Help me make a life-changing decision (ski resort, apartments, rentals)

[Landscape22]

Dear friends,

I'm a 21 year-old male from Southeastern Europe, and I just got a US immigrant visa. Now, I need to make a decision which will most likely carve the path for my future. The dilemma is: where to move and start from zero? I've lurked around this forum for a while, and have seen that people here are friendly and very helpful, so I'm hoping you'll chime in with your opinions. Let me give you some information about my background first.

I'm currently a first-year student at an art-school here in my native country. In the past, I've attended two different universities in different places, and had to leave for various reasons. I'm not an eager, overzealous student, but I don't hate school either.

Now that I'm planning to move to the US in order to maintain my Green Card, I'll need to start school from scratch, as most schools will not accept my previous credits. This will obviously be one of my main concerns when determining the town/state of my residence. I don't really have someone to lean on in the States, so I'll have to build a new life from nothing, completely relying on my own forces. Therefore, I need your help to determine the region/state/town where I would most likely succeed in achieving my goals. I realize there will be hardships everywhere, but I gotta hustle and make it work.

So, these are some of the most important aspects that should influence my decision.

Job availability: Since I don't have a degree yet, I'm fully aware I will have to work sucky jobs at first. I have work experience in my native country, but I'm pretty sure it won't mean shyt in America. I'm fluent in English, and willing/able to work a variety of jobs (bartending, clerical jobs etc). This would probably be my main criterion when it comes to picking a place. Basically, finding a city with a job market that is friendly to new immigrants.

Nature: I'm a huge fan of the outdoors (hiking, camping, running) and it's profoundly important to me that I move to a place where I can pursue these activities. This doesn't mean I want to move to Glacier Park because obviously I have to make a rational decision, and take into account the fact that my next hometown needs to offer opportunities, not only pine trees and hiking trails. However, I don't want to move to a very big city either. I've been to New York before, and I find it completely suffocating.

Friendly people and environment: I consider myself to be very liberal, however I'm also tolerant and respecting of other people's views. I am not religious, but I have very religious friends, and we get along perfectly well (except for the occasional existential debates). I would prefer to live in a place where people are less conservative and open to foreigners/new immigrants. I am white and I barely have an accent, so I think that would work to my advantage (as bad as it sounds, I've witnessed some Americans -especially in the Midwest- be rather racist to people of color.) I'm not a hippie by any means, but I love art-house cinema and arts in general, so this is a factor as well.

Cheap rent and living expenses: For obvious reasons.

Efficient public transportation: I plan to buy a car sometimes in the future, but in the beginning, I'd need to move around by other means of transportation. That's why I'm looking for a city that has a decent transportation system.

School: I definitely plan to go back to school at some point and obtain a degree. However, I'm not sure how in-state tuition works. Is there a specific amount of time you need to spend living somewhere to be considered in-state? If this is case, I would obviously prefer to move to a state that offers many options education wise.

There are probably other things that I should take into account, but these are the most important. I really don't care what part of America I move to, as long as it satisfies (or comes close to satisfying) the above mentioned criteria. So any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

I'm very curious about your ideas. Thank you so much!!!

[ckhthankgod]

If you don't mind me asking, what country are you coming from? That could actually help people determine what places could help make your transition into the US.

Just to throw something out there, if you are Bosnian, here's an area that might work for you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utica-R...atistical_Area

http://www.mwpai.org/

http://www.cityofutica.com/Home/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utica,_New_York

http://www.utica.edu/
http://www.sunyit.edu/
http://www.mvcc.edu/
http://www.hamilton.edu/index.cfm
http://www.herkimer.edu/

http://mvny.org/

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...toryId=5182157

http://www.utica.edu/academic/instit...ic/bosnian.cfm

http://www.mohawkvalleyliving.com/

http://www.cmvh.org/living.asp

http://www.mvedge.org/

http://www.mvchamber.org/

http://www.oneidacountycvb.com/

http://oldforgeny.com/

http://mv.essentialnyjobs.com/

http://www.mapskrieg.com/view/utica/

http://uticaod.marketplace.totallylo...d%20Apartments

[Landscape22]

Albania, but quite accustomed to American/world culture.

[bgrn198]

Form your post you might like Austin there's alot of outdoor areas parks,greenbelts for hiking and running/jogging

Austin, Texas - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Austin, TX | Austin Hotels, Events, Attractions, Things To Do & More | AustinTexas.org

6th street austin, texas - a TOTAL austin entertainment guide.

Home | The University of Texas at Austin

Austin Community College - Start Here. Get There.

http://www.artinstitutes.edu/austin/

http://www.capmetro.org/

http://austin.apartmentguide.com/

Home : Texas State University

http://www.toursanmarcos.com/

http://www.sanmarcostexas.com/


Austin in Texas - a World-Class Destination and a Bon Voyage Favourite. - YouTube

[AksarbeN]

I’m under the impression that most art is established (for the most part) in New York City on the east coast and LA on the west coast. There are of course exceptions to this however these two locations seem to be the hubs for art, companies that deal with art, and art schools. I’m sure you can find some art and the associated industries elsewhere however it may not be the same as the two locations I mentioned. Phoenix has a couple of art schools but they don’t have the “other” associated art needs nor do they have the reputation that NY or LA would have. I would have to say the NY & LA are the “art” hubs of America.

[DinsdalePirahna]

Pittsburgh. Good Arts Community, Cheap coast of living, surrounded bu mopuntains, lakes and rivers. . Good Transportation. large Slavic population,

[bp26_mf11]

I attended the University of Montana in Missoula and loved it! The campus is nestled up against the mountains and the climate is milder than other places in Montana. Missoula is the second largest city in Montana, but only has a population around 110,000. It is known for being a very relaxed atmosphere, full of outdoors enthusiasts, and the most culturally diverse place in Montana. Many people would say that it is probably the most liberal place in Montana. There are hiking trails within city limits and a river runs right through it and alongside campus. Students hitchhike or take the bus up to the nearby ski slopes, use the extensive bike trails/lanes, and it has a cozy-fun downtown with a decent night life. We would always drive half an hour to the seeley-swan area where there is endless camping, waterfall hikes, lakes, fishing, biking, boating, and etc. Plus, you can drive about 2 more hours to reach Glacier Park, which is my most favorite place in Montana.

There are some negatives to living in Montana though. The cities/towns are spread out and the climate can be pretty cold depending on what you are used to.

Check it out, you may like it.

[Neworleansisprettygood]

I would think Austin or Denver would be pretty good fits- you pretty much can't beat Denver when it comes to outdoor activities, it actually owns a ski resort which it operates as a city park.

Let me also say that your English is impeccable, better than probably 99% of native speakers, especially at your age. That will really come in handy.