Green, diverse, liberal city in the States! (job market, school)

[Traveler24]

Hello there!

I'm 24, a recent grad, and looking for a new place somewhere in the States to settle down for a bit.

I'd greatly appreciate some suggestions! Here is what I'm looking for:

1. Diverse - lots of cultural, ethnic diversity.
2. Liberal - politically and socially liberal, (gay-friendly is a big +)
3. Creative Community - large arts scene.
4. Transport - well organized public transit system.
5. Biker-friendly - self explanatory ;-)
6. Green - lots of green space, bike routes, and public parks.
7. Proximity to the ocean!
8. Generally safe.
9. 500,000+ residents.
10. Decent night scene.

I'd also like a place where the job market is growing or at the very least stable. A large student community is also great since I may choose to go back to school in the near future. Weather is NOT a problem and neither is COL (to some extent.)

Thank you,
Seth
Lincoln, Nebraska
Originally from Providence, RI.

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

Berkeley, CA

[Davy-040]

As a cheaper alternative... Portland, Oregon.

[Mini-apple-less]

Originally Posted by Davy-040

As a cheaper alternative... Portland, Oregon.

Portland is not cheap!

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by Traveler24

Hello there!

I'm 24, a recent grad, and looking for a new place somewhere in the States to settle down for a bit.

I'd greatly appreciate some suggestions! Here is what I'm looking for:

1. Diverse - lots of cultural, ethnic diversity.
2. Liberal - politically and socially liberal, (gay-friendly is a big +)
3. Creative Community - large arts scene.
4. Transport - well organized public transit system.
5. Biker-friendly - self explanatory ;-)
6. Green - lots of green space, bike routes, and public parks.
7. Proximity to the ocean!
8. Generally safe.
9. 500,000+ residents.
10. Decent night scene.

I'd also like a place where the job market is growing or at the very least stable. A large student community is also great since I may choose to go back to school in the near future. Weather is NOT a problem and neither is COL (to some extent.)

Thank you,
Seth
Lincoln, Nebraska
Originally from Providence, RI.

If you're looking for a lower cost of living with those criteria it basically doesn't exist. If you can accept the fact you're not going to get off cheap you have plenty of options. Bear in mind larger "more expensive" cities have large populations of young adults starting off their careers not making 100K who seem to get by just fine until their careers take off. Your criteria in my opinion points toward cities like Boston, Washington DC, NYC, Seattle and the SF Bay area. Why do the square peg in a round hole scenario with a cheaper city?

[projectmaximus]

Given COL and weather aren't important factors, all the largest cities will generally suit you fine: NYC, DC, Boston, Chicago, SF, Seattle, etc. (although a few of them are not near the ocean)

Some smaller ones that fit are Portland and Austin, though those aren't near the ocean either they hit on all your other criteria. Perhaps Richmond or Providence also but you would know that much better than me lol.

[BigCityDreamer]

Washington DC is a 3 hour drive from the ocean. However, that doesn't keep residents who live in the area from heading to the beaches every summer. :-)

[Campeador]

Originally Posted by Traveler24

Hello there!

I'm 24, a recent grad, and looking for a new place somewhere in the States to settle down for a bit.

I'd greatly appreciate some suggestions! Here is what I'm looking for:

1. Diverse - lots of cultural, ethnic diversity.
2. Liberal - politically and socially liberal, (gay-friendly is a big +)
3. Creative Community - large arts scene.
4. Transport - well organized public transit system.
5. Biker-friendly - self explanatory ;-)
6. Green - lots of green space, bike routes, and public parks.
7. Proximity to the ocean!
8. Generally safe.
9. 500,000+ residents.
10. Decent night scene.

I'd also like a place where the job market is growing or at the very least stable. A large student community is also great since I may choose to go back to school in the near future. Weather is NOT a problem and neither is COL (to some extent.)

Thank you,
Seth
Lincoln, Nebraska
Originally from Providence, RI.

Everything but #5 screams Minneapolis. Lake Superior might as well be the ocean, and is only 2.5 hours away.

[Davy-040]

Originally Posted by valsteele

Portland is not cheap!

It is compared to Berkeley, California.

[Davy-040]

Originally Posted by BigCityDreamer

Washington DC is a 3 hour drive from the ocean. However, that doesn't keep residents who live in the area from heading to the beaches every summer. :-)

Delaware beach can easily be reached within a 2 hour car drive from downtown D.C.