I live in the Minneapolis area.

I've lived in LA, NYC, Chicago, Dallas, Tulsa, DC, and Denver. All had good points and bad points. No place is perfect, and no place is terrible.

Minneapolis has the 3 things that make me happy: 1) Soul... neighborhoods with character and history 2) Civic pride. Don't like a place where residents don't care about the community. Minneapolis and Chicago have the most civic pride of anywhere I've lived. 3) Abundant outdoor activities. For this reason, I also enjoyed Denver and LA, but Minneapolis has it too.

Having family nearby is a plus. And I don't mind cold weather at all. Someone who did would obviously choose a more southern locale.

Cargillman: One of my college roommates is an accountant for Cargill living in Minneapolis.

Minnesota has always been home. Family is here. Love the theater scene in Minneapolis. We have LOTS of woods and water. Excellent schools. Liberal politics. AND I actually love Winter!

My family has been in central MA for 4 generations. Nobody EVER leaves for more than a year... I hate the winter, corrupt politicians-(How many of your Senators have killed a woman-Ted Kennedy- yet he keeps getting reelected?) heating and car insurance thru the roof....
To quote Jimmy Buffett, "I wanna goo where it's warm!" OAHU!!

Because the ex-Mrs. Pistofferson is 3217 miles away!! And, of course, my job is here - inside my home I have a studio. I can't imagine leaving.

Pis

We in IL and in Chicago, LEAKYTIKI1, most probably have you beat for corrupt politicians. And not just in the present century or the previous, either. Louisiana has more than an honorable mention as well.

But family is family. And they ALL come back, even with our weather.

Atlanta. For about 22 years I think. Came here out of school for my first job. I moved to Richmond, VA for a year after being here for a few years. Didn't like it at all so I came back. If you live in Richmond, please don't take that personally. I'm sure I was the problem there. Virginia is a beautiful state. No doubt about that.

Anyway, I've really enjoyed living in Atlanta. Occasionally I do think about moving elsewhere. Usually while sitting in traffic. :( But, the truth is, there are alot of other things I would miss about living here. Good restaurants, lots of entertainment options, easy access to alot of places via the international airport. Just to name a few. I definately won't say that I'll never leave Atlanta. Even if I did move somewhere else, I think I'd always want to have a little condo or something here. I do love the coast of SC and have often thought of moving to that area. The last 2 hurricane seasons have kind of dampened that though. However, I still wouldn't mind having a condo in that area.

Kal,

Did you hear about the two cows chatting in their pasture? The first one said, "Mad cow disease really has me concerned." The other cow said, Yes, me too. That's why I am glad I am a penguin."

I grew up in New York City but always loved the country. Traveling around in the Army, I knew I could never go back to cold weather after three years in Hawaii. Lived in Orlando 18 years but moved to Gainesville (North Central Florida) area two years ago to escape the out of control urban sprawl that Orlando has become. Now I have five acres, a horse and numerous other pets, and true peace of mind. I love canoeing and kayaking down the many rivers, and the people are much friendlier than they were in Orlando. Plus the rest of Florida is still just right out the door for weekend trips!

South Alabama, because of family and jobs.

When I was young, I had fantasies of Peace Corp, or living/working in London for awhile. Instead, I married and I've grown to love it here! Still enjoy traveling to other places though!

After our visit to Hawaii this past summer, I definately would be interested spliting my retirement between the two locales!

We'll see....

Belle

I'll also answer for DH: Because of the great deer & turkey hunting!;;)

Belle

For most of my life, southern California but now, Mesquite, Nevada. Moved here sixteen months ago because I can afford early retirement here and could not in Calif plus it is as close as I can get to my kids and grandkids and still be in a state where my health insurance remains valid.

I moved here for practical reasons but have found I like living here on the edge of the desert and mountains quite a lot. The fact that the home I bought has increased in value 35% in that sixteen months is a bit of a bonus.

