Anyone here live in a nice city? I'm interested in moving.

[IrishEyes]

Last edited Thu Sep 26, 2019, 04:36 PM - Edit history (1)

I want to move out of New York City to somewhere a little more affordable so I'm researching cities. Someday, I would like to own a small house. I'm trying to decide where to go. I need a city with good or at least decent public transportation. I can't drive but I'm willing to learn. However, I won't be able to afford a car for a little while.

I've always lived in northeastern states but I think it might be interesting to move down south or out west. I think I can handle living in a purple or red state. I'm also open to northeastern cities. I like being near museums and theater but it isn't vital.

I would also need a city where there are jobs since I'm 30 or so years from retirement. I'm fairly young and single with no kids so I can move pretty easily.

Can anyone recommend a good city that they have lived in?

[redstatebluegirl]

1. If you can handle the politics Tulsa Oklahoma is a great small city.

[subana]

34. I was going to suggest Tulsa too!

it's where I live & it is a beautiful city but sometimes it does make me sick that we have to put up with so many republicans running this state.

To Irisheyes, if you don't mind living in a red state, it's a good place to live. Regarding mass transit we have an ok bus system but then there are also taxis, ubers, etc too.

Here's a wikipedia page about Tulsa...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulsa,_Oklahoma

[redstatebluegirl]

35. We love Tulsa, it is a great city.

Lots to do, great people too! We don't live there we live in Norman.

[IrishEyes]

36. I never thought of Tulsa but I will have to put it on the list.

It seems to be popular.

[ret5hd]

54. If you decide to visit to check it out...

make sure you go to the Woody Guthrie Museum and the Tower of Reconciliation, both in downtown Tulsa. A bright spot of blue in a tepid lake of red.

[dawg]

2. Move to Atlanta and help turn Georgia blue.

If you want to go someplace substantially smaller, Asheville, NC is a pretty cool town.

I haven't lived either place, though, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

[Taraman]

3. Salt Lake City is a livable city.

Salt Lake County is Democratic, but red state politics prevail. Most immigrants seem to tolerate the Mormons better than those who grew up here. It's growing very fast, though. Got found out.

[The Blue Flower]

4. From Seattle to Richmond

Loved Seattle when I moved there in 1999. It became too crowded and expensive, so I left and am now in Richmond, va near my grand kids. It's a very affordable, friendly city full of art and culture. Also progressive
My congressional rep is Abigail spanberger.

[Cartoonist]

5. California is the place you oughta be

The weather is priceless. Everything else costs.

[ailsagirl]

25. Yes, California is great as long as you can live near the coast nt

[LakeArenal]

6. Madison WI

But I just moved the Tilaran Costa Rica
It’s fab.

[denbot]

48. Even though I'm a Cali man, I'll second Madison.

My brother in-law settled here years ago, and we’ve passed through Madison a dozen or so times.
It’s a great little city, and one IE may want to consider.

[mikeysnot]

7. Chicago!

My wife does not need a drivers license, takes bus and L every where.

Housing is better than anything in CA.

[mikeysnot]

8. Where ever you decide use this for a comparison

https://www.nerdwallet.com/cost-of-living-calculator/compare/new-york-manhattan-ny-vs-chicago-il

[IrishEyes]

44. Thanks for the link.

I would like to live some where that I could get a decent sized apartment.

[Dagstead Bumwood]

58. I used the link. Very interesting.

When I went there it defaulted to $50,000 household income. I said I wanted to live n Casper WY. It told me that I needed $0 to maintain my standard of living in Casper, because "The cost of living is 100% lower in Casper, WY." So, Imma move 'cause THEY'RE GIVING IT AWAY IN CASPER!

[bluedigger]

9. New Orleans.

[abqtommy]

10. I've lived in Albuquerque, NM for the past 14 years, that's the longest I've ever been in one area.

I rent and rents are below the national average. The weather is good for me. The people are polite for the most part which is a change for a city with 500,000 people in the metro area, another 250,000 in the 'burbs. Make a good choice, moving is expensive!

