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I'm new here and I could really use some help deciding what city/state to move to from Houston, Texas. I've been living in Texas for over 3.5 years and I haven't put down roots or felt like I'm home for quite a few reasons.
I'm looking for:
1. Good number of job opportunities, especially for a Graphic and visual Web Designer.
2. Beautiful nature and nice weather. I like rain and don't mind snow in the winter (as long as it's not too cold for several months) and hate almost constant humidity and heat. Having 4 seasons would also be nice!
3. Friendly people and the chance to meet them and have a social life.
4. People with open minds and progressive thinking.
5. Decent, somewhat affordable living.
6. Not very conservative.
7. Good cultural scene.
Lately, I've been thinking of Washington but I'm still researching and open to any suggestions or insight.
I want to settle and build a life.
1. Good number of job opportunities, especially for a Graphic and visual Web Designer.
2. Beautiful nature and nice weather. I like rain and don't mind snow in the winter (as long as it's not too cold for several months) and hate almost constant humidity and heat. Having 4 seasons would also be nice!
3. Friendly people and the chance to meet them and have a social life.
4. People with open minds and progressive thinking.
5. Decent, somewhat affordable living.
6. Not very conservative.
7. Good cultural scene.
Durham NC nails every one of your criteria points. The job market is quite good, very affordable with nice two bedroom apartments renting under $1000 a month and salaries competitive to much more expensive cities, it's a beautiful area with lots of tree coverage and greenery, the weather is moderate with pretty much an even four season climate, the people are extraordinarily friendly and open to transplants with a diverse population from all over the world, the population is very well-educated in general and open-minded/progressive, left of center politically and offers a tremendous cultural scene with both visual and performing arts. Though you didn't bring it up the food scene is national caliber with excellent restaurants and some of the best farmers markets in the US.
Below I have listed a few areas that could out well. They're all up & coming tech areas that are still affordable. Each area basically has all 4 seasons, but the people in these cities are very friendly, especially Nashville (good ole southern hospitality). Good luck in your search!
Perhaps Denver but I hear it's getting increasingly expensive. I'd also check out Salt Lake City.
Two good recommendations!
Quote:
Originally Posted by bluescreen73
If living amongst abundant greenery is important look to the PNW; otherwise, look at Denver and Salt Lake City.
Don't blame you for wanting to get outta Houston. We lived in DFW for several years and the Texas Triangle pretty much blows if you're outdoorsy.
The PNW does seem attractive. Yes! It does blow! Where do you reside now and why did you choose that city in particular? If you don't mind me asking, of course.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kyle19125
Durham NC nails every one of your criteria points. The job market is quite good, very affordable with nice two bedroom apartments renting under $1000 a month and salaries competitive to much more expensive cities, it's a beautiful area with lots of tree coverage and greenery, the weather is moderate with pretty much an even four season climate, the people are extraordinarily friendly and open to transplants with a diverse population from all over the world, the population is very well-educated in general and open-minded/progressive, left of center politically and offers a tremendous cultural scene with both visual and performing arts. Though you didn't bring it up the food scene is national caliber with excellent restaurants and some of the best farmers markets in the US.
Pretty good information. I'm glad you mentioned it; I'm passionate about food and love to eat from different cuisines.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg10556
Below I have listed a few areas that could out well. They're all up & coming tech areas that are still affordable. Each area basically has all 4 seasons, but the people in these cities are very friendly, especially Nashville (good ole southern hospitality). Good luck in your search!
The PNW does seem attractive. Yes! It does blow! Where do you reside now and why did you choose that city in particular? If you don't mind me asking, of course.
Pretty good information. I'm glad you mentioned it; I'm passionate about food and love to eat from different cuisines.
Lovely. Do you live in Nashville?
I lived about 20 minutes south of Nashville for almost 2 years, a few years ago, currently in the Bay Area now.
I enjoyed Nashville. There was always something going on, a lot of good "community" vibes in not only Nashville, but the towns nearby (I lived in Franklin, TN). There are some decent hikes, lakes, etc...nearby as well. Friendliness is a strong point there as well, Southern hospitality is a real thing!
The PNW does seem attractive. Yes! It does blow! Where do you reside now and why did you choose that city in particular? If you don't mind me asking, of course.
We moved back to Colorado in 2011. We live in the suburbs of Denver.
It's more expensive than Houston and DFW, but for my money it's worth every penny because I have the Rocky Mountains at my doorstep and I don't have to live in air conditioning for 1/4-1/3 of the year.
It's not as lush as the southeast, but that's fine by me because it means almost no humidity and fewer bugs & vermin.
I lived about 20 minutes south of Nashville for almost 2 years, a few years ago, currently in the Bay Area now.
I enjoyed Nashville. There was always something going on, a lot of good "community" vibes in not only Nashville, but the towns nearby (I lived in Franklin, TN). There are some decent hikes, lakes, etc...nearby as well. Friendliness is a strong point there as well, Southern hospitality is a real thing!
Sounds nice. Yes, in Houston people are also nice in general and since I haven't been to many places in the U.S. yet, I have no good perception of the friendliness meter by the region.
What do you think of the Bay Area? Pros & cons.. (I know a con is the cost of living).
The Albany-Schenectady-Troy metro is in the center of this area and may be worth a look.
Albany.. hmmmm... I'll look into it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by bluescreen73
We moved back to Colorado in 2011. We live in the suburbs of Denver.
It's more expensive than Houston and DFW, but for my money it's worth every penny because I have the Rocky Mountains at my doorstep and I don't have to live in air conditioning for 1/4-1/3 of the year.
It's not as lush as the southeast, but that's fine by me because it means almost no humidity and fewer bugs & vermin.
I agree with you and the nature is definitely far more beautiful in Colorado. No humidity and less bugs are always great.
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