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We currently live in Sonoma County, which I totally love and really don't want to leave, but my husband and I may be forced to due to his work.
We are looking into other options out of state, but are really hoping to find somewhere that approximates where we are now in terms of culture, natural beauty, and overall philosophy. As much as we love California, it has become such a difficult place to raise a family due to the outrageous cost of living. It would be nice to go somewhere where it's possible to actually get ahead, not just stay afloat, even with a good-paying job.
Our ideal place would be a small-to-midsize city, although the outskirts of larger cities are a possibility. It would need to have plenty of outdoor amenities, e.g. regional/state/national parks for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and preferably lakes/rivers. We are also looking for a location where local food is considered important, with plenty of farmer's markets or CSA options, as well as a focus on supporting a local economy. Open-mindedness and tolerance of non-mainstream beliefs/ideas is important too. There should also be a decent amount of alternative/holistic medical practitioners, such as acupuncturists, chiropractors, and naturopaths, and a good amount of yoga studios. In terms of education, we are interested in sending our young son to a Waldorf school or similar charter school. We are also looking for a place where we can raise our own food and have chickens and goats. Last but not least, we would love a place with a vibrant arts community as well, with galleries, museums, and musical cultural events.
My husband's job requires him to work in a hospital or medical office, so a place with plenty of medical work options is necessary.
As for weather, we would like to avoid climate extremes as we were both raised in California. However, a place with moderate weather/four seasons, including some snow, is fine.
We would love to hear about any wonderful options out there!
Along with neighboring Chapel Hill, it offers everything you're looking for without the outrageous cost of living you're accustomed to in California. It's minutes from the University of North Carolina Hospitals and less than 30 minutes from world famous Duke University Hospital (as well as many other hospitals/medical facilities in the area).
Here's some links which outline nicely what Carrboro has to offer:
Except for maybe winter, the Finger Lakes region and probably the Ithaca area of NY, in particular may work. It has the local food culture, wineries, an average overall cost of living, has a liberal vibe, has plenty of cultural events, plenty of outdoor amenities and more.
Thanks for the responses! I'll definitely check these places out. Actually I have a friend that lives near Ithaca (Interlaken) about 6 months out of the year....she did mention the area was fairly cool and one of the few places on the East Coast she'd been to where she and her husband didn't get strange looks (they're total hippie/Renaissance Festival types). Carrboro/Chapel Hill area sounds interesting. Portland is a place we're actively considering but I'm hesitant about the gray/rainy weather thing. I grew up in LA so even northern California is quite rainy for me!
Then you won't like the Portland climate. It's very progressive, Farmers' Markets, organics, great people, but you would have to get away for a month or so in the winter. (condo in Mexico? or VRBO in California?)
Location: where you sip the tea of the breasts of the spinsters of Utica
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Mt Shasta CA - small city with a low cost of living compared to where you are. Small hospital - Mercy Medical Center. Skiing, hiking, and fishing mecca.
Quote:
Our ideal place would be a small-to-midsize city, although the outskirts of larger cities are a possibility. It would need to have plenty of outdoor amenities, e.g. regional/state/national parks for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and preferably lakes/rivers. We are also looking for a location where local food is considered important, with plenty of farmer's markets or CSA options, as well as a focus on supporting a local economy. Open-mindedness and tolerance of non-mainstream beliefs/ideas is important too. There should also be a decent amount of alternative/holistic medical practitioners, such as acupuncturists, chiropractors, and naturopaths, and a good amount of yoga studios. In terms of education, we are interested in sending our young son to a Waldorf school or similar charter school. We are also looking for a place where we can raise our own food and have chickens and goats.
Yes to all of these except maybe the Waldorf school (not sure).
Thanks for the responses! I'll definitely check these places out. Actually I have a friend that lives near Ithaca (Interlaken) about 6 months out of the year....she did mention the area was fairly cool and one of the few places on the East Coast she'd been to where she and her husband didn't get strange looks (they're total hippie/Renaissance Festival types). Carrboro/Chapel Hill area sounds interesting. Portland is a place we're actively considering but I'm hesitant about the gray/rainy weather thing. I grew up in LA so even northern California is quite rainy for me!
If you friend and her husband are inti Renaissance festivals, they should check this out if they haven't already: Sterling_Renaissance_Festival_Home
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