Deja Vu/Decisions/Throw a dart - Chicago, Tampa, SLC or....from San Diego (live in)

[velcim21]

Lived in the DC area for 27 years; lived in San Diego for the past 5. (traveled a ton too) I love the weather (who wouldnt?), the outdoor activities and the closeness to the water.

HOWEVER, i am ready to get out of here. Ready for more culture/diversity, relivant conversations, a little more fast paced atmosphere and a better job opportunity. (Im going into the Environmental field if i can - may take a job to get my foot in the door into another city).

Anyways, looking for an area that will enable me to stay busy. Also, I am willing to take a 1-2 hr flight to snowboard, a few hour drive to camp, 1 hr drive to trail run or completely adapt to a liveable city. I do triathlons and/or into crazy outdoor experiences...but again, maybe i need a big change.

I have considered Chicago, Bmore, Tampa. I have heard good things of Charlotte, Raleigh, ...(in general - looking to head back to the east side or closer to the east side.) Heard about the upcoming cities of SLC, Boise, Madison, etc......(Note - If I was going to stay west, I would consider Seattle.)

MANY people think i am crazy for considering Chicago since I live in SD (they always ask me why i would leave???), but i think Chicago has some amazing qualities except for the winter and the lack of hills. Will i be sad if i move there with my love of nature?

Where else do you guys suggest that has a great combo? (Outside of Denver/Seattle/Portland). Anyone out there move from SD to Chitown? ANyone out there who moved from SD to another outdoorsy city (not Denver/Seattle/Portland)?

I did San Diego on a spur of the moment and have not regretted it.

Thanks to all.