Yes...another where should we live! (Want Good Weather, Low Religion, Liberal, Lower Cost than DC/SF, Smart Talk)

[creeksitter]

I wonder if Boise is worth investigating. Tucson??

I'd worry that much of Austin is either too granolaish or too religious for the OP.

[OyCrumbler]

Honolulu might be an interesting option to pursue as it's fairly liberal, very diversive, not known for being particularly religious, and has a cost of living that is in some respects cheaper than SF or DC (definitely not a "cheap" city, but pretty good compared to the most expensive though in some aspects, like traveling to Europe, significantly more expensive (converse of that is potentially cheaper trip to East Asia and Australia)). It would also have pretty much the most temperate climate you can get--almost never too hot or too cold, and fairly clear skies for most of the year.

San Diego and Denver, as has already been mentioned are fairly decent options to some extent and fulfill most of what you've asked. Seattle fulfills more of it save for the weather though. And since weather is such an important criteria for you, it also cuts off a lot of the other options listed such as Austin (hot that is longer and hotter than any DC summer) or Madison (far colder than DC in winter, can get fairly hot in summer, too). Basically, the only fairly yearlong temperate climates are in parts of the west (mainly coastal parts as well as some high altitude areas) and bits of the upland south (Asheville, North Carolina--a great place that fits most things, but may be a bit too granola-y).

Honolulu!

[Stendahl Syndrome]

How about Sacramento? Good weather, lots to do, close to the Bay area but far less expensive...basically moderately liberal....

[BigCityDreamer]

Not too hot, not too cold, and not San Francisco or Seattle? Hmm.. I'd say you're limiting your options there.

[MtnLion512]

Originally Posted by alphacoyle

Hello, I am also looking for many of the same things that you are so here goes: I have lived in Boulder and don't know why that poster said to avoid it, it's probably the closest to what you are looking for, lots of europeans there, the only downside is it's expensive. 300 days of sun :-)

The OP prefers to avoid a "hippie, anarchist, pot-smoking liberal" area. Boulder of course is much more than that but there are many more moderately liberal areas to suggest. I think they want something a bit more moderate, which I why I suggested Denver.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE BOULDER. I lived nearby for many years, my sisters goes to CU and I would live there in a heartbeat, but for someone who says Burning Man is anathema to everything they are, Boulder wouldn't be my first suggestion

[alphacoyle]

Maybe, have you been there lately? It's really losing the whole hippy thing with all the tech workers from silicon valley there. The biggest problem I've seen is the invasion of mexicans.

[carmellm]

IWANTTOLIVEIN- I would love to know if you figured out your next nestle-in community!
I am looking for very similar attributes in a community... well... COMMUNITY being the key word. Local food, foodies, non-traditionalists.. or liberals, just people- people. Great place to raise my son- whom I homeschool- I homeschool for the sake of travel, and raising a global citizen. I am from LA, and have lived in SF, NYC, London, Central America and many other cool places in between- so a diverse group is what I'm seeking!
AND, I can't be too far from the coast- I'd go completely nuts if I couldn't head to the beach... and then there's need for music, and garden, and dining with friends... who are like minded souls. I too, am an entrepreneur, and writer when I can soak in some inspiration...
Nahhh, I'm not asking too much! =)
I am headed east... very soon and I've been researching Carrboro, Charlottesville, Richmond, Hatteras, and Wilmington.
Please! If you have any new savvy, let me know!
Thanks everybody!
Carmellm