Similar to the San Francisco Bay Area, with motos

[jessemh431]

I'm assuming since you live in SF, you want to keep it somewhat liberal. And you mentioned hills/mountains as being ideal places. So that narrows down enough places that I can think of cities. I honestly have NO idea about a motorcycle scene though. Sorry.

Asheville, NC is small, but always seems to have more going on than Knoxville. It's in the mountains so close to nature. And it's liberal.

Raleigh also. Further from mountains, but a bigger city with more to do. Still liberal. Affordable. I have a few friends from SF that moved there for tech jobs in the triangle actually and they love it.

Agree with Austin, Atlanta, Hampton Roads.

Basically, I would just say the southern Appalachians and states touching them as a whole. First off, you have family in Knoxville. It might be too small, but living within a few hours drive/ride might be nice. Atlanta, Charlotte, Asheville, Raleigh, Nashville, Louisville. None of those are that far from Knoxville or the mountains, they're bigger with more stuff to do, they're liberal, and they're relatively affordable (Nashville probably being most expensive).

[Port Pitt Ash]

Originally Posted by HoneyBadger302

1) MUST have a decent motorcycle club racing scene. It's what I do, it's why I work. It's more than just a hobby, it's my passion. We have a super competitive club here in the bay/norcal area and I don't want to have to drive 8 hours to the nearest track.

My mother and sister currently live in Knoxville and I've been out to visit them - I like the area well enough, but the town itself was small, not much to do if you're not a tourist, and a poor job market, and there are no race tracks anywhere remotely close by.

Originally Posted by DJKirkland

Have you considered Portland or Seattle at all? Similar vibe to what you're used to in SF, but much less expensive COL wise.

Considering Portland's noise ordinance was getting my neghbors in trouble for having a leaf blower that was too loud I doubt you could get away with a bike.

Seattle's COL is headed for SF prices (around Boston prices at the moment). Not sure about bik clubs there.

Originally Posted by jessemh431

Asheville, NC is small, but always seems to have more going on than Knoxville. It's in the mountains so close to nature. And it's liberal.

The Asheville area has casual riders clubs, but I'm not sure of about a racing scene. There's amateur stock car going toward Greenville.

In Asheville the city itself I'm not sure if I've ever seen a bike period.

Although the job market here sucks. The best bet when it comes to jobs here is either have your own thing going or get in at one of the hospitals in a Sr. level job.

Asheville feels much smaller than Knoxville so if you thought Knoxville was small...

Lots of nice areas to ride in both NC and SC, but again I'm unsure as far as racing scenes go.

Maybe start looking into FL? At least if you picked Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa-St. Petersburg, or Miami that would put you near Daytona.

Miami is the only place that would come close on nightlife though.

[creeksitter]

I must be easily amused because there seems to be plenty to do in Knoxville if you aren't a tourist. It's the tourists who might get bored but they can go to Gatlinburg.

But no moto racing so I can understand why its not on your list. Where are the moto racing venues? Seems like you could start with that and see which areas meet your other criteria.