Wanted: Big Urban City with that Big Urban city feel.

[City_boi]

Wow, you love A LOT of the same things about cities as I do. I LOVE cars always honking and crowded busy streets. A lot of people think it's weird to like crowds and honking, but I love it because it adds to the lively bustling feel. Honestly, when I first read the original post, I thought "wait, did I start this thread and just forget about it?" Haha.

Anyway, I don't think you're really going to get that bustling feel unless you're in DC, Boston, Chicago, NYC, Philly (or a few west coast cities but I know you don't want to go that far).

[emcee squared]

If you REALLY want 4 seasons, Minneapolis and Chicago are the places. For your criteria, I'd select Chicago. Big city, tall buildings, lots of sports to go around, everything you'd want it sounds like. It is expensive overall, but I'm sure you can find some decent places in or around the loop.

Good luck choosing.

[Caymon83]

If your looking for the big urban cities, you really have basically 6 choices and a couple of maybes

1)NYC- too expensive
2)SF- too expensive, too far
3)Chi-
4)Bos-
5)Philly- don't want
6)DC- been there done that

maybe
7) Seattle- too far
8) Baltimore- like a smaller less urban Philly

I guess that pretty much means you have 2 options: Boston and Chicago.

Chicago- bigger city, more hustle and bustle, better cost of living.
Boston- East coast urban feel, more charm, closer to NYC, Philly, home, etc.
Sports and weather are basically a draw.

I would probably lean toward Chicago, since you get so much more for your dollar. Plus, I could see Boston feeling a little small after a while. But, both are outstanding cities.

Wild card: have you ever considred Toronto? Many of the same attributes as Chi, but closer to PA.

[danwxman]

Interesting thread. I just moved to Philly from Harrisburg, PA and grew up in Mechanicsburg.

It's ashame you don't want to move to Philly because it's truly the big city urban experience you want. But I can understand if you visited here a lot and want something different.

[itsajourney]

I LOVE Philly!!! I was up there last September visiting a friend in New Jersey. Took the opportunity to drive over to Philly 3-4 times. I really enjoyed being there again. A lot of people knock Philly and say people are rude, but again, I can't say that feeling stands out for me. I really didn't think they were much different than any other northern city.

Being back in all of the historic districts was a slice of heaven for me. If it weren't for those winters (which are better than midwestern winters).

Danwxman--did you go to Mechanicsburg schools or Cumberland Valley? My kids went to Cumberland Valley. We lived off of 114 heading north towards Carlisle Pike for 7 years and then off of Trindle Road in the country heading to Carlisle.

[mdw5048]

Thanks for all the feedback guys!

It's not that I don't like Philly, it's just that I'm there all the time with the majority of my best friends going to Temple. It's a great city, but I just wouldn't want to live there.

I think at this point Chicago really peaks my interest. With Boston being a close second.

I love the big nature of Chicago, and the hustle and bustle it offers. But as Caymon said, Boston has that Northeastern charm. But, when you look at cost, Chicago trumps Boston. I think I'd enjoy living in Chicago, where people are out all the time, and there's always something to do into the wee hours of the morning. Plus it's got your 4 seasons, it's a big sports town, and I mean it's "Chicago". I've heard nothing but great things about the city, and everyone that visits there loves it. I know living there is always a different experience, but I think I'd like Chi Town.

Thanks for all the input everyone! It's greatly appreciated while i try to figure this all out!