldn't be fun or easy.
Here's a good message forum if youre still thinking of moving back to Philly area:
phillyblog.com
I think I need to spend some time visiting Philadelphia and the Main Line before I leave for Portland or Denver.
Ive barely spent time in Philadelphia proper growing up.
And it's apparently improved since then.

copperplum,

While I have been to all three of those cities, I think it more sensible that I liken your situation to that of a girl who submitted numerous college applications and who has a "first choice", a "second choice", and even a "fifth choice".

Even though that college student-to-be wants to have a say over the evolution of her future, I feel that if fate steps in and simply tells her to go to some random spot, she'll MAKE or CREATE the life that awaits her there.

I think it is quite a triumph that you've narrowed it down to three spots, without much more than 'nothing' to go on. Just pick one on impulse or with regard to your grandmother.

Your enjoyable future awaits no matter which you select.

I think you should stick with Philly, since your family is there, but it has also emerged as the "new" NY (according to the NY Times, itself!!) Lots of expat New Yorkers have moved in because it cheaper. There is a condo boom, and there are lots of cool hang outs. I think that as long as "home" is a decent choice, with viable career options & exciting social opportunities, you are better off sticking with that option.

I'm 38, and moved back "home-ish" after grad school.(did college in Texas, NJ,and Chicago) First lived in upstate NY, and almost died of boredom. Moved to Princeton area 10 years ago, and have balanced my career with being close to the folks (but not too close), and am happy for the choice. I'm glad I'm "from" a good area, where I can make a great living in the career of my choice, and still live where my family put down its roots. I say stick near your family, because once they're gone, that's it. Get a time share in Colorado & hang out on your vacation. I think Philly is more happening & progressive, anyway. Get a place with a rooftop deck & look at the stars..!

PS: I almost moved to Colorado, myself, in my 20's. Lured by the beauty, but put off by lack of career options...

Hmm, would Maryland work? There are some nice areas there near the PA line. It might be a nice balance anyway.

Denver still gets lots of praise.....so I think you're right on track putting that one high up on your list. I'm actually considering a move to Colorado Springs and even started a thread today about it. A lot of big city East Coasters will tell you nothing compares to their big and vibrant city but they obviously know nothing about the West - it's two completely different settings. It's all about preferences. I'd never want to live in a big city like NYC but I'm not gonna put it down. It's just not my style - not how I grew up.

But there are still plenty of big cities out West where you can still experience the outdoors (Denver being one of the top candidates). San Fran is in a wonderful location but I don't fit in there and the prices are ridiculous. I grew up on the Puget Sound and Seattle is a great place but still not really my style anymore. If you look around that area, try the Bellevue or Kirkland areas. It's a little pricier there but hey....you're from NYC - you know expensive, lol. I've lived in Vancouver, WA, which is across the river from Portland but I never got a feel for that city. If you were to pick between the two, I'd go with the Seattle metro area. Dating is a little better up in Seattle. However, since these are outdoor places, the dating scene will never match that of the East Coast cities. Even though there are a lot of self-absorbed folk, many are friendly as well. And Eastern WA is the exact opposite of Western WA in terms of climate. That half of the state gets little rainfall and over 300 sunny days a year in most areas. Hot summers and cold winters. So you'll always have a change of pace just across the mountains, less than 2 hours away.

Probably my biggest reason for you to pick a Western location is the mere idea that you'd be able to experience an entirely new setting. You're young and this is the time to be trying these things (geez, i'm only 23 - trying not to sound like your mom, lol). Just like if I were to move out East I'd probably pick a North Carolina city. For the East Coast, that would be more like my style. So maybe Denver is your style of the West.

Whatever path you go down, good luck!