Wow, Birgator, I loved your story! Your town sounds incredible!

You should meet Birgator in person---she is as delightful as her post. Enjoyed meeting you B, at the Atlanta GTG. :)

We live in Pittsburgh-Upper St Clair to be exact. We cannot stand it. We have lived in four other places previous to this; Chagrin Falls, Oh., Huntsville, Al., Cape Cod, Ma. and Rockford, Il. and this is by far the absolute worst! We think it is because of all the places we have lived, this is the most exclusive as far as the people go. Oh, they're friendly enough on the outside, but when it comes to welcoming you into their group...forget it! We have since learned that Pittsburgh is one of the highest for people growing up here and staying here. Believe me, it shows!!

Was born and raised in a small rural section of Ohio, got married and moved to Columbus when I was 21. After being in the house for three months with two children and zero weather, I put up a fuss and we moved to the west coast of Florida. The day I hit the Florida border, I felt I was home and 40 years later, I still feel the same. Love the sunshine and warm winter..can tolerate August..it is only 30 days long!

Was born in Indiana, but moved to WV as a child. I've lived here ever since. I live in a beautiful spot in WV and we get a lot of snow in the winter, but our falls and summers are very nice. I love to travel, but I'm always ready to come home to WV, it's a beautiful state with very friendly people and very low crime rate.

Moved here to Washington in Sept (after living my whole life in Central Jersey) mainly for 1 reason- the cost of living in NJ was sucking the life out of me!Couldn't afford to step out of management and stay in Jersey.Didn't have enough time with my daughter,IMO. Besides,oldest sister has been out here since '90,and now she's got some of her family out here with her.It isn't always easy not to have the majority of family and all of my friends so far away, but the move was made with the best interest of myself and my daughter in mind. I'm truly happy with my decision, even after all of that rain the last few months! This is a beautiful area to live,especially on a sunny day.

Was hesitant at first when I moved to the Sarasota area. Everyone told me from the north that the schools are bad,a lot of rednecks,and the traffic was bad.
Was not all true. We are in an area with great schools,beautiful landscaping,great weather most of the time,people from all walks of life, nice mix. Now if I go closer to the city area where some of the original florideans reside,I see the rednecks and some of the old south come out,but most of them mean well they are just not use to different areas of the country. All in all it is a great life. Near beaches,sports,close enough to Disney,yet far enough away. Golf courses are great also. One of my clients moved down here a long time ago and told me how great it was,we visited every year and said one day we would move down to the area,and here we are.

The Coast Guard played a major role in our move to the Seattle area in 1960, and having lived on the east and gulf coasts while in service we find the Northwest to be the best place (I'm from northern Indiana...she's from Connecticut).

The weather is moderate compared to anywhere else we have lived, but the thing that stands out in my mind it is NO BUGS. We seldom see a fly or mosquito.

Bob Gardner

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh. Loved the city and the people, but not the weather! So, now I'm in Jacksonville,FL for a new job and beautiful weather! This is definitely an up and coming area.

Live in Maryland--about 40 miles from both DC and Baltimore. It's a beautiful state, and the town I live in now is still a small one, although growing rapidly with commuters. I love the change of seasons, the (relatively!) mild winters and the friendly people. MD has everyting--mountains to beaches, urban areas and small towns. Employment has always been high, and not dependent on one particular industry, and most of the schools are wonderful.

I live on Maryland's Eastern Shore because I prefer a rural lifestyle for my family and myself. As I work two blocks from the White House, I have an abnormal commute during which I have "read" scores of audiobooks that I wouldn't normally have had the chance to read. Once my oldest child no longer needs intense medical supervision (he has an open-heart surgery in one week and thusly I am tied to my medical provider), my wife and I plan to go even more rural and turn our backs on the alienating ratrace which American life has evolved.

After DH has spent three days battling and dismantling dams across our stream (we're calling him "Anti-Beaver") I couldn't resist answering this question.

