Where's a great place to live?
 

My husband (a brilliant financial analyst) and I (his obviously adoring wife)are looking to relocate from Los Angeles. <BR>Our stats: <BR>We're both over 30, college educated, no kids, love sophisticated nightlife and great restaurants.<BR><BR>What city offers:<BR>a) good employment opportunities<BR>b) culture and plenty to do<BR>c) a high standard of living at fair prices?

Indianapolis...I know, you are laughing right now. Indy has several job opportunities, museums, athletic attractions (Speedway!), and great restaurants. There is also great nightlife in Broad Ripple. There are several suburbs with affordable and safe neighborhoods. You can have a high standard of living here without the high prices.

I live in San Diego & wouldn't want to live anywhere else! Unfortunately, the cost of living here isn't cheap or even reasonable. We have plenty of wonderful restaurants in the Gaslamp, La Jolla etc, theater, museums, Seaworld, zoo. The weather is spectacular, we are 2 hrs from Big Bear & Palm Springs. It's great! Like I said though the housing is expensive. We bought a small 3 BR, 2BA 4 yrs ago for $229,000 that is now worth almost $350,000! It's ridiculous. Condo's can go for $300,000. Best of Luck!

RE: Where's a great place to live?<BR>Close to family. If at all possible choose a city that fills your specifications that is closest to your families. Friends, come and go. Sometimes jobs come and go but a family that loves and supports you is forever and it's nice to grow old with them.

NY has all what you're looking for.

You won't find any cities in the USA which would make a top 10 list in each of your categories. They are mutually exclusive.<BR>Growth/tech cities by and large have the best employment opportunities but are often newish and lacking in refined cultural opportunities.<BR><BR>Charlotte: growth is good, standard of living is good but not top 10, cultural opportunities are not top 20. <BR><BR>Raleigh/Durham: growth and employment opportunites are excellent, cost of living pretty good for what you get (including weather/seasons which are very nice values added), and cultural opportunities unusually good for an area this size due to Duke/UNC/NC State universities. But not a great cross section of restaurants or cosmopolitanism/sophistacted nightlife.<BR><BR>Chicago: top 10 in culture and restaurants, excellent opportunities in finance area, sophistacated nightlife is available, crummy weather, cost of living isn't great.<BR><BR>Minneapolis: top 12-15 in culture, top 15 for restaurants and shopping, nightlife isn't what I'd consider sophisticated, weather is bottom 10, cost of living is very good relative to amenities.<BR><BR>Washington DC: top 10 restaurants, top 5 culture, top 5 sophisticated nightlife, great opportunities in finance, poor cost of living and life stress index, pretty good weather profile overall (hot, humid summers--cool winters).<BR><BR>NYC: numero uno in cultural opportunities and 'sophistication', best restaurants in US, financial center of the world, very high cost of living unless you want to commute quite a distance.<BR><BR>Boston: top 10 cultural opportunities with relatively sophisticated scene, great restaurants, solid financial opportunites, very expensive, very poor weather (due to long gray winters).<BR><BR>Philly: poor man's NYC. Less of everything NYC has going for it, with more reasonable cost of living, more crime.<BR><BR>Indianapolis: cost of living is great, but if you're looking for culture (as in museums, music, theater etc not car racing and monster truck shows) it's not top 20 and what's there is not 'sophisticated'.<BR><BR>Austin: growth off the charts, fair cost of living relative to other top cities, decent weather (but long hot summers), top 25 restaurants, culture is less 'sophisticated' than young/energetic, with heavy southwestern/cowboy influence. University of Texas helps.<BR><BR>Phoenix: rapid growth but flagging tech/financial market at present, top 25 restaurants, top 30 culturally (that is, poor for an area this size and not 'sophisticated' at all), vary fair cost of living, weather a big minus if you like LA.<BR><BR>Atlanta: top 15 restuarants, sophisticated 'society based' nightlife but not as much in the way of cultural opportunities for the society outsider--that is not top 15 for museums/theater/music, good opportunities in finance, nice housing options but cost of living higher than the median of the top 20, very humid/hot summers, nouveau riche attitude prevails.<BR><BR>I don't know San Diego, SF or Seattle too well. I wouldn't bother with Miami, Cleveland, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Baltimore, New Orleans, Nashville, SLC. ?Denver<BR>

These type of questions are so idiotic. ("Hi! You don't know me from Adam's cat, but would you be ever so kind as to decide one of the most important things in life for me.") It's especially idiotic when someone is moving from an area that has everything they are looking for.<BR><BR>That aside, how about Memphis...no, wait - I'll throw the dart again...

