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Objectively speaking, I think being close to the ocean and mountains and having year-long mild weather does equate to a better quality of life - at least for most people.
However, there are obviously better places to live than the west coast in terms of cost of living. Home prices in the Bay Area are pretty outrageous if you ask me.
If you don't mind my asking, why do you feel this way, Minervah? I'm curious, because I've never been to Oregon or Washington (though I have been to California), but I've always thought that Oregon, and Portland in particular, would be a really nice place to live. I know the Midwest because I lived in Michigan for 14 years before moving south. What is it about the Midwest that you prefer?
he/she is probably the only one that feels that way. I have almost never heard anyone say Ohio is better than Oregon/Washington
I've stated my opinion on this a lot here, and I'm not going to give another 2 cents, but I'm interested in what City-Data in general thinks. My perception is that the western states, and California, Oregon and Washington in particular, are viewed both by the nation's populace in general and by City-Data posters as being a sort of Shangri-La of easy living, educated and tolerant people, and good weather and economic opportunities.
Why or why not does the West Coast have a better quality of life compared to the Midwest, South and Northeastern states?
As others have said, it's a very subjective issue, but in general I'd have to say that the West coast does offer a better climate/lifestyle quality of life.
I've had four siblings move to the West coast from the Midwest many years ago. My wife and I are about ready to make a move to Arizona ourselves in the next couple years. Brother in Southern California, two sisters in Oregon, and one sister in Washington. None of them have ever given me any indication they want to live anywhere but exactly where they are.
I've spent a lot of time out on the West coast myself over the years and personally, I like it. Vast differences between the northern part of the west coast and the southern part....but it's all good in it's own way.
Look at migration patterns of the US populace, and the West is where most of the growth is happening......people vote with their feet.
Someone mentioned the high cost of living in west coast cities. That proves it right there. If there is more demand than supply of land/housing, the cost will go up....and up....and up. Probably explains why a home you could buy in Detroit for 20 grand would fetch 1 million in San Francisco.
Never had any desire to visit california but oregon, washington yes. California has too many problems with their economy and just a melting pot of undesireables. Forest fires.mud slides and last but not least the possibilty for eathquakes without warning. Too much excitement for me.
This whole thread is extremely subjective: most people live where they are because
1) They grew up there
2) They have family/loved ones there
3) Work/School
For me, it's all of the above, so it fits my needs perfectly.
Also, I'm not financially irresponsible and have a relatively well paying job, so money isn't as big of an issue to me as it is to a lot of people on CD. I have a feeling that no matter how much someone got paid, that same person could blow it relatively easily.
Never had any desire to visit california but oregon, washington yes. California has too many problems with their economy and just a melting pot of undesireables. Forest fires.mud slides and last but not least the possibilty for eathquakes without warning. Too much excitement for me.
yeah, good thing WA and OR don't have any forest fires, mud slides, or quakes....
West Coast does have the best living for the super wealthy I will agree on that. I really like the West for living more than the West Coast if I did move out West it would be to Colorado, Arizona or Las Vegas, NV. If I was super rich I would move to San Diego, I hate being over taxed and paying over 2 million for a nice home. My pipe dream of living in San Diego does not look like it will ever happen, cost of living is too damn high.
Yes the WestCoast is the Gold standard in America.
The population & culture of California is one example, The natural beautiful of Colorado is another example, Than it's the access to multiple world class cities & great weather .
Northeast is a for sure 2nd but the Westcoast by far offers the best Diversity in the Quality of life department.
Yes the WestCoast is the Gold standard in America.
The population & culture of California is one example, The natural beautiful of Colorado is another example, Than it's the access to multiple world class cities & great weather .
Northeast is a for sure 2nd but the Westcoast by far offers the best Diversity in the Quality of life department.
I agree California is the best place to be super rich, it has the highest quality of life for the super rich, awesome weather and awesome scenery, not a great place to be middle class thou.
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