Would like opinions from people that have lived in other places (best cities, houses)

[Putty]

Can I get some help from people that have lived all over? My interest in life is road bicycling/hanging out in an old historical downtown, having a river running thru it would make it even more special.....Halfway decent cost of living, lots of trees, greenery and countryside. Love going to bookstores when the weather is bad, coffeeshops/playing cards, etc. Anyone know where I can this quality of lifestyle? I am single again at 50.......HELP?

My options are , and not in this order due to my job
ID
NC
CO
WI
OR

[mariatherese]

Well, I've never been there, but I hear Portland, OR is like you describe. I'm researching it myself for a possible move in a few years. However there are plenty of problems in that area- I mention this because as soon as you say "Portland" you get a bunch of people screaming at you: "Do you realize it rains a lot there!? Do you realize the problems with the economy!?" So, the area has issues, but it still sounds like a wonderful place to me. It is considered one of the best examples of urban planning, meaning it has a walkable, historic downtown that is very much alive, with safe neighborhoods in the city limits. Its an hour either way from the ocean and the mountains. Its considered one of the best cities for bicycling, coffeeshops, parks, and indie music. It has a 5,000 acre park in the city limits.

But, like I've said, never been there. However, I currently live in Traverse City, MI and it is a wonderful place. I know MI is not on your list, but... it was voted best vacation spot in the US by... crap... what magazine? I posted it in another thread... anyways, its very small, but perfect for me. Great scenery/nature. 5 minutes, and I am at the sandy beach. Rolling hills, 4 seasons, lots of wineries, a great place for all kinds of outdoor activities: bicycling, snowshoeing, hiking, skiing, sailing, you name it. Also a cute downtown with lots of independent shops, including cafes and bookstores.

Colorado is on your list, I see... I spent some time in Boulder, Co and absolutely loved it! But, its expensive to live there. I would love to go back, but I think this time it would be Fort Collins. I hear so many great things about Fort Collins. You should check it out.

As for WI, I hear Madison is cool. But, never been.

Good luck!

[BlueWillowPlate]

My son, who went to school in Fort Collins (as did I--years ago! ) is now in grad school in Madison, Wisconsin and loves it. As long as you can handle winter, it sounds like a great place to hang out in coffeehouses perusing books etc.
Have heard very good things about Portland, as well.

[dandevder]

We left CT 2 years ago and moved to NC. It was the best move we could have ever made. I think you can find most of your interests here in NC. We are just south of Charlotte and we have all of that here....well lakes...but not sure about the river! The cost of living here is SOOO much better than when we were in CT. Please feel free to pm me with any questions you may have. Best of luck to you in your search.

[Waterlily]

I've got to say that it sounds like you are describing Portland. There's coffee shops, big book stores and cycling is popular in Oregon. You could even go for Eugene Oregon.
All of western Oregon is pretty darn green too.

[jkmewright]

TN was not on your list but it's sounds like a part of Chattanooga! It's north Chattanooga or the North Side. There is a river running through it. Parks, fountains, cool quaint shopping area, coffee/book shops, bike friendly etc. We also have a nicely developed walking/biking trail that runs up and down the rivershore for miles. Just a thought for you.... Good luck!

[Niki]

What you described reminds me of Southport, NC. It's a small town south of Wilmington. That, of course, means you could get hit by hurricanes. But it's a beautiful little town on the river.

[plaidmom]

I'm a cyclist too and I love to travel to ride. I'm a mountain biker also, so my criteria may be a bit different than yours. I do find that areas that have a strong "bike culture" tend to cater to both roadies and mtbers.
The first town that pops out for me in each of your listed states:

ID-Coeur d'Alene
NC-Asheville
CO-Durango
WI-Madison
OR-Bend

Good luck with the hunt

[friendnc]

Here's another vote for NC, a very green state; Asheville, Charlotte (not river, but beautiful lakes, and the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Very affordable place to live and lots of great jobs), and Wilmington/Southport area.

[sillygal]

Plaid........Thanks so much, I think it is cool to have met another bicyclist, where do u hail from? And where is the best place u have biked?

I have to tell you, I am originally from WI and being from there, and growing up there I did get spoiled on the country roads, and then in later years came all the magnificent rails-to-trails.......Can't beat it, but can't ride but a few months of the year......bbbuuuuuuurrrrrrrr Esp since I was living by Lake Michigan. Oh, didn't even realize I put WI in there...............rofl