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I grew up on the west coast and loved both Seattle and San Diego, and those are the two places I'm considering most for my next move. I've enjoyed trips to Hawaii and the Caribbean, of course, but I'm not certain I'd want to live there. I've been living in AZ/UT since leaving the west coast and I'm wondering if there are other places I should consider. I've tried searching the internet and all I get is recommendations for great weather (i.e., nonstop sunshine). I did a search here and didn't readily find something either.
Most important:
1) Coastal - must must must be by the ocean
2) Somewhat frequent rain - I know most people value sunshine, but I love heavy rain, thunderstorms, etc.
3) Warm with comfortable humidity levels - if not possible, then I like heat better than cold, and mugginess better than dry air. Mild winter or no winter.
Less important but would be great:
1) Sandy beaches preferable to rocky beaches
2) Liberal, LGBT friendly
3) Would like to stay in the continental US, but open to other places.
I know there might not be a perfect match, just want to explore ideas I haven't thought of. Thanks!
Forget San Diego as this year was odd. We normally don't get much rain at all. You'll get some humidity near the beach areas but not very far inland. The bay area is probably what you want.
I’d look into St. Petersburg/Pinellas County Florida as my first choice. Like you I prefer wet over dry, but I also prefer beaches over mountains. For what you’re looking for you’re going have to deal with humidity. Part of what makes frequent rain is the frequent presence of moisture. For my tastes the Gulf coast of Florida has the prettiest beaches in the lower 48. St. Petersburg is a pretty lgbt friendly city, and nearby Tampa isn’t bad either. Clearwater Beach is my favorite in Florida and not far at all from St. Pete. Climate is hot and humidity is high. Conversely it storms almost everyday in central Florida and the lightening shows are breath taking. COL is great compared to west coast cities and the people are laid back. Pretty good bang for your buck.
I'd check out Charleston SC, Savannah GA, or Jacksonville, FL. Coastal, warm but not as harsh as Miami generally speaking, and it definitely rains enough there. Really, you can't go wrong with any city in the coastal south I'd say.
Brookings, Oregon on the south coast is the warmest coastal area in Oregon. Not hot, cool humidity, but comfortable. Further south, you could check out Crescent City, CA, and Eureka, CA. Both rarely get above 70 degrees even in summer, but stay mild and comfortable most of the year.
(or if you want more rain than you can handle, try New Orleans)
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