Place with mtns, nature but sunnier than Portland, OR? (apartment, living)

[jdforeman]

I currently live in Portland, OR and LOVE the climate here. However, my fiance lives in Greensboro, NC where I used to live 30 years ago. I refuse to move back to the heat and humidity of that area. He is reluctant to move to the Portland area because of the number of gray days we have here (not so much because of the amount of rain we have, because it is less than Greensboro!).

Can anyone suggest a city that has green vegetation like Portland (i.e. isn't in the desert), has a view of snow-capped mountains, has the mild climate of Portland, but has a greater number of sunny days? We are both retired, so are not limited by needing to locate near work. It would be great to be within a few hours of the ocean, but that's not a major concern. We would appreciate any suggestions.

[bchris02]

I can't think of anywhere that fits all of your criteria.

I would say the closest you are going to get is Southern California. Coastal SoCal isn't Oregon or Washington green but its not desert. You can sometimes see snow on the mountains from Los Angeles during the winter. If you go too far inland you get into the desert. If you go to the east coast, you lose the mountains and all-year mild weather.

[5pyg1a55]

Los Angeles, San Diego or maybe Ventura counties of California is the closest you'll get to your wants. Compromise is a must.

They do not have the same climate, but you can visit the climates you seek during the varied seasons, very close by. As you drive inland from LA or SD, you get the colored leaves and crisp air of autumn in the mountainous areas and villages, and of course, you get snow-capped mountains around Los Angeles.

Also, if you drive out into the mountains of San D, you get the snow flurries as well. This would all be within 2 hours drive of these places. You can do winter sports just two hours drive from LA.

It is a myth that SoCal gets no seasons- there is Summer and Winter. LA gets really cold at night in the winter, sometimes close to freezing, but usually down to the 40's, staying around 55-60'ish in the day. It even snows once every few years in the Santa Monica Mountains. You can turn the fireplace on in November, decorate the apartment, and it will feel like holiday time.

I'm from a cold/snowy area and am also married to a Southerner who never saw a real winter in his life & never will. SoCal is THE only compromise for both of our wants/needs.

[TheHurricaneKid]

Have you considered Europe? There is really only one mountain range in the USA.

[MAXIALE02]

What about Mt. Shasta or Redding, CA.

[PapaGrande]

Maybe someplace like Blacksburg VA or Asheville NC?

The elevation keeps them from being as hot and muggy as at sea level. They get snow, but not shocking amounts. And they get a lot of sun.

The problem is that almost any areas with enough moisture in the air to be green will also be humid as hell in the Summer. There are lots of places in the West with a very pleasing climate (like Albuquerque), but they're generally too dry to have a lot of greenery.

[OyCrumbler]

Is Mexico or other overseas locations an option for you guys? I mention Mexico in particular because there are many locations up on higher altitudes (most of Mexico, really) which have many sunny days and high mountains to go to for snow. If you have to stay in the states, then there are various cities in the southwest. It'd probably narrow things down if you mention more things you guys are looking for.

[Katarina Witt]

Denver is not green like Portland, but neither is it desert. It's very sunny!

[ckhthankgod]

Salt Lake City may work. Something in NJ or Eastern PA may work due to proximity to the ocean and mountains like the Poconos. Cost of living may be an issue in NJ though.

Charlottesville VA may be a happy medium.

[EnricoV]

You want two conflicting things. Snow and green come from rain. Sun and heat don't produce either snow or green.