Family looking for nature, hipster scene, and good schools. (rent, buy)

[statiq]

Hello!

Those are really our three criteria in the subject line. Finding work is not a problem as we can both telecommute with decent salaries. My husband grew up in South Lake Tahoe so he really craves that sort of experience for our children. Nature, hiking, fishing, skiing. I can admit I'm totally a hipster. I like "artisan" food, raising ducks, weird hobbies, escape rooms, comedy shows, etc. And of course, with three (possibly 4) little ones, good schools are always a concern.

Thank you for your help. I've been doing some research and haven't landed on anything solid.

[nightlysparrow]

Rent or buy? Budget for either? How big?

[kyle19125]

Asheville seems a good fit for you.

[statiq]

We can do either. Buy max probably around 650K, rent max around $3200/mo.

[vter]

Burlington, VT area.

[mr roboto]

Originally Posted by statiq

We can do either. Buy max probably around 650K, rent max around $3200/mo.

Well you can afford pretty much anywhere with this. Does cold bother you? Do you require mountains? Ocean? What size metro?

[ckhthankgod]

Ithaca NY.

[bluescreen73]

Manitou Springs might work, even though I'd call it more new-ageish or hippie than hipster.

[statiq]

Cold is fine as long as it's less than 6 months out of the year. Mountains not required. No need for ocean. No preference on metro size.

[BurnInTheMil]

Portland, OR
Asheville, NC

These two places came to mind first. Both have the hippie/hipster scene going on, both have great access to the outdoors, both have decent school options, etc... Portland has naked scooter rides if that floats your boat.