[IrishEyes]

13. That is why I'm doing as much research as possible before I move.

There are so many great sounding cities. Thanks for the suggestion.

[leftieNanner]

11. Ashland, Oregon

We moved here ten years ago from California and love it! Good weather (a little snow in winter, not humid in summer), theater, music, great wineries, nice people, beautiful valley, decent public transportation.

[The Figment]

12. Lawerance Ks

If you like N.Y. liberal attitudes, Boulder Colorado lifestyle and a truly nice cost of living without all of the problems that the Coastal states or the Front Range have (traffic,cost of housing,taxes ect.) you should check out this little college town!

Its Kansas without the Redneck political B.S.

[Backseat Driver]

14. Many of the neighborhoods in Columbus, OH are nice

COTA buses within the county with park and ride in near burbs as well as Uber/Lyfft and near in-city neighborhoods with scooter services. You still got "seasons" hot summers; cold snowy winters and short-term apartment rentals until you get situated - rental housing is at the average, which means a bit high but lots of options in this state capital.

[gopiscrap]

15. 3 cities I like and have lived in are

Tacoma WA, Boise ID, and Portland OR I have lived overseas also

[Freedomofspeech]

16. Pittsburgh!

Beautiful city...always ranks extremely high in best cities to live in. Real Estate is affordable.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

17. Minneapolis/St. Paul ranks as one of the most liveable areas in the US

in many categories. https://www.minneapolis.org/media/facts-and-research/accolades/ There's a lot to do, plenty of great restaurants, excellent museums, theatres and other arts, a high standard of living; access to public transportation varies depending on where you live, but there's a light rail and bus system that can get you to most places. Rents are failry high but there are reasonably-priced houses, especially in St. Paul. And it's a reliably liberal area, which is nice. I don't think I've ever seen anybody wearing a MAGA hat here.

[Wounded Bear]

18. Nice city you have there, it'd be a shame if the wrong people moved in....

Sorry, given current events I couldn't resist.

Actually, I wish you the best in your search for a new home.



One point concerning your needs. Out west here, we have many small towns but generally pretty poor public transportation between them. Much of the west, especially those areas which lower cost housing, is car country, unfortunately.

[yonder]

40. +1.

[IrishEyes]

42. Thank you. I like NYC but I think it is time for a change.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

19. Nashville and Louisville are both decent cities with...

good people, moderate traffic, decent schools and moderate weather. I've lived in both and Louisville is more ethnically mixed and North/South balanced than Nashville, but Nashville is more laid-back and easy going and has a huge music scene. I do know Louisville has a good bus system but can't speak for the one in Nashville 'cause I haven't lived there since the 70s (really loved that town back then).

Best of luck in making your choice and with your move.

KY........

[IrishEyes]

43. Thank you. Nashville is on my list.

I have a friend there. I spent a week there and had a good time. I will look at Louisville. I've heard good things about it.

[Generic Brad]

47. Check out Clarksville, TN

It is close to Nashville, but not as crowded. Money Magazine just named it the best city in America. I bought a very nice home here for a very low price. I love it here.

[yellowdogintexas]

61. Metro Nashville Davidson County has over 100 different ethnicities

and cultural groups in the school system. The population is very diverse. The largest Kurdish community in the US is in Nashville (approx 10000 Kurds)

[mnhtnbb]

20. Chapel Hill, NC has a fare free bus system

supported by town taxes and the University.

It's not as inexpensive as some surrounding areas, but it's blue. Excellent University based theater, performing arts venue with touring acts. Lots of sports in the Triangle area.

It is hot and humid anywhere in the south in the summer.

I lived in Chapel Hill for 17 years and now live in downtown Raleigh. I tell everybody that unless I win the lottery and can afford the upper west side, this will do. I walk to almost everything from my high rise apartment: the ballet, the symphony, musical theatre, the post office, a branch library, and lots of excellent restaurants. I some times only have my car out once a week to go to the grocery store. There are two smaller markets a block away and a small farmers market sets up in the 4 acre park across the street from my building once a week. The downtown regional bus station is also a block away.

