Tell me where to live!

[Venetia]

In a few years, when my husband starts applying for law schools, I'm going to finally have my ticket out of this shitty state (Florida).

Now I know that much of the search for a new home will mostly depend on which law school accepts him, but if I can gear it in any direction, I'd like to.

Tell me about the cities you live in, and why you love it (or hate it). Tell me about places you've visited and liked, or downright hated, and why. Hell, let me know about where your friends have lived. Help me decide where to drop anchor.

Yes, this is for recreational purposes only. It will ultimately come down to my traveling the places I'm interested in and seeing what's nicest. But it's good to know about places from people who live there, so I can both decide on what places to visit, and what places to avoid like the plague. I'll probably be traveling these places I like several times over the next few years, so I figure an early start is a good idea.

Here are my requirements:

- Must be in the RED WHITE AND BLUE: Amerka.
- NOTHING IN THE SOUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Draw an imaginary line from Virginia to Arizona. Nothing below that line. California not included.
- Nothing too cold. I don't mind snow, but if its annual snow fall is any more than, say, 20 inches a year, hell no.
- Nothing too hot. If it gets above 90 degrees regularly in the summer months, count me out. But I already ruled out the south, so that's not a big deal.
- I like forests. I like crisp, clean air, lots of trees, mountains in the distance. I like hiking and ATV'ing and mountain biking and river rafting, so definitely something close to those amenities (by close, I mean no longer than a 30 minute drive--I'd live on the outskirts of a city of course).
- I don't want to live in/near a small town. I'm looking for medium-large to large cities (i.e. millions of residents). Cities that have atleast SOME form of nightlife or excitement is required, since I am a night owl.
- The city in question should have lots of culture. I'm looking for non-chain restaurants, lots of little shops, amenities. Lots of parks, recreational areas, museums, and cultural venues, perhaps including conventions, concerts, and theatre. That's pretty important to me since I want to be active (but can't right now since Tampa is such a cultural wasteland).
- Public school quality and religious facilities, I don't care about at all. I'm not religious and I'm [probably] never having kids.
- Oh, I have lived in: Phoenix AZ, San Diego CA, and Tampa FL (and lots of cities around those cities). I've visited lots of cities, but most of them were in the south. So I don't need to know about those cities.

_________

Right now I have my sights set on Oregon and Washington. If anyone lives there, tell me what you think. I've especially been eyeing Portland, since it's the City of Roses and has a ridiculous amount of gardens, parks, and forests. But I'm pretty open, as long as the city is surrounded by trees, isn't in the south, and doesn't get too cold.

_________

So let me hear about where you live (non-amurkans are of course allowed to say stuff. Remember, I like to travel, too, so knowing a nice place to VISIT is good, too!).

 

[JD_Slasha]

Hmmm. sounds like Lake Tahoe would be a good fit, but it's a small town... check it out tho', you might like it; there is a pretty lively nightlife here with the casinoes and nightclubs in town. Also you would get a whole lotta' great outdoorsy stuff. Camping, Hiking, all you could ask for. You'd have TONS of mountains, trees, wildlife, etc. And it's not a horribly boondocked town; there are houses within a decent proximity in the more forest areas and in the town area it looks like a smal bustling city. A very small close knit area, but you may like it, Vennie.

Just my two cents baby girl.

edit: aww crap, just saw the "not too cold" criteria. It does snow a hefty amount in the winter...

 

[Venetia]

Lake Tahoe, huh? Yeah, I'll check it out for sure.

I mean a big population is more toward the bottom of my list on things a city has to have. I really don't care that much outside the fact that I don't like it when people get too nosy, as people are wont to do in small towns (and I'm VERY reclusive and private). But Lake Tahoe is probably big enough that it wouldn't be a problem.

Thanks JD :3

edit: HOLY CRAP annual snow fall is 125 inches?!?!?!?!?! aaagghhh yeah a liiittle too much LOL
but maybe a nice place to visit :3

 

[candle]

Don't try anywhere in Ohio.  Weather here is entirely unpredictable.  Summers are 90+, winter's are cold, snow is deep WHEN it comes (sometimes it doesn't).  And our only "cities" are Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland.

 

[Surmuck]

Portland, OR <3333

I've been vacationing there since like the beginning of forever - its a really weird, but very large city. (I know you said medium large, but >.>). Being in Oregon, I think a lot of the sport-type things could probably be found up there - and FOR SURE the clean air and trees and stuff.

I love it there though, so I'm really awfully biased.

EDIT: ALTHOUGH, now that I think about it, being in Oregon - the sun never shines

Edit again: Reread your post, and I really do think Portland fits pretty much all of your requirements - although don't know about the snowfall. But I do know there's some serious nightlife, and tons of culture. At least when I've been, so unless they put on a disguise every June or something ^_^ Do check it out.

 

[Despain]

join us in seattle

 

[Despain]

oh wow i didn't even read your whole post the first time and now it seems like that was the perect suggestion

 

[Xaixis]

I currently live in the suburbs near Wilmington, DE and I love it.

