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Which one of these Northern U.S cities is the best to live in ?
Based on....
Natural scenery (Parks, forests, Mountains, lakes etc...)
Walkability
cost of living
what there is to do in your spare time
Density
Infrastructure
climate
downtown area
Hospitality/ Friendliness
The first two I could definitely live in and probably be very happy with it too, even though they are a departure from my "norm" of big city everything. The latter two, I don't know. I like them enough, not enough to live in but like them enough I guess to care listing them here. So that must mean something?
Seattle leads another "best city for living" poll? Wow, shocker! Seattle (and Portland, Austin, Houston, Dallas and Denver) continue to be the prized pigs of the American urban trough. Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Boston, Philly, St. Louis, Milwaukee, etc. will never be popular places to live in like the aforementioned cities are now -- they're just not as glitzy and glamorous, and all have caveats to living in them (like bad weather, for one -- and for many, that's all that needs to be said). However, never in my life would I ever have predicted that people would perceive PNW weather as "good", or esp. "ideal", which I've heard a few times now, so I guess you never know what people will say they like.
Are you denying Seattle's (and Portland's) latitudinal setting? Both cities are at/above the 45th parallel, as are the Twin Cities, the quintessential northern city.
I'm partial to Boston (bias) but I've heard excellent things about the culture and "bang for your buck" in the twin cities. Honestly, I don't think I've heard a negative first hand account yet. I'd like to spend more time there and see for myself.
Are you denying Seattle's (and Portland's) latitudinal setting? Both cities are at/above the 45th parallel, as are the Twin Cities, the quintessential northern city.
Yes but they aren't "Northern" cities in the way we typically use that term when dividing the nation by regions, just like no one calls Los Angeles or Las Vegas "Southern" cities. They are considered Western cities first and foremost.
Well, if it helps, we are leaving the Seattle area to move much further North....to Anchorage. Anchorage would get my vote. Setting, climate, and all the people I've talked to say it's a great place to raise a family... City is small and easily driveable. Plus, there are bike and ski trails all over. I find the people in Anchorage very personable; something that has remained somewhat lacking in this area. JMO, of course. I don't hate Seattle, and if I couldn't live in Alaska, Seattle or Boston would get my vote.
Seattle is no longer all it has been cracked up to be. I can say this with certainty after 20+ years living in this area.
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