City that compares to Chicago but milder weather, less expensive (ideas, cheaper)

[reneeh63]

..thought experienced travelers might have some good ideas. I LOVE Chicago but in terms of retiring, it is expensive and of course pretty severe weather. Are there any cities in the U.S. (I might consider Europe) that are somewhat cosmopolitan but have seasonal, milder weather and won't break the bank?

[bluescreen73]

What do you consider milder? Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston are milder in the winter, but considerably warmer and unpleasant during the summer. They're probably about as cosmopolitan and cheaper than Chicago than most places in the U.S. I'd recommend Denver or Salt Lake City, but they'll have a small city feel compared to Chicago.

[reneeh63]

Thanks! Yeah, milder in terms of winter but I'd not want to substitute a boiling hot and humid summer - that's about as bad, so milder all around.

[annerk]

Have you looked at the Portland, OR area?

[oddstray]

Originally Posted by annerk

Have you looked at the Portland, OR area?

Yes. Milder weather year 'round plus not breaking the bank rules out California and leaves you with the Pacific Northwest.

[yofie]

Perhaps Buenos Aires - that has been very similar to Chicago in terms of historical development and with a rich agricultural hinterland, and they even look alike on the map!