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Of all the cities you listed Columbus is the highest LGBT per capita population. All neighborhoods around downtown have LGBT populations from 20-40 percent of the general population. It is also progressive and liberal. And has a lively music scene, especially in alternative rock. And there is a very good economy. I would say Columbus best meets your wants.
Heres an article showing 2010 census results, you will see how high the LGBT population in many areas. And this census only asks for LGBT same sex partner houses as a measure.
However, you must live in one of the great central city neighborhoods or suburbs. Even if you work around the outerbelt (many do the reverse commute in Columbus) you will get the most of what you're looking for living in these areas. Also the central city neighborhoods, and innerring suburbs, are gentrified and safe and offer a relaxed yet hip vibe/
All midwestern cities, besides Minneapolis and Chicago (but only to an extent) love to over-exaggerate their liberalism/progressiveness. While they may vote democrat, the culture is midwestern cities is always conservative. You might have a few neighborhoods that aren't, but overall, it's just how the midwest is. College campuses can often be liberal too, but that is about it.
K.C. and Columbus are both nice. K.C. gives you a bit of Western/Southern/Midwestern flavor and great BBQ.
Columbus is also a very nice town with a lot going for it. I'd add Louisville and St. Louis to the tour, take a second look at Indy and scrap the rest of your list.
If you can swing through Nashville, Memphis, Tulsa and Oklahoma City for the price of gas and cheap hotels, all the better. Nashville is really coming on strong.
I think Louisville or Pittsburgh are by far the coolest and most interesting cities on that list. Columbus too. But Louisville combines the best amenities with the least traffic, warmest weather, and by far the best restaurants of the bunch. Des Moines is meh, and Omaha while cool, is much smaller than Louisville or Pittsburgh.
I think Louisville or Pittsburgh are by far the coolest and most interesting cities on that list. Columbus too. But Louisville combines the best amenities with the least traffic, warmest weather, and by far the best restaurants of the bunch. Des Moines is meh, and Omaha while cool, is much smaller than Louisville or Pittsburgh.
(1) Louisville wasn't on OP's list, but it is certainly an underrated city.
(2) I'd be interested to hear why you dismiss Des Moines, but not Omaha.
(3) Omaha and DSM both satisfy all of OP's requests (all five cities listed do), and their smaller size makes them more easily navigable.
(1) Louisville wasn't on OP's list, but it is certainly an underrated city.
(2) I'd be interested to hear why you dismiss Des Moines, but not Omaha.
(3) Omaha and DSM both satisfy all of OP's requests (all five cities listed do), and their smaller size makes them more easily navigable.
Omaha and Des Moines are blown out of the picture when Louisville comes in.
Tdag, if you can make it in Louisville, you'll have a very happy life. It's worth trying to crack that nut.
But how is the economy and cost of living in Louisville? Unemployment?
Very low unemployment for the region and among the cheapest cost of living on your list. Also, the warmest weather by far of anywhere you are looking. I also think it has the most upside.
You are looking at essentially 3 tiers of cities on your original list. Pittsburgh and KC are probably the biggest, but also have vast swaths of decaying areas with no hope for recovery. Columbus is in the middle. Louisville was not on your list, but given your hometown and location, IMO it shold be.
Des Moines and Omaha are a whole size class below the other cities.
For me, this would be between Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Louisville. Louisville or Columbus would get the nod as they are thriving academic/university centers with growing economies that are suited for the future. They are big enough to have big city amenities, but small enough to feel home.
A few web sites to explore if you have any curiosity about Louisville.
Pittsburgh has a thriving academic/university center as well as a growing economy suited for the future as well..........the days of it having a depressed economy with negative growth are over.
Pittsburgh has a thriving academic/university center as well as a growing economy suited for the future as well..........the days of it having a depressed economy with negative growth are over.
Pittsburgh has some legacy universities from the days when it was a relevant economic center. That ship has sailed, and activity is going elsewhere in the country. Pittsburgh is now just a place with some universities that people may visit Pittsburgh to attend, though they retreat elsewhere once studies have concluded. Louisville is right on the border of Sun Belt and the Midwest, so it benefits from a very desirable location and many influences.
Louisville is also far more attractive, liveable and comfortable than Pittsburgh. Once you spend a weekend bounding along Bardstown Road and through Cherokee Park, you'll never think of Pittsburgh, again.
Pittsburgh has large expanses of urban areas that will never, ever come back. People only lived in these areas because standards were lower 100 years ago, and the mill work forced people to live in places based on needs, not wants.
Frankly, I don't know how anyone could like anything about Pittsburgh. Of all cities over 1 million, it's the worst one I've seen.
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