Like Toronto, but in US & Milder Climate? (physically, weather, moving)

[Coachgns]

Young retiree wants to get away from the insane housing prices on Long Island, but not give up the excitement of nearby Manhattan. Have visited TOronto several times, and have often said that if it wasn't for the climate, I'd love to retire there. A beautiful city, chock full of culture, great restaurants, and easy to get around.

So what US city is closest to Toronto?

I've looked closely at Philly, and the Rittenhouse area fits but the prices there are still a bit high.

Living in an area that is walkable is very important to me.
So is a temperate climate, and a good cost of living.
And lots of art & culture. My partner is an artist, and she will want to teach adult classes.

[StealthRabbit]

Toronto is very unique.... USA is very homogeneous in comparison. I would have said Vancouver, BC... but...You want USA...

So San Franciso would top the list, but you want 'affordable', (all relative) so...
for temperate climate and diverse culture, possibly Seattle. It is easy to get around central Seattle, especially if you aren't using a car...

You might give Portland, OR a try, or her little sister, Salem, OR. These are more 'laid / back' / casual than Toronto. I always feel very 'under-dressed' there.

[Coachgns]

Thanks for the input. Have had Portland Or suggested to me & have looked at it briefly. Never been there though. Most of what I've heard about it is good - BUT - in looking at weather Stats, it appears that it is among the leading cities on days of rain. But then again, I've seen other reports that ranks it below the norm in rainfall. Maybe it rains often but not alot? But I do like to be outside, but not in the rain. another drawback is no Major League baseball team there. But the sports packages on TV go a long way to dealing with that issue. And it IS SO FAR - we still do have family in NY that we need to visit frequently. It's quite a schlep from the NW to NYC.

[StealthRabbit]

Rain in Portland comes as 200+ days of drizzle, seldom a downpour. Regional rain varies by elevation, we are 20 miles from airport, but higher, and get twice the rain volume.

Maybe you meant the closest (Physically) to Toronto. sorry... Not sure you can get a much better climate and still be close. There is good ethnic diversity near DC, but it is not cheap, or much better weather.

It's a hike to NYC, tho the recent airline rates have been good ($200 RT)

I usually take a red-eye there and a late night return (so as not to burn any 'daylight')

[knoxgarden]

Take a look at Indianapolis, IN. A nice centrally located city. I've been there several times and was impressed enough to consider moving there at one time. Close enough to St. Louis, Cincinnati and Chicago to get your baseball fix. Relatively low cost of living with good services and a real center city.
Weather should be milder than Toronto but you'll still have four seasons.
Nearby places that are smaller are Louisville, KY and Evansville, IN. Both nice areas.
If you don't mind cold winters, Minneapolis-St. Paul has a lot of sunshine, pleasant summers and baseball. Lovely area with some great suburbs. Not sure about costs.
Personally, I love Knoxville. There are several direct flights a day to LaGuardia. No pro baseball but top level college sports as home of University of Tennessee.
We've got more diversity than you'd expect for such a small city. A big new Asian supermarket opened not far from me and I'm amazed every time I go in there at the number of Asians and Indians we have in the area.