Which is the Best City Highlighted on this Map? (low crime, organic) - General U.S. - City-Data Forum

Green Guy · 03-20-2015, 01:48 PM

Which US city or area in the highlighted portion of the map below best meets these criteria? The city doesn't have to be a big or major city, either.

Here's my criteria:

Outdoor activities - Hiking, cycling, swimming, and boating are important.
Beautiful nature - Forested is a must
Four distinct seasons - We love snow, but we also don't want it to be too gloomy and gray in the winter
Low cost of living and taxes
Health/organic food and restaurants - It's important for us to have a good amount of options, at least for organic grocery stores.
Low crime, Safe
Great place to raise a family
Friendly folks
Prosperous populous and economy - Definitely don't want to live in a place that's too blue-collar, rust-belt-ish, or economically depressed.
Clean air, very low pollution
A swimmable, boat-able, clean body of water
Able to get a large amount of land (5 acres minimum) without totally breaking the bank.

Here's the map:

scarecrow- · 03-20-2015, 01:53 PM

Columbus

ABQConvict · 03-20-2015, 04:25 PM

On that map, I would choose Albany, NY.

State capital with all the amenities that implies, surrounded by mountains (Adirondacks, Catskills, Green Mountains) and thousands of lakes. Government, tech, and service based economy/

Mutiny77 · 03-20-2015, 05:15 PM

Grand Rapids perhaps?

canudigit · 03-20-2015, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mutiny77

Grand Rapids perhaps?

Grand Rapids is very nice, but it does tend to get lake effect snow and the subsequent cloudiness that comes with it. Eastern Michigan is actually sunnier in the winter. We live in SE Michigan and get many sunny winter days.

CanuckInPortland · 03-20-2015, 05:41 PM

For what you're looking for...Manchester, New Hampshire.

Green Guy · 03-20-2015, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scarecrow-

Columbus

But Columbus is neither forested, nor does it have a large body of water nearby; if I'm not mistaken.

Ghengis · 03-20-2015, 08:02 PM

Cedar Rapids, IA....oh....never mind

Green Guy · 03-21-2015, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghengis

Cedar Rapids, IA....oh....never mind

JerseyGirl415 · 03-21-2015, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghengis

Cedar Rapids, IA....oh....never mind

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green Guy

That made me laugh but really, you wouldn't consider it anyway? I'm not sure if it fits your requirements, but any city that is literally right outside this zone you chose is one you don't want?