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I'd say Seattle except for the affordability criteria. Vancouver BC would be even better but it's even less affordable.
I've heard so many good things about Seattle, but I'm not sure if I can deal with the weather; it seems to always look overcast and gloomy, like in Vancouver....although I'm sure there are sunny day in both cities. It reminds me of the time I spent in England, it's a beautiful place but that kind of weather is absolutely depressing.
Nashville and Columbus OH are a couple of other areas that come to mind.
Okay, I've looked into both of those at some time as well. More so Nashville than Columbus, but both do seem like great cities; especially the low cost of living. I'll give them a second look.
The Las Vegas area has pretty much all of that. It's surrounded by mountains, has a fairly substantial black population, low crime outside of a few areas, cheap housing, culture/vibe and amenities. Museums may be a little lacking but as the city grows there will be more of that.
It has very little humidity and is only uncomfortably hot at different points from June-September. Higher elevations with temperatures 20 degrees cooler are a 20 minute drive and so is Lake Mead which has a large beach. There's also public water parks.
Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean are within a 3.5 to 4.5 hour drive depending on traffic. Mt Whitney, the tallest mountain in the United States outside of Alaska is just a 4 hour drive. Basically the area is strategically located for frequent easy vacation destinations.
It does lack 4 traditional seasons, but everywhere about 30 miles north does. Median home price is about $205,000 , very affordable compared to nearly every major city, in line with Texas affordability. Vegas is growing faster than almost every other major city. It's the newest major city in the country ,incorporated in 1911.
Anyways good luck. I think Michigan's also beautiful. It has great national parks and the Lake Michigan coastline is perfect. Grand Rapids is growing very fast and is a good city.
Never thought about Vegas lol. I don't know why but all I thought of is casinos and tourists... but the cost of living is something to consider. Thanks.
All meet your criteria to varying degrees. Though I do like Raleigh/Durham, have relatives who live there, and am very familiar with the whole area, outside of parks and greenways, there are not many unique recreational assets for a metro of 2 million. Charlotte is a better choice, IMO. It's extremely green/lush, parks, greenways, 2 state parks (Lake Norman SP and Crowder's Mnt. SP), and the U.S. National Whitewater Center, among other great recreational assets. Charlotte also has better Buying Power (average annual income vs. cost of living) than Raleigh, Atlanta, and Nashville. Charlotte also has one of the strongest black middle classes in the nation.
No matter where you end up, good luck in your search.
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