Oh piss off Frank, you just cruise through the posts and add your 2 cents worth and nothing of use?

Frank's just pissed because he can't get past that assistant manager's job at the gas station convenience store in Tupelo, Mississippi.<BR>So he dumps on everyone else's parade.<BR>Hey Frank, throw on some extra hot dogs over at the rotisserie. I might be driving through this evening.<BR>

I think that cd gave the best advice, I think that those who chose to live far from family miss out on alot.

You didn't mention weather requirements....being that you're from Los Angeles you're probably very spoiled with nice mild climates year around. If you can live with COLD, Chicago is a wonderful city that has all the culture and opportunities you're looking for. Believe it or not, Boulder is another city that has a lot to offer in the way of opportunities. It also has the beauty and esteem you'd like. If weather is a consideration than you need to head for Orange County or San Diego....definitely stay in California weather wise. i've lived in lots of areas due to my husbands job so I'm familiar with many great cities. Do NOT go to Florida, it was one of the worst places I lived. I had wonderful friends and neighbors there but would never return due to their terrible hot and humid weather (lots of bugs there too!) Helen

Maybe I'm missing something but, assuming you live in one of the Southern California lovely suberbs....aren't you leaving what you just described as wanting? I've never lived in Southern California but have vacationed there several times. Everything you described is right out your door....maybe move North to Santa Barbara (wonderful but without the night life you're looking for) or Orange County (also wonderful and full of upscale Yuppies from what I saw). Sorry, it sounds like you think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence and from what I've seen traveling through out the USA, Southern California has it all....even with the horendous freeway traffic! You'd better give them some more thought before you leap. Julie from the midwest

Without knowing your tolerance or familiarity with very cold winters, this question is impossible to answer or even attempt to speculate. Shed some more light on this....?? Sam

I'd like to hear more about why you'd want to leave Southern California....what is it that you're trying to escape? I would highly recommend Austin though. There are lots of opportunities here and I'm sure the price of housing is far less than other growth cities. I've moved around myself but I absolutely love it here!! If you can handle freezing cold winters, Chicago is another great city.

Me again, I forgot to ask if you are planning to start a family? Raising children would have a bearing on what cities are recommended as well because than you get into the best school districts etc. Yes or No? Mona

Julie and Mona-They live in LA-what AREN'T they trying to escape?...ughhhhh

I think Mona asked a reasonable question....what are they trying to escape? When someone says they live in Los Angeles, it does not mean that they necessarily live in the city of Los Angeles (agree "Ugh") but this may be generic for living in Los Angeles County which has many WONDERFUL communities or just down the road an hour is Orange County which is far from an "Ugh" and has some very upscale, lovely towns. I agree that it is important to know why they're leaving the area they're considering leaving...certainly not for the weather! It could be the cost of housing....that ideal weather probably doesn't come cheap! Also, whether or not they plan to raise a family is important with regards to schools. Julie

I think Mona asked a reasonable question....what are they trying to escape? When someone says they live in Los Angeles, it does not mean that they necessarily live in the city of Los Angeles (agree "Ugh") but this may be generic for living in Los Angeles County which has many WONDERFUL communities or just down the road an hour is Orange County which is far from an "Ugh" and has some very upscale, lovely towns. I agree that it is important to know why they're leaving the area they're considering leaving...certainly not for the weather! It could be the cost of housing....that ideal weather probably doesn't come cheap! Also, whether or not they plan to raise a family is important with regards to schools. Julie

Chicago hands down.

Have you noticed that the one who asked this question is not participating in the dialogue?

hmmmm...a troll perhaps??

If I could live anywhere, it would be Ann Arbor, Michigan

Try Montreal, Canada for two-three years

Indianapolis?? I don't think so. I'd say Minneapolis. If you don't mind a few months of cold weather, its a great place to live. Excellent restaurants, theatre, museums, recreation, all major sport teams, clean air/water, relatively affordable homes, strong high-tech/corporate/medical/banking/retail center, and NWA hubs there so you can easily access warm climates when necessary. Oh yeah, and an entertaining governor to boot!

