What city best fits me? (home, neighborhoods, theater)

[captainhackharkness]

Alright I know this is a pretty broad question, but I am an explorer at heart and I am ready to move on to something new. I am really open to anywhere in the world. I am fluent in German and French and a bit of Japanese

I am from a small town in New England originally,I liked a lot of things, but I really wanted to move to a city because I hated being in the middle of nowhere.

For college I moved to Boston and went to BU for my B.S in Engineering, MIT for my M.S. and back to BU for my J.D. which certainly was a change. I have mixed feelings on Boston,but in general, I really like it. I hate a few things.

Things I am looking for

Night Life:: Boston closes at like 11am, 2am max. I hate it. I am late night type of guy. I had to travel across the city to get Chinese at 1am. Bars/Clubs close at 2am...Boston has no grime,like NYC to it I suppose.

Transportation: The T is subpar at best. It closes at 12:30am making it very hard to get home without at car. When you do ride the T, it is very slow and poorly designed. They blame it on the system being old...not an excuse. Transportation in and out the city should be good too.

Walking I want a city where I don't have to cross a highway to get some food. Even in Boston we have the MassPike and and several 6 lane roads that I feel like I am going to be killed. I don't mind traffic, just not a lot of fast traffic. I like the narrow street, few cars and stores and restaurants in square that I can walk about without worrying about traffic.

Culture I like a mix of old and new. I like the history of some old historical buildings and some a new always growing skyline. I want a city that lacks close to nothing. I don't want to not have a store,be skipped over for a concert. Good theaters, museums,music,sports...etc. I like diversity to some extent as well. It is interesting to see cultures mix and it helps the food. Finding a Italian place in Boston is impossible.... Green Space and Public Gardens are fantastic and one thing I love about Boston. I want to feel like I am in the city , but also feel like I have decently quiet space.

Overall Area I want a large city, that feels small. With areas with unique culture,but not isolated from each other. I am not a big fan of urban sprawl, but good transport can resolve that .Some place that is clean and relatively safe as well.

Science/Technology Economy This is pretty important. Obviously I am quite qualified, but I still worry. The concentration of technology and science companies and upstarts in the city. If not in the city, very close by. I have some work in the academic area, so decent universities in the area is important. This leads to high concentration of scientists...etc. I like a place where these areas are clearly visible and a integral part of the society. Healthcare is also important.

[kyle19125]

Given your criteria, background, and lack of borders I'd recommend Tokyo.

[Min-Chi-Cbus]

How about Chicago?

[ckhthankgod]

Maybe Buffalo, which has a nightlife that goes on until 4 am, has plenty of colleges and healthcare is a leading industry. There is public transportation, including a subway/rail line. You would probably like neighborhoods like Elmwood Village, Allentown, North Buffalo(inc. Hertel Ave.) and Downtown. For your ultradiversity fix, Toronto is a 2 hour drive, if that. There is diversity in the Buffalo neighborhoods mentioned though.

[captainhackharkness]

In my opinion, Buffalo is still a downgrade from Boston.

[captainhackharkness]

I've consider Chicago, I haven't been there in a very long time. What areas of Chicago would be best?

[NJPhilliesPhan]

Philadelphia seems perfect.

[oakparkdude]

How can you not find Italian food in Boston? Ever heard of the North End?

Honestly based on all your criteria, it sounds like Boston is your best bet. Most of the things you complain about are worse in other cities.

[TNonmind89]

Buffalo Ny meets all those needs, bars close at 4am, great town/city parks. There are quite a few museums, I am not sure on public transportation though

[Cuttz]

Pittsburgh.