Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Here's my dilemma. For over a year, I have been researching places to move right after I finish college. Even though I have found (or have heard of) cities that are filled with college grads building their careers and meeting people in the process, many of these places have a reputation of being very snobbish, rude, materialistic and cliquey, with guys with massive a-type egos and women with even more massive attitudes. Examples are such as San Diego, Los Angeles, and almost every major Northeastern city (DC through Boston). The lesser problem are cities that have a reputation of being nice and respectful but are hard to meet people not because of arrogance nor cliquishness, but because of a introverted social atmosphere. Examples are such as Seattle and Minneapolis. I really hope this isn't the case with those cities, because otherwise, those cities really appeal to a lot of things I like and believe in (from the topography to the social climate). But in any case, are there any cities that have a good college graduate population yet don't have the snobbish, rude, cutthroat and cliquish environment? A place where there are plenty of young individuals who are educated and motivated, but are laid-back and willing to meet new people.
Honestly I never even noticed those stereotypes about San Diego until I read them here or on a similar site. And to this day still don't have those negative experiences some people complain about, I don't get where they come b/c I just don't come across people like that often at all. Yeah I'll notice some platinum blond rolling around in some BMW occasionally but that's b/c they stick out like a sore thumb since most people here are normal and dress very casually. I think the people here are very chill and laid back overall and just want to live a laid back, easy going lifestyle and could care less about money or impressing people. Big cities with lots of transplants will always have a wide range of types of people compared to more established cities with less transplant from all over the place. I've found stereotypes to be just that, gross generalizations that are generally untrue for the majority of a cities residents.
You may be well-served by cities such as Chicago, Columbus or Pittsburgh. They are grounded, Midwestern cities but don't have the same social Scandinavianisms that Minneapolis does.
You may be well-served by cities such as Chicago, Columbus or Pittsburgh. They are grounded, Midwestern cities but don't have the same social Scandinavianisms that Minneapolis does.
Yeah, Chicago is definitely run by and full of Type As, but it is not particularly materialistic, snooty, or cliquey, especially as compared to the coasts. Can't speak to the other two.
I didn't get the vibe you describe in San Diego but each person has their own perception.
In terms of what you describe and from what cities I have experienced, I would say Austin and Nashville. Young Southerners (southeast) seem to really be flocking towards Nashville and Atlanta. Some parts of Carolina - RTP - for the job market.
Any city that has good amounts of outsiders moving in should be relatively easy to find a group you like.
I haven't been but I have heard the Pac NWs young crowd is very into the non-material things - too busy focusing on their outdoors. However, I have heard that it can be tough to meet people in those areas b/c they are very involved in their missions.
Keep in mind you will see and experience those qualities no matter where you go, just maybe differences in scale. Also, maybe look closely at nieghborhoods within cities. I think that can make a big difference in your comfort level.
BTW - if you find "that place" let me know
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
