Where can I find a "real-life" Mayberry? (quality of life, living)

[dougnaie]

Ok, call me a dreamer, but this is something I am curious about. Where in the US is the best place to live from the standpoint of these criteria:
- cost of living
- crime
- quality of life
- family friendly
- jobs, both blue and white collar

I don't mind if the information you offer is based on statistics or just your opinion based on nothing other than your feelings on the subject...

My brother is looking to move from ID. He thought the above would be found there, but so far it has not. Originally from CA, and now thinking CO. MY feeling is that CO is not going to be the spot. I am thinking more along the lines of TN, or maybe somewhere less obvious like NE or MI...Weather is not a huge concern for them as they like seasons.

Just looking to get feedback from all of you because you are always so insightful.

Thanks in advance.

[goozer]

Since weather is not a criterion, you may want to consider a place like Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Everything I've seen and heard about that city seems very Mayberry-esque. It seems to meet all of the needs you mentioned and I believe it is enjoying a healthy population growth (20-25% a year, a rarity for many cities in that area).

[Vagus]

Your brother's gonna be moving a lot . . .

Utopia don't exist, bro. Everyplace has at least one drawback. It's all about what you make of it . . .

[compelled to reply]

Cary, North Carolina.

[jufrbo]

If Idaho didn't meet those critea, then no where will.

[cottonwood2420]

Gorham, Maine.

[SunnyKayak]

the city Mayberry is base off of Mt Airy

Photos of Mount Airy








Photos of Pilot Mountain

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I will warn you it a very sleepy town the downtown shuts down between 2 and 4 pm

[dougnaie]

Thanks for all the reports so far. I am a firm believer of the idea that "wherever you go, there you are" and agree with JustinfromBoise that what they are looking for is probabaly right where they are. However, I think that the economics of Boise are harder to process then they had imagined (rose colored glasses and all.) I think they were hoping that by starting his own business - he owns an embroidery co - they would be able to live comfortably, however they had not forseen that Boise is more of an insider spot. So far, it has been a bumpy ride purely from an econmic standpoint...and we all know that if the money is tight, everything else seems off. Obviously from the standpoint of quality of life and raising kids, Boise is right up there on the satisfaction meter - it is just money that appears to be a deal breaker.

Thanks again for sharing your opinions - I appreciate it.

[xz2y]

Has anyone found Mayberry yet? I think a lot of us want to find a nice, safe and charming town to live in, and for those of us who are older, we remember the TV series that represents some good parts of our childhoods. Anyway, even though Mayberry was a fictional place in the 50's TV series, has anyone found a town a little bit like Mayberry?

[northbound74]

I've seen plenty of Barney Fife's, but no Mayberry.