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This is not another one of the those threads. After months of deliberation, I have it narrowed down to these four cities-- four places I am thinking about relocating to after I graduate from college in May. My immediate plan is to go into a MS in Accounting program, taking night classes at a university in each respective city (UNLV, UA, CU Denver, and SDSU respectively) while I get a job/internship doing accounting work during the day. I want to choose the right place, so I'll hopefully want to stick around for at least a few years. Here's why these cities are on my list:
Las Vegas-- I've been to Las Vegas over 15 times (no joke), and I'm very familiar with the city, not just the strip, but off the strip as well. Southern Nevada has a lot to offer with outdoor recreation. I also think it would be fun getting a job doing accounting work for a major casino.
Tucson-- Just two hours south of where I currently live-- I've gone on numerous day trips there and love the place. Unlike Phoenix, you actually get a sense of being in the Sonoran desert there-- it is incredibly beautiful, and funky in its own way. Some people think the city looks trashy, but there are a lot of mom and pop stores, and Tucson has real character IMO. Again, lots of hiking and outdoors activities nearby.
Denver-- I am from Denver, born and raised. Most of my family is still there. It's not a bad place to live, although the city has its problems. Winters are cold, summers are hot (although nothing remotely as hot as Phoenix, Las Vegas, or Tucson). A strong outdoors oriented culture there. Average cost of living, average job market. I guess I already know all about Denver since I've spent 18 years of my life there plus frequent visits the last 4 years.
San Diego-- I've been there several times, and am blown away by the city. Tremendous physical beauty. The Pacific Ocean. Great downtown. Perfect weather-- no other city can compete with SD's weather. Unfortunately, cost of living is sky-high and salaries are not that great either.
Avoid Las Vegas if you have some bad habits.
San Diego would be my top choice but as you stated is not affordable
Tuscon would be then my final choice due to the reasons you mentioned.
Denver far and away is the choice here. You would be near family which makes the holidays easier and Denver has the great outdoors scene as well as culture that dwarfs the other 3 cities. San Diego has little to offer other than ok weather, Las Vegas is great to visit but not to live due to high crime, gangs etc. Tucson would be an easy second choice because of the nice people there and great outdoor activities there, not sure about Tucson's job mkt though.
I've visited each city plenty of times, so I think I may be able to help you out.
TUSCON - I have an uncle who lives in Tuscon and I frequently visit him. I don't care what anybody says, I really am not too fond of the city. While you do get a terrific sense of culture and Sonoran desert, I feel it lacks character and most of it is a ghetto. On the other hand, U of A is a good school, from what I hear at least, and offers plenty of opportunities.
DENVER - Of all the cities you've chosen, I've traveled here the least. It's a great city from what I witnessed, though, and I think it's a great place to live, especially if you want to be close to your family. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the winter months, so Denver doesn't really fit me. The summers are gorgeous, though.
SAN DIEGO - I love San Diego! Great weather, great city, great atmosphere. I went to college in California and several of my buddies moved to SD after college and they absolutely love it. Unfortunately, you're right about the cost of living. I've also found traffic to be a big problem every time I go.
LAS VEGAS - People are going to bash me for this, but I saved the best for last. Honestly, I love this city. I took a job here after college and was only able to stay here for a year before I took another in Ft. Lauderdale, but if I hadn't I would've stayed here forever. People are always complaining about how its a cesspool and how its a crummy place to live, but honestly I found no problems when I was there; just be sure you look in good neighborhoods. With the exception of the Pacific Ocean in San Diego and Denver's winter, Las Vegas offers everything that all the other cities have - outdoor activities, good university programs, fun nightlife, plenty of people to meet, etc.
I think Tucson is a good place for UNIVERSITY, -- more of a college oriented place. That is where there are many college students go because of the huge University of Arizona (Many students come from California)
San Diego would be choice.
San Diego is a terrific city and from what I have seen has a substantial amount of civic pride. Now that we live close, I will be visiting the city more. I have eaten at some top restaurants on the east coast, but there are a couple in San Diego that are awesome. Not that I'm saying that you should move to a place because of food. Denver is another great choice too. Tucson and Las Vegas just aren't places that I personally would enjoy living, but seeing how much each has grown it looks I'm in the minority.
Avoid Las Vegas if you have some bad habits.
San Diego would be my top choice but as you stated is not affordable
Tuscon would be then my final choice due to the reasons you mentioned.
I should have said that even though I've been to Las Vegas a bunch of times, I'm not a gambler or a drinker (or any of those other "bad stuff") at all. Well, ok, I've gambled a grand total of $3.00 in my life because one night I couldn't sleep so I went downstairs to the slot machines just because I was bored. And I totally agree with you-- someone with a gambling problem could ruin themselves if they moved to Las Vegas. Fortunately, that's not me. I just happen to love the energy and sense of excitement of that town, even if I don't really participate in it directly.
My daughter's friends took teaching jobs in Vegas. They love it. They don't really go to the strip much. They think it is a great place to spend a few years.
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And I totally agree with you-- someone with a gambling problem could ruin themselves if they moved to Las Vegas. Fortunately, that's not me. I just happen to love the energy and sense of excitement of that town, even if I don't really participate in it directly.