Most of  the suburbs around the city have lots of trees, lots of parks, alot of clubs and special sights. (Such as the River, there are many restaurants, clubs, you name it along this strip)

The weather is awesome. During the summer it gets to around 75-85degrees, and in the winter we get light snows (sometimes we will get 5 inches but that's about it.)

Also, since your hubby is in Law, if you didn't know before, Delaware is the hot-spot for many companies have "HQ" in DE because of our high amount of lawyers here or something.

If your thinking of raising children (even though you said you aren't). We have TONS of schools, Brandywine high school is ranked 55th in the country and Concord is 48th(or something). There are tons of private and public schools and you can get almost anywhere with a bus.

We don't get bad weather most of the time. Tornadoes and hurricanes in the south will only give us heavy showers at the most.

The beach is a 1 1/2 drive away from the city and it a tourist attraction with sea isle, ocean city, you name it.

Trips to the capital or NYC are not to far away and it is lots of fun.

And last but not least... NO TAXES!! If something is 10$, it is 10$, not 11.30 or something.

(Sorry I couldn't make DE sound more attractive, I have to go in like 3 mins and just wanted to get the city out there.)

 

[Luminier]

we gonna hook up before you leave right ; _ ;

 

[Despain]

We have TONS of schools, Brandywine high school is ranked 55th in the country and Concord is 48th(or something).

ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS THAT SOMEONE ACTUALLY NAMED A SCHOOL AFTER LORD OF THE RINGS

 

[Stardust]

Well, I haven't been there much, but NYC is pretty decent.  There's a lot of cultural stuff, museums, and things like that.  There's always something to do, and there are parks in certain areas.  Also, there isn't a lot of driving to get to mountains or rivers.  I live like an hour away from the city, and we're pretty rural (although not so much anymore).  The city life doesn't suit me, so I wouldn't like to live there, but visiting is always nice.  They've also got a Pokemon Center. :thumb:

 

[Venetia]

Portland, OR <3333

I've been vacationing there since like the beginning of forever - its a really weird, but very large city. (I know you said medium large, but >.>). Being in Oregon, I think a lot of the sport-type things could probably be found up there - and FOR SURE the clean air and trees and stuff.

I love it there though, so I'm really awfully biased.

EDIT: ALTHOUGH, now that I think about it, being in Oregon - the sun never shines

Edit again: Reread your post, and I really do think Portland fits pretty much all of your requirements - although don't know about the snowfall. But I do know there's some serious nightlife, and tons of culture. At least when I've been, so unless they put on a disguise every June or something ^_^ Do check it out.

That's a nod in the right direction. Thank you!!!!!
I'd read a lot about the city's GORGEOUS gardens and rafting and hiking, but I didn't know if there was a nightlife or not, so that's good to know. I read they only get like 10-15 inches of snow per year which is perfect.
I don't care so much about sunshine, I'm pale as hell ;D. Sun just makes things hot!!!! And I love rain, as long as the city doesn't experience 2000 lightning strikes per minute during a storm like Tampa does @_@

join us in seattle

oh wow i didn't even read your whole post the first time and now it seems like that was the perect suggestion

Actually Seattle is definitely a stopping point on my tour now. Especially more toward the coast, where the air is a little cleaner. It's so far north though that I worry it snows a lot. Does it?

I currently live in the suburbs near Wilmington, DE and I love it.

Most of  the suburbs around the city have lots of trees, lots of parks, alot of clubs and special sights. (Such as the River, there are many restaurants, clubs, you name it along this strip)

The weather is awesome. During the summer it gets to around 75-85degrees, and in the winter we get light snows (sometimes we will get 5 inches but that's about it.)

Also, since your hubby is in Law, if you didn't know before, Delaware is the hot-spot for many companies have "HQ" in DE because of our high amount of lawyers here or something.

If your thinking of raising children (even though you said you aren't). We have TONS of schools, Brandywine high school is ranked 55th in the country and Concord is 48th(or something). There are tons of private and public schools and you can get almost anywhere with a bus.

We don't get bad weather most of the time. Tornadoes and hurricanes in the south will only give us heavy showers at the most.

The beach is a 1 1/2 drive away from the city and it a tourist attraction with sea isle, ocean city, you name it.

Trips to the capital or NYC are not to far away and it is lots of fun.

And last but not least... NO TAXES!! If something is 10$, it is 10$, not 11.30 or something.

(Sorry I couldn't make DE sound more attractive, I have to go in like 3 mins and just wanted to get the city out there.)

I never even thought of Delaware, but you know that sounds pretty nice. I'll have to check that out, too. And the proximity to NYC and Atlantic City is pretty cool. I wouldn't want to live in NYC or AC, but I've always wanted to visit.

I always thought it snowed a whole lot there. If it really only snows 5 inches, I'm gonna check that out!!!