Answer: "it seemed like a good idea at the time." If we ever get finished with this place I MAY have another answer. But, since we moved here in November I have been so busy with the house (renovation, decoration, de-beaveration, etc.) that we've only had time for a quick trip to Paris (New Year's weekend) and another long weekend on Amelia Island. I think I would rather travel than live in a house that is so time-consuming. Our A.I. trip was this last weekend, perhaps their coldest in history---just our luck! DH was attending a meeting and Number 3 Son and I tagged along.

On a scale of 1-10:

Weather, 2. It rained one day in addition to being freezing cold.

Shopping, 5.5. I found botanical prints and other accessories for The House.

Food, 4.2. Not impressive, but edible. Disappointing for the Ritz.

Tennis, -1. Son took expensive lesson in the freezing rain while Czech instructor blithely carried on despite icicles forming on his eyebrows!

But overall the Ritz-Carlton was, and is, still the best place to stay ever. Beautiful, well-kept, wonderful employees. I asked a question about the carpet in one of the rooms and was called within the hour with the name and phone number of the decorating firm and the manufacturer of the carpet. <i>That's</i> service.

I live in Moscow, Russia and don't have the reason to move somewhere else. I like my country, my place of living, our history and culture. So many black and white spots in it, mystery and glorious pages, nature, food, customs ....
But I am also keen on other cultures, customs. The greatest wish to see everything in this world.

I live in Southern Utah. Was raised In Las Vegas, but gladly moved to a better place to raise my kids. I can hike gorgeous Zion or Bryce canyon, enjoy scenic Pine Valley or go sking up in the mountainsor maybe go to Lake Powell all this within a hour and a half from my home. I can see for miles just from my house. People are friendly and slowly we are getting more diversified, I am so glad. We have a small town feeling because we are small town compared to everywhere else. It is a little hot in the summer but I would take that anyday over humidity- YUK! I love it here. And every time I go back to Vegas and see the smog, traffic and craziness that city is all about I am so glad I left.
I love it here!!

But I would love to go to Moscow Russia someday, I love learning about new cultures and makeing new friends.

Well, that would be great to find new friends from different countries. If u need advice what to see and where to go in Moscow, I am at ur disposal :-)
http://www.unclepasha.com/moscow_virtual.html

I live in NW Wisconsin in what you'd probably call &quot;the sticks&quot;. Don't like the winters very much but if I can get away for a short vacation to someplace warm in February, I make do. (Course as I get older and my body temperature has increased, the cold can be a blessing):S- The summers here on our little lake are lovely and I have a screened in porch that I absolutely LOVE! Live within a couple of miles of my two kids and five grandkids, so life is good:) Wouldn't move anywhere although I probably wouldn't mind a month or two in the &quot;south&quot; when I retire:) Pam

What a great thread! Yes, I'll be happy to tell you why I live in Dallas.

It combines the dynamics and economy of a fast-growing sunbelt city with a smattering of the appeal and urban character of a big Northeastern or European city. It has a real pedestrian-oriented urban residential core outside of its business district, whereas so many other sunbelt cities are just a downtown surrounded by sprawl. It has a rapidly expanding rail transit system. It has world-class dining, entertainment and cultural life, as you only get in the very largest North American cities...

And these urban treats come at a very low price... inexpensive housing, plenty of job opportunity, much more affluence and disposable income than you find in LA, San Francisco or Chicago.

Could I be talking about Atlanta as well? Maybe, but Dallas/Ft Worth is bigger and faster, and has more to offer, mostly because it is a larger market and has a much larger population to support what you want in a big city.

What about the countryside? Well, no ocean, but plenty of forests and big lakes, with campsites, hiking and water sports on them. I spend a lot of time camping and hiking in a rugged area called the Cedar Hills... and there are several different clmactic zones within a days drive...

But yes, the summers are hot. And I deal with that... mostly, I don't mind...

