Sometime by the end of this year, more likely into next year, I'll be looking to pull up stakes and plant elsewhere. This is a good thing. A very good thing. Right now I'm in data-hunting mode, scoping out possible new living areas.
I would like to live in someplace that has a majority of the following:
- Low crime rate
- A more liberal atmosphere (both culturally and governmentally-speaking)
- Low cost (or at least managable)
- Good weather/climate - particularly important for an allergy-sufferer like me
- Easy access to services/activities/amenities/etc. Bonus points if any/all of these things are within walking/biking distance, but if not, I don't mind driving...so long as it's not more than, say, 20+ miles away. (Actually, I don't mind driving per se at all, just because I like it, but I don't like worrying over constant fuel costs. Right now my current situation is such that in order to get to anything you HAVE to drive 20+ miles away - there are NO walkways for pedestrians/bikers, unless you feel like risking your neck on the highways where people routinely do 15 mph over the posted limits - so as you can imagine, fuel burns up. Not cool. I've actually considered getting a moped/scooter-bike (or whatever those little things are called) for short-distance trips because they save on gas and look like they'd be a lot of fun to drive in nice weather.)
- More to come if I think of any
Would also be interested in:
- the employment outlook for any recommended area.
- housing options (Odds are that I'd rent, so only places that allow pets would be considered)
Things I do NOT want:
- Rural. Rural is a big reason why I am moving. I would even be willing to consider bona fide big cities at this point. Isolation DOES kill, folks - if not physically, then mentally. (In my case, it's both.)
- Conservative. (again, both culturally and government) Also another reason for me to move.
I await your recommendations.
I would like to live in someplace that has a majority of the following:
- Low crime rate
- A more liberal atmosphere (both culturally and governmentally-speaking)
- Low cost (or at least managable)
- Good weather/climate - particularly important for an allergy-sufferer like me
- Easy access to services/activities/amenities/etc. Bonus points if any/all of these things are within walking/biking distance, but if not, I don't mind driving...so long as it's not more than, say, 20+ miles away. (Actually, I don't mind driving per se at all, just because I like it, but I don't like worrying over constant fuel costs. Right now my current situation is such that in order to get to anything you HAVE to drive 20+ miles away - there are NO walkways for pedestrians/bikers, unless you feel like risking your neck on the highways where people routinely do 15 mph over the posted limits - so as you can imagine, fuel burns up. Not cool. I've actually considered getting a moped/scooter-bike (or whatever those little things are called) for short-distance trips because they save on gas and look like they'd be a lot of fun to drive in nice weather.)
- More to come if I think of any
Would also be interested in:
- the employment outlook for any recommended area.
- housing options (Odds are that I'd rent, so only places that allow pets would be considered)
Things I do NOT want:
- Rural. Rural is a big reason why I am moving. I would even be willing to consider bona fide big cities at this point. Isolation DOES kill, folks - if not physically, then mentally. (In my case, it's both.)
- Conservative. (again, both culturally and government) Also another reason for me to move.
I await your recommendations.
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