Austin, Texas

mireaux7~ Seattle is not some "far off place". and I think maybe YOU didn't read her inquiry well enough, becaseu she specifically asked about a city on the West Coast and included the state of Washington.

I've lived in a bunch of places, including Northern and Southern California. San Diego would be my absolute top choice for you. There are many parts of SD you can live in as well depending on your budget and preferences.

In terms of the Bay area, it is definitely affordable to live in South Berkeley/North Oakland area and you will still be close to SF, especially if you live close to BART. It's only a 20 min ride. However, I personally always felt that that area was depressing and dirty compared to places like San Diego, Orange County and many parts of LA.

Also, I live in LA right now and I would have to ask what exactly you don't like about it besides traffic and smog, because those things are easily avoidable. If you live in a convenient place, away from downtown you will never have to get on the 405 or the 5. In comparison to Northern California, I would say living expenses are much cheaper in Southern California. There just isn't as much competition in main parts of the Bay area, so if you don't have a car or are not willing to drive more than 15 mins, usually in traffic, to get to a "cheaper" store, you will always end up spending a lot more money there on daily expenses. For example, in LA, there are usually 4-5 supermarket options within a 3-5 minute drive. You will probably find one at most that close in the Bay area, or most likely it will be a small family-owned store which is always more expensive.

I agree with you about NY

Has anyone noticed this is an old post?

Oops, no I hadn't... wonder why it got going again.

I've lived in NY (Brooklyn) my whole life and have been wanting to leave for quite a while. New York is great to visit but as a place to live does not provide the quality of life I value.

Since I think inso and I have the same criteria, here is what I've come up with after lots of research:

In no particular order:

San Diego North County (San Marcos/Escondido area)*
Sonoma*
Denver
Portland
San Luis Obispo
Santa Cruz*/San Jose
Phoenix

*these are places I've already visited, the rest are on the "to see" list. Sonoma is expensive and so doesnt fit the economic criteria but I threw it in since I really loved it (and believe that if there's a will, there's a way).

I am very health-conscious and nature-oriented, and like access to farmer's markets, organic foods, food/wine festivals. I love cities that are both eco-friendly and asthetically beautiful yet have a vibrant culture, "real" downtown, and access to an airport.

Gosh, I would think it might be ANYWHERE you could GET A JOB, assuming you might need one to sustain yourself. That usually dictates where one MIGHT live. Good luck. Halfpint

ITS AN OLD POST LET IT DIE.