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Live in a big city without a car, take public transportation/walk/bike almost everywhere, own a nice condo (maybe a penthouse if I get rich enough ), have plenty of opportunities for advancement (want to be an accountant, so job opps in that field would be ieal), and spend the weekend enjoying the diversity/culture within the city itself, and be in a city where the cost of living is reasonable.
Basically, I guess I'm craving the urban lifestyle through and through. I've lived in the suburbs all of my life and don't really enjoy it, so what are the best cities for urban living outside of NYC (because NYC will most likely win since it's so big)?
Depends on your budget..I loved San Fran when I visited. However, it's expensive as all get out, as are most of these on your list.
I was initially thinking "why is Atlanta on the list" since I'm a native Atlantan and adore it, but urbanity is certainly not what I think of when it comes to my city. However, I had to kind of retract that, since I'm a native suburban Atlantan, as are most of the people who question Atlanta's urbanity. I'm sure living within city limits is an entirely different experience.
Needless to say, Atlanta is probably last on this list because of its relatively low density and lack of an extensive (though it does the job adequately enough) public transportation system. LA is busy and lively, but not very urban according to your requirements. Its popularity is in its neighborhoods, and not the downtown "urban" area. It's much like Atlanta in this regard.
You can get similar experiences from all the rest. It would really depend on your preferences in terms of culture, diversity, and budget.
If you want an affordable lifestyle with those kind of amenities but less density, Atlanta would be great. Neighborhoods like VA Highlands, midtown, Candler Park, Inman Park, and scores more would have what you're looking for. Some of the prices for intown living are absolutely mind-blowing in the A. Like, being able to purchas a loft for 99k. You won't find that in any of the other cities above.
Live in a big city without a car, take public transportation/walk/bike almost everywhere, own a nice condo (maybe a penthouse if I get rich enough ), have plenty of opportunities for advancement (want to be an accountant, so job opps in that field would be ieal), and spend the weekend enjoying the diversity/culture within the city itself, and be in a city where the cost of living is reasonable.
Basically, I guess I'm craving the urban lifestyle through and through. I've lived in the suburbs all of my life and don't really enjoy it, so what are the best cities for urban living outside of NYC (because NYC will most likely win since it's so big)?
I would say Chicago. There are many areas where a car is rather unnecessary, and I know many people who have had an easy time forgoing the luxury (myself included). The economy has been relatively kind to the city so jobs are doing OK, and there's lots of stuff to do. It's also on the low end of pricing compared to other happening US cities. If you were rich I would say NYC would be the place to be, but a dollar goes a lot further on almost everything around here, and you can afford the same lifestyle on a significantly smaller salary.
Philly and Boston are probably good options to consider as well. Boston is a neat city, smaller, and much of the economy is essentially recession-proof (education). Philly is a little smaller than Chicago, and from what I understand it's not doing as well economically as a whole, someone else feel free to clarify. I couldn't tell you offhand what the cost of living is like in these 2 cities.
take public transportation/walk/bike almost everywhere, own a nice condo (maybe a penthouse if I get rich enough ), have plenty of opportunities for advancement (want to be an accountant, so job opps in that field would be ieal), and spend the weekend enjoying the diversity/culture within the city itself, and be in a city where the cost of living is reasonable.
Chicago and Philadelphia meet all of your criteria including cost of living.
The others(not sure about Atlanta) are much more expensive.
Chicago and Philadelphia meet all of your criteria including cost of living.
The others(not sure about Atlanta) are much more expensive.
18Montclair, seeing as you are from Oakland, why would San Francisco not be
(I've never been to San Fran) as good for the OP as Chicago or Philadelphia?
18Montclair, seeing as you are from Oakland, why would San Francisco not be
(I've never been to San Fran) as good for the OP as Chicago or Philadelphia?
18Montclair, seeing as you are from Oakland, why would San Francisco not be
(I've never been to San Fran) as good for the OP as Chicago or Philadelphia?
I'm sure 18m is using COL as determinant given the posters needs, there is huge market for accountants in Chicago as well, plus he wants stuff mostly *in* city(i.e. no preference for nature/weather.)
If you can stomach the winters, Chicago is probably the best all around choice. It is the closest to NYC in scale and has a better COL than the other (excluding Atl and maybe Phi).
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), have plenty of opportunities for advancement (want to be an accountant, so job opps in that field would be ieal), and spend the weekend enjoying the diversity/culture within the city itself, and be in a city where the cost of living is reasonable.
