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Why those cities and why in that order? Austin & Albuqurque are both actually places I am interested in. (I would be more curious about Minneapolis & Madison, but I hate the cold!)
I'll just touch on Madison a little. It is a most vibrant city which features low crime, affordable housing(but rising), good schools, interesting neighborhoods, great arts and music scene, fabulous outdoor recreation opportunities, energetic and lively downtown, good transportation system, liberal atmosphere and attitudes. University of Wisconsin influence is evident in the central city. Only an hour drive to Milwaukee, a couple of hours to Chicago and the Twin Cities. It's a 'Political' place, being the state capital, but a nice mix of white and blue collar. Warm summers, mild to cool falls, cold winters (but the city stays alive and well all winter long). Population is nearing 250,000 but traffic congestion not really an issue. Air is clean year round. It is a friendly city where respect for each other still exsists on most levels. It is an exciting place, a place where I'm sure that the vast majority of those who reside there, love it. Quick note on Albuqurque--Probably has the Best "Overall" weather in the lower 48 states.
Madison is an excellent city that I visit often (mostly in the summer/autumn). I'd add Louisville to your list... progressive city on the move and the inside smoking ban takes effect July 1, 2007, which will improve what most don't like about the city. Plenty of outdoor patio areas for smokers at bars and restaurants. Cost of living very attractive.
I would rule out Seattle as it has basically become extremely white collar, lots of professionals with advanced degrees (especially in the tech sector), very, very pricey, and well filled with people who are trying to ooze sophistication. It is far from the best place for an average Joe.
You don't want Albuqurque, NM it has been rated as one of the most dangerous cities in America. Homicide is a standard over there. It used to be nice but like many cities it has changed.
Wow. So how long have you worked in local TV news?
This is the sort of hyperbolic statement about Albuquerque that has become the norm amongst our local media. As ontheroad said, overblown. And it is still nice to live in ABQ, despite contrary opinions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Supernova7
The cost of living is not cheap and the job are scrase.
...and these statements are just basically false.
But if comments like these help keep us from being overrun, I suppose they are not all bad.
How about Philadelphia? It does have crime in places, but it is very inexpensive for an East Coast city and very "Average Joe" with the cheesesteaks and all.
I laugh at Madison being listed as an Average Joe city. It's too expensive/upscale, as is most of Chicagoland, to be considered. No, not all of Chicagoland is middle upper class suburbia, but it is compared to anywhere else regionally in terms of price ranges. Housing and fuel make it difficult to get the garage space and budget to spin around in a new 2009 Camaro.
Philly is a good nomination. Mine are largely midwestern: Akron, Cleveland, Davenport, Dayton, Fort Wayne, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Milwaukee, Peoria, South Bend, Springfield, Toledo ... anyplace that's not cool and pricey like Ann Arbor, Iowa City, Madison, etc
I'm assuming here that Average Joe doesn't want to get shot, likes having a job, and doesn't own a meth lab ... but if you relax my assumptions, we can toss in Flint, Terre Haute, and Youngstown.
How about Philadelphia? It does have crime in places, but it is very inexpensive for an East Coast city and very "Average Joe" with the cheesesteaks and all.
I don't know, how large is the middle class in Philly?
Location: Somewhere along the path to where I'd like to be.
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Wow, no one has mentioned Cincinnati. Interesting.
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Madison and Louisville
Interesting.
