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