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My boyfriend and I live in Delaware but really would like to move. We realize that securing a job before a move is important but we don't want to look anywhere we are not going to necessarily enjoy living in. We would like to try to stay in the Northeast and prefer a medium sized city. Jobs we'd be looking into would be Pharmacy Technician or Medical billing. We are not looking to as of right now buy but we do have pets so it would have to be a pet friendly place.
Other criteria are:
Culturally rich and vibrant
Nice and down to earth people
Charming
Environmentally conscious
Low Crime
Lots of recreational activities
Good transportation
Any helpful and serious feedback is greatly appreciated, thank you!
The only cities in the Northeast with a real, comprehensive public transit system are NYC and Boston, which are large cities. Otherwise, you will need a car for most of your transportation needs. Smaller cities do have bus systems, if you don't mind that. And, unfortunately, nearly all medium sized cities in the Northeast have higher crime than you would want (i.e. Hartford, Bridgeport, Trenton, Albany, Providence, etc.). But if you live in a suburb of the city, there will be low crime for sure.
The only cities in the Northeast with a real, comprehensive public transit system are NYC and Boston, which are large cities. Otherwise, you will need a car for most of your transportation needs. Smaller cities do have bus systems, if you don't mind that. And, unfortunately, nearly all medium sized cities in the Northeast have higher crime than you would want (i.e. Hartford, Bridgeport, Trenton, Albany, Providence, etc.). But if you live in a suburb of the city, there will be low crime for sure.
Philadelphia, and most would argue DC, are glaring omissions from that statement.
In terms of the OP, I would actually consider Pittsburgh. I'm not sure if you'd want to tend toward the coastal Northeast, but it really does fit all of your criteria (even for all of the issues that its transportation system is going through right now). Worcester, Massachusetts or Providence may be good options, as well.
In terms of fulfilling all of your criteria (most notably charming, low crime and nice/down to earth people) you might look at Cleveland's inner ring suburb of Lakewood. It's a dense, walkable community on the shores of Lake Erie just west of Cleveland and an easy commute into most of Cleveland. The cost of living is quite low for a major city, especially for one with an extensive public transit system. The RTA Rapid Transit has two stations in Lakewood (see map below) one at 117th Street and the other on Triskett Road.
The only cities in the Northeast with a real, comprehensive public transit system are NYC and Boston, which are large cities. Otherwise, you will need a car for most of your transportation needs. Smaller cities do have bus systems, if you don't mind that. And, unfortunately, nearly all medium sized cities in the Northeast have higher crime than you would want (i.e. Hartford, Bridgeport, Trenton, Albany, Providence, etc.). But if you live in a suburb of the city, there will be low crime for sure.
All medium sized Northeastern have high crime compared to what? What effects one area of a city doesn't necessarily effect another part of town too.
Pittsburgh may work for most of your criteria, OP. A city that would fit all of the criteria is Ithaca NY, but it is smaller with about 30,000 people. It is a college town with a good bus system, diversity, a big vegan/vegetarian scene, liberal, largely safe, a good live music scene, a good art scene, is on Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region and more.
I know in Upstate NY, the healthcare industry is doing well and if the cities up here bother you, there are some nice suburbs right next to the cities. Many are relatively affordable. There are nice urban neighborhoods that may still interest you up here as well.
Philadelphia, and most would argue DC, are glaring omissions from that statement.
In terms of the OP, I would actually consider Pittsburgh. I'm not sure if you'd want to tend toward the coastal Northeast, but it really does fit all of your criteria (even for all of the issues that its transportation system is going through right now). Worcester, Massachusetts or Providence may be good options, as well.
I had considered going closer to the coast because I love the beach but I also like hiking trails, woods etc. I don't think I'll be able to get both. Besides Worcester, are there any other cities within Massachusetts that fit? I might just have to check out Providence a bit more. Thank you so much!
Quote:
Originally Posted by nep321
The only cities in the Northeast with a real, comprehensive public transit system are NYC and Boston, which are large cities. Otherwise, you will need a car for most of your transportation needs. Smaller cities do have bus systems, if you don't mind that. And, unfortunately, nearly all medium sized cities in the Northeast have higher crime than you would want (i.e. Hartford, Bridgeport, Trenton, Albany, Providence, etc.). But if you live in a suburb of the city, there will be low crime for sure.
I do have a car but on occasion do like getting around on a bus as well. I just don't want to end up feeling detached. In other words I'd like a place that's not only great within but the surrounding is just as interesting to visit an can be accessible not just by car. I'm aware crime happens in most cities, if everywhere but I'm sure there has to be a difference in comparison with the medium range cities in the Northeast. I do not intend to live directly in the city itself but as close to comfort as can get.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kyle19125
In terms of fulfilling all of your criteria (most notably charming, low crime and nice/down to earth people) you might look at Cleveland's inner ring suburb of Lakewood. It's a dense, walkable community on the shores of Lake Erie just west of Cleveland and an easy commute into most of Cleveland. The cost of living is quite low for a major city, especially for one with an extensive public transit system. The RTA Rapid Transit has two stations in Lakewood (see map below) one at 117th Street and the other on Triskett Road.
Ohio may just be a bit too far than were willing to travel, thank you nonetheless.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ckhthankgod
All medium sized Northeastern have high crime compared to what? What effects one area of a city doesn't necessarily effect another part of town too.
Pittsburgh may work for most of your criteria, OP. A city that would fit all of the criteria is Ithaca NY, but it is smaller with about 30,000 people. It is a college town with a good bus system, diversity, a big vegan/vegetarian scene, liberal, largely safe, a good live music scene, a good art scene, is on Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region and more.
I know in Upstate NY, the healthcare industry is doing well and if the cities up here bother you, there are some nice suburbs right next to the cities. Many are relatively affordable. There are nice urban neighborhoods that may still interest you up here as well.
Ithaca seems like a place that would fit with our vibe. Outdoor /indoor food markets, lively yet with an undisclosed laid back atmosphere, Parks, etc but it seems a bit isolated and small. I will check out some of the other areas of NY you've mentioned. Thank you again!
I had considered going closer to the coast because I love the beach but I also like hiking trails, woods etc. I don't think I'll be able to get both. Besides Worcester, are there any other cities within Massachusetts that fit? I might just have to check out Providence a bit more. Thank you so much!
I do have a car but on occasion do like getting around on a bus as well. I just don't want to end up feeling detached. In other words I'd like a place that's not only great within but the surrounding is just as interesting to visit an can be accessible not just by car. I'm aware crime happens in most cities, if everywhere but I'm sure there has to be a difference in comparison with the medium range cities in the Northeast. I do not intend to live directly in the city itself but as close to comfort as can get.
Ohio may just be a bit too far than were willing to travel, thank you nonetheless.
Ithaca seems like a place that would fit with our vibe. Outdoor /indoor food markets, lively yet with an undisclosed laid back atmosphere, Parks, etc but it seems a bit isolated and small. I will check out some of the other areas of NY you've mentioned. Thank you again!
Just to be fair, Ithaca is only an hour away from Syracuse, as well as areas like Binghamton and Elmira. Rochester is about 2 hours away.
As for other Upstate cities, I'd say to look at areas near colleges/universities. For instance, a potential community that could fit is Brockport. It has its own hospital, a state college, is a walkable village about. 20 minutes from Rochester, is close to Lake Ontario, has the Erie Canal going through it and more.
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