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As many of us are quite aware, when somebody asks what city is best for them, the usual subjects (Austin, Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis/St. Paul, etc.) are always recommended. But is that universally true, or would a lot of people really be happier somewhere else? (apart from obvious weather preferences.)
Similarly, somewhere like metro Detroit is rarely/never recommended. But could it be a better fit for some people than the usual suspects would?
As many of us are quite aware, when somebody asks what city is best for them, the usual subjects (Austin, Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis/St. Paul, etc.) are always recommended. But is that universally true, or would a lot of people really be happier somewhere else? (apart from obvious weather preferences.)
Similarly, somewhere like metro Detroit is rarely/never recommended. But could it be a better fit for some people than the usual suspects would?
Most people posting on the national boards are recent grads looking for that 'hip', artsy, walkable, young, liberal city to move to as they start their next phase of life after college. Today, if you are young and want to be on the cutting edge of culture, Portland, Seattle, Austin, etc are the places to be. You are right though that they aren't good fits for everybody. If somebody in their 30s was looking for a place to move their family with a low cost of living, good weather, and good schools, those cities wouldn't be the ones suggested.
Portland has a rotten climate unless you love rainy cloudy weather so if you suffer from SAD, not a good place. Oregon also has high taxes and rather low incomes. I lived in Portlandia for 3 years and loved it at times and hated it at times. If you're going to go to the NW, I like Seattle much better.
I also lived near Austin for a few years. Not a good place if you don't do well in heat. Otherwise, very nice city imo.
Detroit would be good for someone who wants to buy a house for under $10K and then wear body armor.
Portland has a rotten climate unless you love rainy cloudy weather so if you suffer from SAD, not a good place. Oregon also has high taxes and rather low incomes. I lived in Portlandia for 3 years and loved it at times and hated it at times. If you're going to go to the NW, I like Seattle much better.
I also lived near Austin for a few years. Not a good place if you don't do well in heat. Otherwise, very nice city imo.
Detroit would be good for someone who wants to buy a house for under $10K and then wear body armor.
Detroit is virtually at the opposite end of the spectrum from the twentysomething favorites. I doubt very many people dream of moving there when they graduate college and I can't see why anyone would move there unless they have some connection there or their job took them there. With Portland, Seattle, SF, Austin, etc you have young people all over the country packing up, leaving everything behind, and chasing a dream. I think that is what really separates these popular cities from the others.
No such thing as a the city for everyone. Everyone needs are different. I think those cites are popular because of what has been mentioned already. At the end of the day, it really becomes, what's best for you and what you think will be your perfect city.
Detroit is virtually at the opposite end of the spectrum from the twentysomething favorites. I doubt very many people dream of moving there when they graduate college and I can't see why anyone would move there unless they have some connection there or their job took them there. With Portland, Seattle, SF, Austin, etc you have young people all over the country packing up, leaving everything behind, and chasing a dream. I think that is what really separates these popular cities from the others.
That's dead wrong actually. Downtown Detroit has seen a near 60% increase in college-educated residents under the age of 35 and there's a housing shortage for those looking in the revitalized neighborhoods such as Corktown and Eastern Market. The city unemployment rate has dropped from 30% to 16% in 2 years and continues to drop monthly. The media loves to kick Detroit in the teeth whenever possible but the reality is good things are beginning to happen and many have faith in the city and see opportunity to succeed there.
Detroit seems to have turned a corner - young people are moving back and there's more activity downtown. It certainly has a long way to go, though, but if you're an artist and want something similar to Manhatten in the 70s, it's probably the closest you can find right now.
I've read countless threads where people recommend Minneapolis to just about anyone looking to relocate. Granted the city has a lot of upside, but the summers are often hot and humid and the winters are extremely cold (really no spring or fall to speak of). For anyone looking for a moderate climate MSP would not be the city for them. Additionally, the city is very isolated - the nearest bigh city is Chicago about 6 hours away.
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