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Hello everyone, my name is Steven and I currently live in Knoxville, TN and originate from New Orleans, LA. I just finished my Bachelors in Exercise Physiology and am a Marine Corps veteran. I am unhappy here in Knoxville due to lack of opportunity and relationship reasons and have explored the idea of selling my house and relocating to a more "happening" city. I am not really into the extreme liberal people but I enjoy outdoors activities and a scenic area. Generally, finding that generally most cities that have caught my eye are liberal, which I still am okay with. I am looking to get into my profession while moving somewhere totally new that has a outdoor and vibrant night life. Also, the possibility of a masters program could be in my future but ultimately what I dream about doing is owning a personal training group fitness studio in a downtown environment.
I am considering visiting Seattle, Austin, Charlotte, and Nashville. I have been to Austin to stay with my brother who lives in a suburb and really wasn't impressed to much (mainly because everything was just brown and dead) but I did not get out into downtown Austin at all because I was staying with him and his family. I've never been to the Pacific NW but the scenery out that way is just beautiful. As for Charlotte I have never been but I was stationed in Jacksonville, NC during my time in the Marines. Nashville, everyone says is a really good time here in Knoxville, but I almost feel like it would feel the same staying in Tennessee?
I am looking for something totally different. Things that are important to me is 1) Jobs/ business opportunity 2) dating/ people/ nightlife 3) cost of living 4) outdoor scenery.
Thanks guys, I look forward to hearing your responses.
Last edited by jshubbard; 12-18-2016 at 12:21 PM..
Reason: FORGOT TO ADD NASHVILLE
I'd leave out Charlotte, just because it's not a "happening" city. I like Seattle's environment much better so I'd take that as far as recreation goes. Coming from New Orleans, Seattle will be much more liberal Austin about the same.
All 3 have the jobs, but your dollar will go farthest in Charlotte. Charlotte also seems to be the most family oriented, but theres still good nightlife for singles. My cousin lives in actually a suburb of Charlotte and he has no problem finding dates.
Charlotte would rank last in scenery, but the mountains arent far. Athough theyre not like the mountains youll see in Washington. Theres a couple nice sized lakes though, and Charlotte would put you closest to the beach.
Charlotte is definately happening. I disagree with the above.
Awesome, great thank you both. YES! I knew I was leaving something out. Nashville was also on my list. I am afraid that it will just feel to similar to Knoxville. Charlotte sounds good and yes close to the beach. I agree that Charlotte prob has better cost of living.
All 3 have the jobs, but your dollar will go farthest in Charlotte. Charlotte also seems to be the most family oriented, but theres still good nightlife for singles. My cousin lives in actually a suburb of Charlotte and he has no problem finding dates.
Charlotte would rank last in scenery, but the mountains arent far. Athough theyre not like the mountains youll see in Washington. Theres a couple nice sized lakes though, and Charlotte would put you closest to the beach.
Charlotte is definitely happening. I disagree with the above.
I agree, Charlotte is a thriving big city with plenty to do for singles with nightlife, pro sports and a good climate for outdoor activities pretty much year round. The livability factor is certainly there too for the cost of living, since affordability is definitely a key aspect as well.
Much depends on the field you plan to be in. Personal training? Rehab? Medical research? Something unrelated?
Seattle is very different from the others, being much larger, generally 35-75 F with clouds, and much more expensive. We get less rainfall than the others but much more rain time. We have more water. You can be on a glacier in August within the metro area. Asian influences are far larger. There's a ton of military on the south, west, and east fringes of the metro, mostly Army and Navy.
One thought is Everett or Tacoma. Both are smaller cities in Seattle's orbit and much cheaper.
If you're not into extremely liberal folks, then cross off Seattle. I consider Seattle to be the most liberal city in the country. That's where you find your Bernie Sanders types who are pretty much close to the line of what many would call "Socialists". It's a great city, but if you're not into liberalism to an extreme, than Seattle is not for you, plus it's expensive so you'll probably struggle financially if you don't have a nice job.
Austin is more to a liberal level that's more tolerable for folks who are moderates. Nice social scenes for those in the 20s, but once you get into your 30s, it struggle to stay very relevant as far as social scene and nightlife. If you don't have a nice Tech job lined up, wouldn't recommend it personally. Some suburbs still remain affordable however. The city center is expensive.
Charlotte is a nice growing city, family oriented, and an expanding nightlife scene...still the city is too sleepy for me personally, but it will be more exciting coming from Knoxville. Affordable. Probably a city you want to live in if you want to start a family 5-10 years from now.
Nashville is pretty much your best option. Great nightlife in the city IMO, folks are nice and friend, social, not that liberal or conservative, at least in the city itself...the suburbs though are very conservative. More exciting nightlife and social scene than Charlotte and on the level of Austin. Affordable, but still family friendly.
So my order would be Nashville > Austin > Charlotte > Seattle based on your preferences and career path.
WOW! Awesome feed back from everyone. Thank you Ant131531, I may use that as my order to visit cities. My goal is in the next 6 months to travel too and apply to 3 cities that I would consider moving to. If something lines up, putting my house up on the market.
I def do not think I mix well with the Bernie Sanders crowd just because of the turmoils ive been threw in my life yet never taking any handouts. Nashville and Charlotte are good contenders because I can easily drive to it. However Seattle will still interest me because Im craving something extremely different and the greenery of Seattle has captivated me.
Any cities that I am missing guys? Any recommendations?
WOW! Awesome feed back from everyone. Thank you Ant131531, I may use that as my order to visit cities. My goal is in the next 6 months to travel too and apply to 3 cities that I would consider moving to. If something lines up, putting my house up on the market.
I def do not think I mix well with the Bernie Sanders crowd just because of the turmoils ive been threw in my life yet never taking any handouts. Nashville and Charlotte are good contenders because I can easily drive to it. However Seattle will still interest me because Im craving something extremely different and the greenery of Seattle has captivated me.
Any cities that I am missing guys? Any recommendations?
There's Portland which is more affordable than Seattle, but almost just as liberal. A lot of nature, mountains, and greenery around the city.
I guess if you really want to live in Seattle, try Tacoma, Washington, More affordable than Seattle and it's no more than 35 minutes away from Seattle. Not as liberal either since it's not the core city of the area.
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