[eppur_se_muova]

21. Don't move too far south if you can't take the Heat Index.

It's only going to get worse as time passes. We've had temps in the 90's (northern AL) for several weeks in a row.

Chattanooga is not far north of us but ... well ... https://tech.co/news/chattanooga-fastest-internet-usa-2018-08

[Marthe48]

22. I grew up near Cleveland, Ohio.

I have spent a lot of time there this year, and I love its character. I was up there in Jan during a snowstorm that dropped about 15" of snow. The street crews did a great job plowing and salting. I avoid driving on snow, but had to drive mine friend to Cleveland Clinic several days a week after her kidney transplant. I had no problems. Summer seems a little cooler than where I live (Southeastern Ohio, Mid Ohio Valley) but pleasant. Lots of ethnicity. Even in the suburbs, I'd see cultural clothing and hear so many different languages in each store I went to to shop. Lots of green spaces, lots of attractions, and an extensive public transportation service. My friend sold her Dad's home near the zoo for under 50,000.00 and it was nice. One of the nurses told me what she paid for rent (under $500.00 for a 1 br apt.) I didn't have any fear anywhere I went at any time. Lake Erie is quite accessible, and even if you don't want to swim, there are beaches east of the city that are clean and offer terrific views of the lake and surf. Also AMTrak to other places. ANd Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

[cmeneer]

31. Like Minds

I just posted a similar sales pitch down thread. Gorgeous homes available in suburbs that are mansion-like. My five bedroom home in a suburb (and needed some updating) was $120,000 24 yrs ago. It has more than doubled in value.

[Marthe48]

33. Welcome to DU

in case no one said hi I love heading downtown on Broadview Road, and at the crest of the hill, you see the Terminal Tower and the other Art Deco buildings just floating on the horizon. I could wreck my car just looking. I went downtown one day, when there was a heavy fog. I didn't see the city until I was right among the buildings. It was like special effects got real

[ronharold]

23. Colorado...

move away from floods, hurricanes, smog, bad neighborhoods, bad economy.......move to the city that has the #1 economy in the USA and the world; the city where there are over 300 days of sunshine a year and low to no humidity...the city of intelligence and diversity.....Denver has more college graduates and physically fit people than any city in the U.S.

https://www.denver.org/

[IrishEyes]

41. Wow, that sounds lovely.

I will put Denver on my list of places to consider.

[True Dough]

52. Colorado's mountain scenery is amazing too!

I'm not overly fond of Denver but it's a question of how small is too small? There are some great smaller centers in the state (around 100,000 people or fewer). Is that too much of an adjustment from New York?

[IrishEyes]

59. I grew up in a tiny town in New England.

I have also lived in a smaller city as well as a suburb. I just need some form of public transportation as I can't drive.

[tblue37]

24. Lawrence, KS. nt

[Lulu KC]

26. Kansas City!

I've lived in many places, including NYC. KCMO is affordable, public transit good in center of town, more than enough culture to let you know you are in civilization. And lovely parks. Great food. Nice people.

[Wellstone ruled]

27. The Twin Cities is a great choice

spent fifty two years there. Had to move do to my Spouse's inability to deal with the harsh cold and mega humidity. COPD is pure ugly so we now live in Vegas and it grows on you .

[GreenPartyVoter]

28. Portland, ME is tiny but lovely. BIL liked living there, but it

cost a lot and needed a roommate.

[cmeneer]

29. Ohio

Northeast Ohio (Cleveland/Akron)...You can live in a veritable mansion for what it costs you to live in a studio apartment. Weather is great--especially with global warming. Just enough snow, buy not too much. Our great lake (and it's little islands), Erie, believe it or not is great for recreation.

[TygrBright]

30. Santa Fe may not be cheap but compared to NYC it could be affordable.

And it's straight-up wonderful here.

The mountains are beautiful and protect us from weather extremes while giving us beautiful seasonal change.

We have the restaurants and arts amenities of a much larger city because although we have only about 83,000 people, we get more than a million tourists visiting each year for history, arts and culture in the summer and for skiing and winter sports in the winter.

