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Cost of Living: Not a big deal but I would rather not have to get roommates like if you were to live in New York City. I earn a decent wage, without going into specifics I could afford somewhere like Los Angeles (without roommates) but not New York.
Crime: I am not a tough guy and would not like living in a high-crime city, however, if the city meets all of my other criteria I am willing to compromise providing that the city is not considered a very dangerous place.
Leisure: I do not play any sports and prefer indulging in the arts. I play guitar and enjoy being in a city that is musical and has a lot of big acts come through. I like alternative rock music (well-known examples would be U2, Coldplay, etc.) so a city that has a good alternative rock/indie rock scene is welcome.
Nightlife: I am not a party animal and when I do go out my idea of nightlife is going to a bar with friends or chilling at a late-night coffee shop either with friends or alone reading/doing work.
People: I am pretty introverted and like to be around likeminded people.
Politics: I am a Democrat and would not enjoy living somewhere that is a red state or has very conservative views (i.e. pro-life, anti-same sex marriage). I am a liberal and far from a socialist. I would hate living in a socialist place as much as a conservative place, but I am willing to compromise on this criterion either way.
Religion: I am an atheist and would hate living in an overly-religious environment.
Sports: My favorite sport is soccer but I also like football and I am a casual fan of baseball but I am not that into it.
Transport: Not a big deal as I can drive but public transport would be nice, even if it’s not as extensive as cities like New York.
Vibe: I enjoy my own space and having a quiet environment to live in, so a city that has suburbs that are relatively quiet is a big plus.
Weather: I hate extremely hot weather (especially sticky and hot weather). I also hate extremely cold weather. I would find long, snowy winters depressing and would like a city that has a moderate climate but still gets a dusting of snow at Christmas. I can deal with rain and overcast for most of the year but like more sunny days in the summer!
I was going to recommend just Seattle -- Portland may be too left-wing for you. Seattle is also the biggest soccer city in the U.S. and is probably more introverted than Portland, what with Portland's hippieish bent and Seattle's tech scene.
I was going to recommend Austin and Chicago, but the weather of those places won't make you happy. Maybe check out Portland and Seattle
I know Chicago's winters are brutal but what is wrong with Austin's weather? I have never been but guess it's similar to the southwest's dry heat?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob Allen
I agree, you just described Portland and Seattle.
Definitely have to look into those then!
Quote:
Originally Posted by boulevardofdef
I was going to recommend just Seattle -- Portland may be too left-wing for you. Seattle is also the biggest soccer city in the U.S. and is probably more introverted than Portland, what with Portland's hippieish bent and Seattle's tech scene.
Yes, Seattle looks perfect. Portland seems far too eccentric for me. I am liberal, etc. but also quite a plain and normal person whereas Portlanders seem to be very bohemian and hippieish as you say!
I think so, especially the politics, which seem to be in line with what you're looking for (solidly mainstream Democratic). And the most enthusiastic atheist I know lives in Chicago -- he's very comfortable there, and it's definitely not a city where religion is in your face. Come to think of it, Chicago has one big advantage: You say you want a quieter suburb as well as good public transit. Those are often mutually exclusive, but Chicago's metro system runs into several suburbs that are on average calmer than the city but still offer good walkability and a lot of amenities. Evanston and Oak Park are the two standouts here, though a couple of other suburbs are accessible, too. Note that I wouldn't describe either, especially Evanston, as "quiet," but they may be quiet enough for you.
The big issue besides the weather is the high crime rate, but as many Chicagoans will tell you, if you avoid certain neighborhoods, which is easy to do, it's no more dangerous than anywhere else.
Last edited by boulevardofdef; 08-22-2015 at 10:50 AM..
I think Seattle and Denver, with the caveat that I don't know Denver that well. But it has a progressive vibe to it (politically and socially), good transit, not too harsh winters, MLS-NFL-MLB teams and seems laid-back.
Chicago can certainly work though the winters are indeed harsh. I don't think the community as a whole fits you per se, but it's a huge city and you will easily find your niche. Great soccer community too. (Obviously football and baseball are represented here)
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