I'd like to live in a place where it like, lightly powders around christmas, but then it's pretty much over so I don't have to sit there and shovel my driveway every 10 seconds.

we gonna hook up before you leave right ; _ ;

well hurry up and get your license!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have TONS of schools, Brandywine high school is ranked 55th in the country and Concord is 48th(or something).

ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS THAT SOMEONE ACTUALLY NAMED A SCHOOL AFTER LORD OF THE RINGS

(luckily i have no idea was youre talking about here)

Well, I haven't been there much, but NYC is pretty decent.  There's a lot of cultural stuff, museums, and things like that.  There's always something to do, and there are parks in certain areas.  Also, there isn't a lot of driving to get to mountains or rivers.  I live like an hour away from the city, and we're pretty rural (although not so much anymore).  The city life doesn't suit me, so I wouldn't like to live there, but visiting is always nice.  They've also got a Pokemon Center. :thumb:

yeah I've always wanted to visit NYC, but it snows a lot there and gets too hot/humid during the summer. Also the city is too expensive. I'd rather live in a place where a $700,000 would get me a small mansion than a small condo in a high rise @_@

 

[Perihelion]

I was gonna recommend Atlanta because it's got a lot of really neat character and isn't full of dumb hicks like the rest of Georgia, but then you got to no South and too hot.

 

[Venetia]

i was recommended atlanta by a friend, and I've been there several times (admittedly through long layovers during a flight), but yeah, it's way too hot to live in. I don't mind chilly temperatures since you can still go hiking and biking and you just wear a jacket, but in heat, it's like, half the year I'm cooped up indoors because I hate to sweat

 

[Tindy]

Good old Pittsburgh, PA. :D  (Or rather, the 'burbs around the 'burgh.)

Tons of hills and woods/forests (you're basically at the feet of the Appalacians.)  Behind a lot of houses in the area I live there's a creek that runs behind a lot of houses.  Not to mention the three rivers, perfect for any water activity except swimming.  The Allegheny River Trail runs next to the river for biking.

Seven Springs is about 2 or 3 hours away and is the local skiing/snowboarding/etc joint in the winter.  It also has a beautiful landscape during the spring (my sister got married up there :D)  

The parks near me each offer something different: North Park has a giant lake and a road that runs next to it where everyone walks/jogs/bikes; it's a 5 mile loop.  Hartwood Acres has a mansion that you can tour and picnic around and lots of winding paths that go into the woods.  And there's one last park about 45 minutes away that has trails in the woods that essentially go on for miles (I got lost in there for a few hours a few years ago.)

Tons of places to ATV up north in Butler and the surrounding counties (Butler's a 45 minute drive from where I live.)

And tons of cultural events in the city and mini cities that surround it - the Arts Festival, the Regatta, etc etc.  Not to mention the free concerts at Hartwood and the many festivals and fairs that take place in the summer.

Weather here's kinda wonky, but you're looking at an average of 25-35 in the winter (occasionally warmer than that, like this year O_O)  and 80-85 in the summer (with a smattering of 90 and 70 degree day).

And the fact that Pittsburgh has been rated the Friendliest City in the US in the past.

 

[Venetia]

Wow, I never thought of Pittsburgh, either. I'm glad I posted this!!

dang it's annual snowfall is 43 inches though ... but I'll check it out anyway

btw seattle only snows 9 inches a year?? srsly??? damn that's bumping up the list for sure.

 

[Tindy]

dang it's annual snowfall is 43 inches though ... but I'll check it out anyway

Don't believe that figure :P I have to assume that takes Butler into account, and it snows like hell froze over in Butler.  I was once coming home from a yearly trip to a store just north (and possibly east) of Butler and we got caught in this awful snowstorm, my dad actually made my brother switch cars 'cause my brother's car was veering like mad on the ice that accumulated within the hour, and when we got back....nothin'.  A dusting a snow.  Though, because there are a lot of hills here, it can get slightly treacherous in the winter.

PS: I luv ur icon <3

 

[dupont7]

was going to say anywhere in Canada cause less chance of getting shot... but you said USA only so... Alaska lol

 

[Surmuck]

Very welcome, Venetia.

I'd read a lot about the city's GORGEOUS gardens

Oh god, for sure. Beautiful.

I don't care so much about sunshine, I'm pale as hell ;D

I really do mean it when I say they almost never, ever get sun. Lots and lots of rain, and lots of clouds - but almost no sun.

And I love rain, as long as the city doesn't experience 2000 lightning strikes per minute during a storm like Tampa does @_@

From when I've been there, it's not so much like ZOMG STORM!! kind of weather - but lots of just rain. 

 

[Venetia]

That's cool. Rain never hurt anybody.

Except floods. ......

But I feel the most alive when I take a walk in the rain, and it's nice and cool outside. Really nothing is more peaceful/relaxing to me than just taking a stroll through a park in a nice, crisp rain. (not like stanky hot rain which we get here in tampa)