It's deep cobalt blue here politically, and there's a very diverse population.

helpfully,
Bright

[IrishEyes]

38. I've been to Santa Fe.

It is a nice city.

[customerserviceguy]

32. Come to the Carolinas!

The only ice you will see is in your drink, at least in coastal SC.

We moved from about a half hour out of NYC, and we love it here. Our neighborhood is almost 100% Northeastern transplants. We don't have a great bus system, but there are lots of places you can go by golf cart, using paths specifically designed for them, and they're way more affordable than a car.

However, I still have a love for the Pacific Northwest, although my lady didn't want to move there. There are good towns away from Seattle or Portland that will provide affordable housing and good public transit. You'll find a good appreciation of the arts there, too.

[yonder]

37. 25+ years ago, our city was really great but has recently been found out. Still pretty good though.

Where ever you decide, try to choose one with a college or university. That makes all the difference in the world, IMO. Especially if it's a red state.

[IrishEyes]

39. Yeah, I was thinking about that.

I would like the chance to take some classes or maybe get my masters degree.

[COLGATE4]

45. GreaterTampa is a great place to live.

Wonderful climate, lots to do, nice mix of nice people, not overly expensive and NO state income tax. Look into it- you won't regret it

[rurallib]

46. Many of the midwestern college cities are great places to live

such as Iowa City, Iowa - Lafayette, Indiana - Minneapolis, Mn - Lawrence Ks - Lincoln, Neb - Ames, Ia. - Bloomington, Ind - Madison Wi.

Most have what you desire, lots of space and jobs.

[IrishEyes]

49. Thank you all for your great suggestions.

I have a lot of good cities to research. It is nice to get an insiders view.

[bif]

50. Grosse Pointe, Michigan

Friendly people. beautiful homes. On Lake St. Clair and it's surprisingly affordable. And it's in Michigan. I love this state.

[walkingman]

51. Austin is hotter than Hades but is so COOOOL! Seriously a great city but is becoming expensive and

congested. Austin is a progressive area and Texas will be BLUE shortly but it will take a few more years.

[MontanaMama]

53. I live in Missoula, MT.

It's very blue politically because it's a college town...and there is more to do here than I have time or money. With a population of around 80,000 in the valley, it is just big enough without being too big. Missoula has good schools, top notch skiing, a great music scene, restaurants, craft breweries and a thriving artists community. Housing is a little expensive with the median home price at $305K but that's probably cheaper than NYC. We get our share of snow but no tornadoes, hurricanes or major flooding. Summer and fall are stunningly beautiful. Folks are very friendly and committed to community. I'm always amazed how many people turn out for even the smallest events. It is a mecca for outdoor activities and a blue ribbon fishing destination. I love it here. Missoula is a lot like Boulder, CO but on a bit smaller scale...but I could definitely live in Boulder...it's beautiful too.

[The Polack MSgt]

55. I love the greater St Louis area.

We have a decent light rail/bus system that serves the Illinois and Missouri metro area pretty well.

The economy is reasonable. There are stable industries such as beer brewers, Boeing Aircraft Purina and 2 major military bases in the area.

Land is cheap.

Plenty of housing on the market (helped by the constant churn of military moves) so the realty market is well stocked in the middle- not just in the luxury market.

And despite the horror stories Saint Louis is a very cool city

[doc03]

56. The Pittsburgh area. nt

[Doreen]

57. If you can handle a lot of rain

Washinton is actually pretty decent. One of the smaller cities is decent. Olympia is not bad. I live in Lewis county and even though it is red it is not to bad. It is an equal distance to seattle and portland. It is close enough to Olympia to not really be a big deal. We have a decent bus system particularly since the shits who were running it got booted out. I think ( I could be wrong ) that there is a bus that hooks up with a bus to get to Olympia until you have a car. Like I said you would need to not mind a lot of rain.

[Initech]

60. I live in Orange County California.

It's fine if you want to put up with the MAGAs and Trumpholes who live here.