Relocation ideas-Go West Young Man? (crime rate, houses, find a job)

[galawyer]

I'm currently living in Atlanta and am dismayed by the high rates of violent crime, the strangulation of the city by the ultra-conservative legislature, and the general feel of the city.

I'm seriously considering relocating. Please offer some suggestions of cities to look into further.

Here are my criteria
1) Population at least 500k
2) Reasonable crime rate (I realize there will be crime in big cities but Atlanta is ridiculous)
3) Liberal/Progressive city
4) Reasonable cost of living
5) laid back atmosphere

I have been looking into Seattle, Portland, Denver/Boulder so far.

Please give advice on the above-mentioned cities and offer new suggestions if you have one.

[Mouser]

Originally Posted by galawyer

I'm currently living in Atlanta and am dismayed by the high rates of violent crime, the strangulation of the city by the ultra-conservative legislature, and the general feel of the city.

I'm seriously considering relocating. Please offer some suggestions of cities to look into further.

Here are my criteria
1) Population at least 500k
2) Reasonable crime rate (I realize there will be crime in big cities but Atlanta is ridiculous)
3) Liberal/Progressive city
4) Reasonable cost of living
5) laid back atmosphere

I have been looking into Seattle, Portland, Denver/Boulder so far.

Please give advice on the above-mentioned cities and offer new suggestions if you have one.

1) Population at least 500k-PHOENIX
2) Reasonable crime rate (I realize there will be crime in big cities but Atlanta is ridiculous) PHOENIX
3) Liberal/Progressive city-PHOENIX, you'll love the Mayor
4) Reasonable cost of living-PHOENIX
5) laid back atmosphere-PHOENIX

[Christian Missouri boy]

I hadn't thought of that one, but I agree Phoenix is a great place. I have relatives on Casa Grande, they really like it there a lot. Houses are cheap there also at the moment.

[bigdave01]

No to Phoenix lol. Its just a giant sprawling conservative city. Similar to Atlanta. I think Portland or Seattle would be great choices.

[niceguy19125]

Originally Posted by galawyer

I'm currently living in Atlanta and am dismayed by the high rates of violent crime, the strangulation of the city by the ultra-conservative legislature, and the general feel of the city.

I'm seriously considering relocating. Please offer some suggestions of cities to look into further.

Here are my criteria
1) Population at least 500k
2) Reasonable crime rate (I realize there will be crime in big cities but Atlanta is ridiculous)
3) Liberal/Progressive city
4) Reasonable cost of living
5) laid back atmosphere

I have been looking into Seattle, Portland, Denver/Boulder so far.

Please give advice on the above-mentioned cities and offer new suggestions if you have one.

I'm not sure how Phoenix came up as an alternative to a high crime rate, as being liberal/progressive and laidback.

I think Denver/Boulder hits each of your criteria...especially Boulder, though it can be a bit pricey. However areas in between Denver and Boulder (Broomfield for example) could definitely fit the bill.

[DailyJournalist]

Portland would be a perfect fit.

[acrylic]

Well, if you're looking for a smaller town in the West, maybe look at Tucson. I don't know if they're considered more conservative or liberal.
And honestly, Phoenix doesn't feel that conservative either. I went there before the election, and saw Obama signs all over the place. It really depends on if you want to move to the 5th largest city population wise, or something smaller.

[Rob Allen]

Portland - safe, progressive, laid-back. But it's damn difficult to find a job there right now.