richmond,va native looking for more outdoors, snow, nice people :)

[Rob Allen]

Eugene, Oregon is similar to Portland but much smaller. Might be closer to what you're looking for.

[jtur88]

Duluth, Minnesota, is a very well kept secret. One of the nicest, prettiest, coldest cities in America. 24 inches of snow standing on the ground right now, and it'll be 15 below when you get up tomorrow morning, but life goes on there.

[monosyllabik]

Thanks, all.
It's really hard to imagine Minnesota without just replaying Fargo in my head. I know that is completely stereotypical, which is whack, but alas, I am a product of my culture! Don't chya know
I just returned from Smugglers Notch, VT, up past Stowe and Burlington.. Although I loved it, I think I could do with a little less snow in my daily life. I like it, but I'd also like to find my car and my sidewalk in the morning

Thanks for all your great suggestions, I am looking into them all! Keep 'em coming if you have any other brilliant ideas!

[sandlapper]

Originally Posted by monosyllabik

I am an early 20's single female, (white but not like that matters!) trying to find out where I might be a good fit! I was born in raised in Richmond, Va, lived in all parts from the middle of nowhere to center of the worst part of the city..so I'm versatile. I am an independent and creative thinker, and not religious or strongly political. I am graduating soon as an RN with a bachelors, and experience in Med-Surg, so I will need to be near a decent hospital. I'm not super organic or green...but I don't mind those who are.

Ideally, I would love a place:
-about the same size as Richmond (pop 200.000), or smaller (maybe 100-150.000)
-I love the outdoors (snowboarding, (SNOW period), rock climbing, hiking, camping)
-not a lot of heat, please! Like sun, don't mind too much the clouds; Norwegian lineage=don't really mind the cold! I love snow! not a ton, but I could do for a decent blanket. I have a volvo. No 4 wheel drive :P
-Music and arts are important to me. I am an avid concert attendee, everything from death metal to folk
-I don't have to be in the middle of the city, but I don't want to be totally isolated.
-Job market: I'm not moving before I lock down a job, but I don't mind persistently trying for a while if I really like an area, as I have one here in Va currently
-I have been all over the U.S., except a few states. I don't really have time to travel and visit before I need to start applying for residency. I'm a spontaneous and adaptable girl, so if I move somewhere and I hate it, I can always find a good side to it to last a year or two



Places I have considered: Portland (OR), Salt Lake City, Missoula (MO).

Any other suggestions? THANKS!

Sounds like you would be a perfect match for the Cities. Great outdoor scene, tons of camping, water activites, biking, hiking, camping, skiing, & snowshoeing in the area. The area is very down to earth, and pragmatic as well. Also if you are of Norwegian lineage well you can't beat Minnesota. Madison would be a good choice as well. Minne/St Paul are a bit larger than Richmond though.

[Sharks With Lasers]

Originally Posted by monosyllabik

Wow, you all's responses have been tremendous, and I greatly appreciate them all

I am in the process of researching most of them, and am also considering Altoona, PA, if anyone knows anything about that area.

Once again, Thanks!

If you're considering Altoona, PA, I'd consider State College as well. It's a little bit smaller, but because of the university there, they get a lot of cultural activities.

A number of cities in Michigan (Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing) would fit your descriptions quite well, being about 100-200 K in size.) You might need to drive a few hours for snowboarding, but outdoor recreation is plentiful within a relatively short car trip.

The suggestions of Madison, WI and some of the cities in upstate New York like Syracuse seem like they would fit well too. Good luck in your search.