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I have a weird estrangement with most of my family members. You see the family I grew up in was one where abuse was rife and okay to physically emotionally abuse anyone younger than you. I have a background in software engineering, and love both a mix of the city life(diversity) with the physical opportunities nature affords. Wonder what town fits these criteria, where you find a lot of wanderers and people looking to start over...
Ignore the stereotypes, it isnt just a city for those wanting to reach stardom, but a place where people come to rewrite their life story in whatever way they imagine. Ive met lots of transplants to LA both through college and meetups, and they find the city both welcoming to new comers and especially soul searching, wandering and creative types. Plus, of Americas major cities (NYC east coast, Chicago midwest and Los Angeles west Coast ), it is the one in which nature and the urban form is most intertwined. There is a common saying that not many Angelenos walk, but we all hike. Being outdoors, whether sunbathing in Malibu or climbing up to Mt Wilson, or exploring the Santa Monica mountains, or bouldering in Joshua tree or kayaking around Catalina or mountain biking or...etc, is part of the daily fabric of life for us. This is what sets LA apart from NYC, and why NYC's cultural, cosmopolitan and urban fabric, while stronger than LA's , is not enough for those of us who crave a balance between the man made and mother nature's kingdom.
I have a weird estrangement with most of my family members. You see the family I grew up in was one where abuse was rife and okay to physically emotionally abuse anyone younger than you. I have a background in software engineering, and love both a mix of the city life(diversity) with the physical opportunities nature affords. Wonder what town fits these criteria, where you find a lot of wanderers and people looking to start over...
I would strongly advise looking at Boulder CO. You'll find a lot of work opportunities and many transplants move to the area to start over and tap into a more spiritual existence, not through some cosmic woowoo spirituality but rather an existence that taps into nature a bit more. Just an hour or so to the NE is Fort Collins (home of Colorado State University) which is another similar haven, largely minus the quasi-spirituality aspect and more straightforward outdoorsy.
Ignore the stereotypes, it isnt just a city for those wanting to reach stardom, but a place where people come to rewrite their life story in whatever way they imagine. Ive met lots of transplants to LA both through college and meetups, and they find the city both welcoming to new comers and especially soul searching, wandering and creative types. Plus, of Americas major cities (NYC east coast, Chicago midwest and Los Angeles west Coast ), it is the one in which nature and the urban form is most intertwined. There is a common saying that not many Angelenos walk, but we all hike. Being outdoors, whether sunbathing in Malibu or climbing up to Mt Wilson, or exploring the Santa Monica mountains, or bouldering in Joshua tree or kayaking around Catalina or mountain biking or...etc, is part of the daily fabric of life for us. This is what sets LA apart from NYC, and why NYC's cultural, cosmopolitan and urban fabric, while stronger than LA's , is not enough for those of us who crave a balance between the man made and mother nature's kingdom.
took the words right out of my mouth. Your post sums up why I love it here!!
Ignore the stereotypes, it isnt just a city for those wanting to reach stardom, but a place where people come to rewrite their life story in whatever way they imagine. Ive met lots of transplants to LA both through college and meetups, and they find the city both welcoming to new comers and especially soul searching, wandering and creative types. Plus, of Americas major cities (NYC east coast, Chicago midwest and Los Angeles west Coast ), it is the one in which nature and the urban form is most intertwined. There is a common saying that not many Angelenos walk, but we all hike. Being outdoors, whether sunbathing in Malibu or climbing up to Mt Wilson, or exploring the Santa Monica mountains, or bouldering in Joshua tree or kayaking around Catalina or mountain biking or...etc, is part of the daily fabric of life for us. This is what sets LA apart from NYC, and why NYC's cultural, cosmopolitan and urban fabric, while stronger than LA's , is not enough for those of us who crave a balance between the man made and mother nature's kingdom.
Rudy, this is great!^^^^
I find myself in a similar position as the OP and everything in my being says California, but the COL makes me hesitate. Your post, however, ignited that spark again. Thanks.
Ignore the stereotypes, it isnt just a city for those wanting to reach stardom, but a place where people come to rewrite their life story in whatever way they imagine. Ive met lots of transplants to LA both through college and meetups, and they find the city both welcoming to new comers and especially soul searching, wandering and creative types. Plus, of Americas major cities (NYC east coast, Chicago midwest and Los Angeles west Coast ), it is the one in which nature and the urban form is most intertwined. There is a common saying that not many Angelenos walk, but we all hike. Being outdoors, whether sunbathing in Malibu or climbing up to Mt Wilson, or exploring the Santa Monica mountains, or bouldering in Joshua tree or kayaking around Catalina or mountain biking or...etc, is part of the daily fabric of life for us. This is what sets LA apart from NYC, and why NYC's cultural, cosmopolitan and urban fabric, while stronger than LA's , is not enough for those of us who crave a balance between the man made and mother nature's kingdom.
1. Los Angeles, CA
2. Portland, OR
3. San Fran, CA
4. Miami, FL
5. NYC, NY
6. Seattle, WA,
7. Las Vegas, NV
8. Phoenix, AZ
9. Houston, TX
10. Austin, TX
I have a weird estrangement with most of my family members. You see the family I grew up in was one where abuse was rife and okay to physically emotionally abuse anyone younger than you. I have a background in software engineering, and love both a mix of the city life(diversity) with the physical opportunities nature affords. Wonder what town fits these criteria, where you find a lot of wanderers and people looking to start over...
I think the SF Bay Area has to be on your list. One of the things people there love most is its combination of urbanity and its easy access to natural beauty and outdoor activities. The lively city life speaks for itself, but I was surprised to find how close the city is to hiking trails, redwood forests, mountain bike riding, and skiing areas, and how much people in San Fran love the area because of its proximity to nature. The SF beaches are mostly for decoration, but there are real beaches, so I've been told, an hour, 90 minutes away.
SF is expensive, but since you work in IT, the area's boom industry, you won't starve, and your housing costs can be much lower outside the city of SF itself. And because of that boom there will be lots of fellow newcomers. It's easier to start over when you're not starting over all alone.
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