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL WHO REPLIED TO MY QUESTION :)<BR><BR>To Frank: Take a pill and get over whatever issues you have. The question may have seemed too general for you, but there are plenty of intelligent people that understood the question with out me going into boring details about who I am and our current lifestyle.<BR><BR>To Jack: Excellent info! Looks like you've done your homework!<BR><BR>To Helen & Sam: I don't mind the cold. In fact my husband and I lived in London, Ontario-Canada while he was getting his MBA. Why didn't we stay? Better job offers elsewhere.<BR><BR>To those who wonder why we want to leave LA:<BR><BR>Yes, LA has great weather, all the hot spots a city could ask for, but what it lacks, is affordable housing. We're very fortunate to have a decent household income (well over 100k) but even so, we can't afford a nice house in the city. LA housing falls into 3 general categories (omitting condo's) : 1) Very Expensive beautiful homes in prestigious areas ie; Beverly Hills, Brentwood, etc. 2) Track housing in "planned communities", and 3) Post war houses, which are very small, dated, need repairs, and still go for over half a million dollars.<BR><BR>Track housing with a minimum 45-minute commute to work is not our style. We're not the handyman types, so post war housing is not a good investment. As for BH and Brentwood, WE WISH!!<BR><BR>Thanks again for all your suggestions.<BR>We'll keep all your cities in mind during our search!<BR><BR>:)<BR>

Wanna no,<BR><BR>I think that it will be almost impossible to find a city which will meet all of your criteria. If you find such a place, please let us know. Thank you.

uNFORTUNATELY, ANY CITY THAT OFFERS the first 2 things you want, is going to be expensive because people will want to live there. No one has repealed the laws of supply and demand, or the law of gravity, yet.

Sweetheart, <BR>The question didn't seem too general for me, I thought I made it clear that it was just plain idiotic - that's all. In fact, you have just bolstered that fact by revealing that you are unable to afford (budget/spending issues here?) a nice residence in the vast LA area with "well over 100 thousand dollars per year". I live in a much more costly city and make less than that.<BR><BR>Let me throw the dart again -- Montgomery, Alabama! Sounds good!

Good to hear more about your requirements. Isn't Orange County more affordable for what you're looking for or would it be a long commute? Some of the nicest cities don't always have the best schools (unfortunately, I've learned this from moving around myself). Are schools of any importance in the selection process? It wasn't mentioned but i've learned you can't take decent school for granted. Mona

Well I guess your second response pretty much eliminates NYC - there was an article about people selling their apartments to rent in Manhattan because co-op condo values are still so high and rents are "down" to $2000-2200 or so for a average (650sf) 1BR.<BR>Your a & b clash with c. <BR>Do you want to live in real a city center (apt/townhouse) or do you want a real "house"? That is a big difference between a lot of cities.

So you live in the city m'am. <BR><BR>That's nice. <BR><BR>And your husband is a brilliant financial analyst. <BR><BR>That's nice. <BR><BR>And despite that brilliance the two of you only make "well over 100K" a year.<BR><BR>And "well over 100K" isn't enough for you to be happy on.<BR><BR>Excuse me mam, but what's wrong with this picture......<BR><BR>May I?<BR><BR>Well, lots of things.<BR><BR>The first and foremost is the number of morons who actually wrote advice to you....with the exception of Frank, the one true light in a world of phonies.<BR><BR>Two, if you can't live well on "well over 100K" per year then you are a sad, miserable spoiled little twerp who doesn't deserve the sympathy one would show a cockroach.<BR><BR>Three, if you aren't smart enough or ingenious enough to go out and make your own destiny and find your own place then just maybe you're overpaid for whatever it is you do.<BR><BR>Four, maybe your briliant husband isn't as brilliant as you think as I have a "bright" brother in law...who is a financial analyst in Virginia..and he makes well over a million dollars a year.<BR><BR>Let me suggest you downsize in LA, open up a savings account, go to church and count your blessings for what you have and never place another note on this travel board unless you have something to tell us about the beauty and wonder of Los Angelos.<BR><BR>Jack

Obviously a lot of people don't understand that $100K income doesn't count for much when you're trying to buy a home in Southern California.

Wanna no sure hit a nerve with you, Jack. Jealous that you have no adoring wife? That no one thinks you're brillant?

- Chicago<BR>- Austin<BR>- Minneapolis/St. Paul<BR>- Atlanta<BR>- Nashville<BR>- Seattle<BR>- Washington D.C.

