If You Had to Choose... (transfer, living, low cost)

[SonicsFan93]

Out of all the cities on this list, which one would you choose to live in?

1. Topeka, KS: Seems like a nice city, but it doesn't have any minor league sports. I couldn't survive there.


2. Sioux Falls, SD: My Personal Favorite, since it has all the amenities of a larger city, in a smaller setting


3. Portland, ME: My 2nd Choice, just seems like a nice place to live
http://www.fabish.net/PortlandHarbor.jpg/PortlandHarbor-full.jpg (broken link)

4. Billings, MT: Seems like it's out in the middle of nowhere, too far away from anything for me


5. Bossier-Shreveport, LA: Pretty Nice:


6. Binghamton, NY: Have Not Heard Good Things:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/58/Downtown_Binghamton_at_Night.jpg (broken link)

[Beetlez]

I've only been to Portland and Binghamton, and wholeheartedly recommend the former over the latter. Binghamton has potential, but the place was incredibly dreary and the downtown was fairly comatose. Portland seemed surprisingly vibrant for a place of its size, and it's got a great location for a small city--close to the natural beauty of northern New England and the urbanized areas of the northeast.

[tpabes]

For your plains cities, I would go with Sioux Falls over Topeka. Sioux Falls has a lot going for it and South Dakota is a low cost of living. I haven't ever really been impressed with Topeka when I have been there, and I don't really hear too many good things either. I have only driven through Shreveport and haven't been to the others, so can't give you a great idea on those.

[Iconographer]

I've only been to Portland and Binghamton; I would definitely choose Portland here. I had a friend that moved from Atlanta to Portland (for love). After getting over her initial culture shock, she grew to love it there. Alas, the relationship didn't last...she's in FL now.

[JMT]

You need to correct the poll. You have Bossier-Shreveport as being in NY instead of Louisiana.

[lammius]

I'll add a third affirmation of Portland over Binghamton. Bingo has some beautiful buildings downtown, and has a nice setting in the hills around the Susquehanna River, but it's a declining city. There's just not much going on there and not many opportunities for, well, anything. Portland has much more life. It's also closer to other great places. Portsmouth is less than an hour away, and Boston about 2 hours. And if Bingo has a nice setting, Portland has a fantastic one. How can you not love the Coasta Maine?

I have not been to any of the other cities listed, so I can't say how Portland compares to them, but what I can say is Portland is great and I recommend you eliminate Binghamton from the list!

[goozer]

Originally Posted by JMT

You need to correct the poll. You have Bossier-Shreveport as being in NY instead of Louisiana.

And Billings is initially listed as being in New York -- should be corrected to Montana.

I'd choose Portland, ME. Can get a little cold in the winter, but its a GREAT "smallish" city.

[SharpHawkeye]

What an odd collection of cities. What's the connection? Are they places you might be transfered to--because I can't really think of a common industry between these cities.

Did you draw them out of a hat?

[Steve-o]

Sioux Falls only because I love the Dakotas, theyre gorgeous.

[SonicsFan93]

Just thought to put in some cities that are mid-sized that I've heard of as interesting.