Moving back to the U.S. from Ireland, seeking laid-back, safe, vibrant city (neighborhoods)

[k2324]

I’m an American currently living in Galway, Ireland and looking to move back to the U.S. this summer. I’m originally from New Jersey and spent some time living in Manhattan, but I’m looking for a place that’s a little less chaotic, and a little closer to what I’ve enjoyed about living in Galway, which is very laid-back and lively. I’d like to live in a medium or large city with a relatively safe, vibrant, walkable downtown area, with plenty of downtown living options. I’m in my mid twenties and single, I’m looking for a city with a significant population of 20-somethings and 30-somethings, ideally with historic architecture and some interesting museums. I’d like to stay east of the Mississippi River, so as to not be too far from my family and friends on the East Coast, but other than that, I’m pretty flexible.

Any suggestions? I’ve been researching a few cities (Charleston, Savannah, Raleigh, Louisville), but I’ve also been considering that there may be neighborhoods within larger cities such as Chicago or Philadelphia that would fit my criteria. I’ve also ruled out some big cities (Boston, Washington D.C.) that I’ve spent time in that I didn’t feel were a good match. I’m trying to get a list together of a few places to check out once I get back to the U.S., and any help/insight would be greatly appreciated!

[kyle19125]

This may not be the most expected recommendation but given your criteria would urge you to check out Richmond, Virginia. Neighborhoods such as The Fan, Carytown, The Museum District and Shockoe Bottom are relatively safe, very walkable and vibrant. Besides being the state capital it has a thriving downtown with two major universities (VCU and U of Richmond) as well as a massive healthcare sector cluster with the VCU/MCV medical complex. Richmond has a lot of great architecture and a decent museum/cultural scene as well. Nearly half the population is between the ages of 20-44 and almost half of the city's population is single.

[ckhthankgod]

I dare suggest the major Upstate NY cities due to their proximity to friends and family and the fact they will have areas that would/could fit your criteria. I know that Buffalo and Syracuse have neighborhoods with a strong Irish American character in South Buffalo and Tipperary Hill as well. There is a demand for Downtown housing in Syracuse that is increasing, as well as in the other cities, along with other neighborhoods like Park Ave in Rochester, Albany's Center Square, Westcott in Syracuse and Elmwood Village in Buffalo, among others. I know that the median age in Syracuse is actually 29.6: Syracuse, NY Population and Races

That is the lowest median age out of the 4 major Upstate cities, but the other 3 are in the 30-33 median age range.

If you don't mind going a bit smaller, but vibrant, Ithaca would be a good choice.

[fwsavemoney]

If you don't mind the winters, Minneapolis would be a great place for you. It is a large and a safe city with a lot to do. Many downtown living options as well.

[Duderino]

If you're tending to the East Coast, and are avoiding NYC, Boston and DC, then I think Philadelphia and Baltimore are both options worth exploring. Philadelphia in particular is continuing to attract a lot of twenty-somethings that are searching for viable urban living but not at an exorbitant price. Baltimore is also quickly becoming an attractive option on that front.

Places like Richmond, Charleston, Savannah and Raleigh will definitely provide much more of a laid-back vibe with good, smaller-scale urban cores, and would be much closer in size to your experience in Galway, so it really depends on the size of the city that you most prefer.

Another city that really does not get much press but may be worth looking into is Wilmington, Delaware, which has some good urban neighborhoods and amenities.

Good luck.

[amaiunmei]

Pittsburgh is another option you may want to check out.

[costello_musicman]

Portland, OR?