Hi there wanna no. I live in Dallas Texas we have excellent job opportunities. We do have cultural activities although not on the grand scale that you may desire but we have them. Housing costs are rising because Dallas Fort Worth is exploding. The drawbacks here are the topography, it is flat. No ocean. No mountains. <BR>What is your definition of good housing? Also what is your price range we have everything here. Although everything south of the loop is getting pricier and pricier. Lakewood neighborhood you might like it is very eclectic and fun. The summers get hot but I am biased because I have grown so accustomed to the heat it does not bother me personally but many people that move here do not like it. Traffic is bad but nowhere near what you have to drive through..I think Dallasites do not realize how lucky they are in the grand scheme of things in relationship to traffic. Now the poster who suggested Austin is right on target. Austin is hip and fun. You really have more of an outdoors to enjoy. With the bust of the dotcoms housing sales have slowed down there.<BR>My husband and I make a very good living and we are reevaluating everything. We already live modestly. We are considering North Carolina, Charlotte or Raleigh-Durham. I fell in love with it when my husband was up there for a year. It is so breathtaking. I am personally trying to get a better quality of life. I am also considering South Carolina.<BR>Anyway I wish you the best of luck on your pursuits. Take your time. Most of all visit the places you are considering. What I might think is just great you may not care for...<BR>

Wow!<BR>What a COLOSSAL moron Jack-Dragnet is!<BR><BR>You have not a clue, my man.<BR>And you haven't paid attention to the info given by the poster, which makes you look even more foolish.<BR><BR>She and her husband are trying to find a place in the established upscale areas of LA, and in these areas virtually no one makes less than $300,000 per year. <BR>She said nothing about not being able to be happy on less, or on not being able to exist in a lesser area. All she said was that their dream was to have a nicer home in an area of LA they couldn't afford.<BR><BR>If you, Jack, have no goals in life, that's fine with me. And that's your business.<BR>But don't attempt to shackle others with your non-achieving, I'm-a-victim, lazy attitude. This country became the most desirable nation in the world because of the work ethic and drive to succeed shown by generations past. Were the first few generations of Americans as indifferent as you, the USA would be a lot more like Mexico.<BR><BR>Thank you for being one of the few, the prideless, who, fortunate for the rest of us, don't have any influence in shaping this country.

We have found the ideal city - a place between 100,000 and 300,000 somewhere in the western half of the country. But we like it just the way it is right now so we can't tell you where. Pretty river through town, clean water and air, low crime, large university, good schools and hospitals, highly educated residents, good restaurants.

I'll second the nomination for Dallas. <BR><BR>On a smaller scale, Houston and Atlanta might also fill the bill.<BR><BR>In Dallas, however, you'll find the most cultural/entertainment opportunities of the high growth/ high opportunity cities, and you'll find that prices are low relative to income... you'll have a higher standard of living than you do in LA, and in any of the other top 10 metros. Not just for housing, but for restaurants, clothing, all across the board.<BR><BR>If you're used to Los Angeles, you want a large city, not minor league metros like Raleigh, Austin, Nashville, etc. Populationwise, only four urban areas in the US are larger than Dallas... NY, LA, Chicago and San Francisco. And those four have much worse employment opportunities and also a lower standard of living than Dallas. <BR><BR>I'm writing this post on a Saturday night (actually Sunday morning) after having spent the evening at one Dallas entertainment center or another... the city is red-hot for entertainment. Even downtown Dallas is full of people on the streets with some new venues that have recently opened. You'd have plenty to do here.

San Francisco, Boston, London or Amsterdam...

YOUR REPETITIVE MYOPIC FACTUALLY INCORRECT HYPING OF DALLAS BORDERS ON BEING AN ILLNESS!!!!!!!<BR><BR>Give me a BREAK!!!!<BR><BR>Now you're trying to claim that Dallas has the best restaurants, shopping and housing in the ENTIRE USA???!!!<BR><BR>PLease, for anyone still reading this thread, understand that this aceplace character has some type of pathologic need to make Dallas sound like Eden on earth. Same as on other threads.<BR><BR>This is a quote from his post: "....you'll have a higher standard of living (in Dallas) than you do in LA, and in any of the other top 10 metros".<BR><BR>Now if that's not the definition of blind bias I'd like to know what is.<BR>DALLAS has better restaurants than NYC, Chicago, SF, even LA????<BR>Now come on. That's not even worth debating.<BR><BR>Dallas has better shopping than the above? Oh please. Not even close.<BR><BR>And housing? Other than Highland Park, Dallas is nothing but post-1950 ramblers, pseudo southwestern stuccos, and tarck homes. Where are the charming homes and nice unique neighborhoods so may other cities have?<BR>And to even imply that the housing in Dallas is the "best in the USA" just makes you look like a fool aceplace.<BR><BR>Please try not offer such baseless advice to people who might actually give it credence.<BR><BR>