Desperately Seeking: friendly, mid-sized city of open-minded citizens (allergy, living in)

[nheskie]

My hubby and I have been living in small-town NH for the past 8 years. I was ready to leave 4 years ago. Small towns are not my "thing" turns out. Having grown up in the Midwest, where it's not unusual to strike up a conversation with a stranger at a bus stop, the "taciturn" nature of New Englanders has been a tough adjustment for me (though I've tried my darndest!)

Now, my husband has a telecommute job which means we can move ANYWHERE we want! But now, having looked online at so many places, we're confused as ever

I've been drawn to the Pacific Northwest to cities like Bellignham WA, Ashland/Medford OR, and Bend OR. But my hubby, being from South India, wants some SUN and warmth. I've heard Bend Oregon is sunnier than most cities in Oregon. But I just wonder if it's full of retirees (we're in our early 40's with no kids).

Any ideas on a FRIENDLY mid-sized city where people aren't afraid to make eye contact and smile? We're progressive liberals, not religious (but respectful of those who are), non-hipster.

My favorite thing about New England are the quiet walks in the woods where I can walk for miles and let my dogs run off-leash, and I'd love to find something similar in the next place I live.

I will appreciate any and all suggestions!

[ckhthankgod]

What is the population range for cities that you may be interested in?

[nheskie]

ckhtahnkgod- somewhere around 75k - 250k would be nice, but I'm flexible on size as long as the place has a laid back, friendly and relatively safe vibe.

[ckhthankgod]

I'm thinking that Asheville NC or maybe Knoxville TN could work. Perhaps Fort Collins or Boulder CO.

[cjg5]

Would say Olympia, but its pretty cloudy and rainy there, even more so than Seattle. Hmmm...

I case you want to look anyway,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympia,_Washington

//www.city-data.com/city/Olympia-Washington.html

[nheskie]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.
ckhthankgod -We've visited Asheville. It is a lovely little city! Unfortunately as soon as we stepped outside of it into the surrounding towns, we got some unfriendly stares (I guess because we're an interracial couple). Don't know much about Knoxville, but will read up on it. I think Boulder is out of our price range, which is a bummer.
cjg5- A friend of mine lives in Olympia and loves it! I could handle the rainy days, (I think) but I'm not sure about my hubby. He also has a severe mold allergy. But thanks for the links!

[cjg5]

Might not quite fit all your criteria, but check out:

Kennewick, Washington - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

//www.city-data.com/city/Kennewick-Washington.html

Kennewick is just one of the three Tri-Cities, the other two being Paso and Richland. All of them are nice but Kennewick seems to be the most built up. One thing about the Tri-Cities is that anywhere can be reached from anywhere within them in half an hour or less. They are all interconnected by highways and bridges. Very nice area indeed! The people in the Tri-Cities are among some of the friendliest and most patient I have ever met as well.

[Mutiny77]

Maybe San Luis Opisbo, CA? Have heard a lot about this town lately. Might be worth looking into.

[nheskie]

Thanks, cjg5! So does Kennewick have the lush greenery like Seattle, or is it way more dry since it's in eastern WA? Are there poisonous spiders out there - brown recluse, black widow, that sort of thing? (We don't have those in NH, but we do have ticks and they are already very bad this year!)
Ah, Mutiny 77 - San Luis Obispo would be heavenly - if only I were a millionaire!

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by nheskie

Thanks, cjg5! So does Kennewick have the lush greenery like Seattle, or is it way more dry since it's in eastern WA? Are there poisonous spiders out there - brown recluse, black widow, that sort of thing? (We don't have those in NH, but we do have ticks and they are already very bad this year!)

It doesn't have lush greenery like Seattle. It also doesn't rain as much, definitely dryer... has a desert setting. Bonus point: The sunniest spot in Washington. Extra-bonus point: The wineries!!! All the best WA wine is from this area-- and quite frankly is as good and/or better than the French and Californian's. Definitely a small town setting... the river runs aside the town, and makes for a beautiful setting. If you have a need for green lush, just remember, the mountains is only a couple hours away. The only complaint that my in-law has... "its too windy"... well at least that's some fresh air for ya..

I've seen Black widows in the Tri-Cities areas. I believe they also have brown recluse-- but never seen it. Honestly... WA's not completely bug infested, the way the SE/East Coast region of US is.