I was born and raised in Minnesota. I never had a desire to live anywhere else and I have traveled and toured every state in the U.S. except Alaska, which DH and I will be visting in May. I love Minnesota. We have the four seasons, snow for Christmas. I spent a Christmas and then a New Year with my DS who at the time lived in Mississippi, and it just was not the same without snow. And I love Mississippi, but not to move there. Anyway oh we have mosquitoes, tornado's and yes it gets very cold here some years (not this year though), but there is absolutely no state in the U.S. that is perfect. So therefore I will remain here. I am 68 years old, and have lived in Minnesota for 68 years and hope to spend another at least 15 years or more here.

Husband and I moved to Virgina Beach in 1990 (work related) and have been here ever since. Love the options of the beach, mountains, snow, no snow....can't beat it.

While in the Air Force I traveled to nearly every U.S. state. Then, after graduate school in Kansas, I was offered a job in Oregon (Willamette Valley). Thirty-two years later I'm still here. I've found beautiful scenery and warm people in every state I've visited, but Oregon has that and more. We have some of the best summer and Fall weather in the country (seldom gets into the 90's, and virtually no rain). It does rain in the winter (light enough that some folks golf in it), but only snows every three or four years on average. In the Cascades we have snow skiing almost 10 months a year (U.S. ski team has trained on Mt. Hood during early summer). The ski areas had 200 inches of snow on the slopes this winter.

For winter sun we drive across the Cascades (2 1/2 hours)to Bend or Sunriver. Sometimes we drive to the coast to watch winter storms.

As someone said earlier, we don't have many mosquitos and flys (and NO chiggers). And now that I'm retired we can travel in the winter and spring months...we're off to Spain in three weeks.

Fortunately, we all have our &quot;druthers,&quot; which keeps us from all living in the same place.

Dallas. My job and some great friends keep me here. DFW is a hub which works well for my husband who is a consultant.

Minneapolis -- so I can answer questions on Fodors about Mpls ....like &quot;should I really go to the Mega Mall?&quot;

Born and raised in the OC. I can be in the mountains or the desert in under 2 hours and walk 2 blks to the beach. Sun, sun, sun. 10 mins to work and family is all here. Life is good! If I had to live elsewhere it would have to be amongst the wildlife in Southern Africa.

Lived in NYC since 1998. Had a crossroad situation last year where I was considering moving to FL or CA. I ended up staying back in NYC and bought my first co-op 6 months ago.

I love NYC because: (1) I prefer the subway commute to driving, and even if I took the cab once a week, it comes out cheaper than owning and driving a car; (2) You can't beat the convenience of everything around you -- I can get milk or OJ at 3 AM in the morning at the 24-hour korean grocery store or roast chicken with mash potatoes at the neighborhood diner across the street; (3) The cultural diversity -- I can get authentic Thai, Korean, Cuban, Irish, German, Morrocan, etc. cuisines whenever I feel like it.

But I do miss a couple of things: (1)b eing near my family; (2) Big apartments; (3) slower pace of life.

Oh well, when I retire....maybe I will move to Colorado or upstate. :-)

I live in Phoenix because it is warm, warrm, warrrm, warrrrmmm, and did I mention WARM!
((D))8-)

As with Stephanie above.....

&quot;One word: family

no amt of attractions and weather can substitute for that.&quot;

I drew a line on the map....found the furthest point on the continent from my family, and moved there!

Because this is where I was raised, and because I had familial obligations that kept me here.

Now I don't. So now I must decide where to let the wind take me.....

Funny, Mark! But I must tell you that my only brother and I fought like the proverbial cats and dogs, to the point at which my exhausted mother threw up her hands and sent us to boarding schools on different continents. They offered us Alaska and Australia as potential college choices. My less patient father offered to put us in the backyard with the weapons of our choice, and said that the survivor would be allowed to come back into the house as an only child. (He was a big kidder, Dad.)

My brother died a few years ago of a massive heart attack at age 46. I would give anything to get those uncommunicative years back.