Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Sad to say I’m probably going to be removing my family from the Western US in the next few years, for climate change reasons (wildfire, drought, unbearable heat, etc.)
We are big on scenery, greenery, hiking, and wilderness stuff.
Some cities we have in mind:
Madison WI
Roanoke VA
Charlottesville VA
could I get some more suggestions from you guys?
Thanks in advance!
If not restricted by employment options I would throw in other places along the I-81 corridor in Virginia where the scenery is stunning, yet not far removed from civilization or big cities when the desire is there.
Harrisonburg is a college town (home of James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University) and has an active well-utilized downtown area. The town and gown situation is well incorporated (not university-centric) so you wouldn't feel out of place living there. https://www.visitharrisonburgva.com/
Lexington-Buena Vista are about an hour south of Harrisonburg at higher elevations with much more up-close recreational options. Lexington has a beautiful historic downtown area and is home to both Washington and Lee College and VMI (Virginia Military Institute). Both blend nicely with the town and provide a consistent buzz that keeps things active, but not overwhelmed like some college towns. Lexington is the tonier of the two and Buena Vista more dressed down but still charming, more outdoorsy. https://lovelexva.com/https://www.buenavistava.org/
Christiansburg-Radford is another hour south adjoining the city of Blacksburg, home of Virginia Tech University. Blacksburg from my experience tends to be more a one-note place to live (all about VT) and doubt it would feel as welcoming as Christiansburg or Radford which tend more balanced economically. Radford is home to Radford University (a very nice medium-sized Division I school) and is arguably the recreational hotbed for the area. https://www.christiansburg.org/572/About-Christiansburghttps://www.visitradford.com/187/Visitors-Guide
I’d probably go with Greenville, SC and that will put you within an hour of a lot of great hiking.
Asheville, NC would have to be a top contender. Greenville, SC has a cute downtown. Other than it, there’s nothing particularly scenic about Greenville.
Sad to say I’m probably going to be removing my family from the Western US in the next few years, for climate change reasons (wildfire, drought, unbearable heat, etc.)
We are big on scenery, greenery, hiking, and wilderness stuff.
Some cities we have in mind:
Madison WI
Roanoke VA
Charlottesville VA
could I get some more suggestions from you guys?
Thanks in advance!
I notice you mention "unbearable heat". If that is the case, you might want to look toward the northern states, from Minnesota to Maine.
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine all have areas of forest, parks, hiking trails and tons of natural freshwater lakes.
One possibility is Saratoga County or the surrounding areas, a county which spans everything from suburbs in the south end near Albany, small towns and rural areas in the center and the wilderness of the Adirondacks in the north. You would have easy access to the huge Adirondack Park to the North and the state of Vermont to the east.
Asheville, NC would have to be a top contender. Greenville, SC has a cute downtown. Other than it, there’s nothing particularly scenic about Greenville.
The downtown waterfalls are pretty great and it’s got a mountain or two too. It’s not the most scenic city in the eastern US, but it’s more livable than many smaller communities and it’s close to some great places like Table Rock.
In terms of scenery, Asheville probably does have an edge but I’d still choose Greenville over it based on personal preference.
The downtown waterfalls are pretty great and it’s got a mountain or two too. It’s not the most scenic city in the eastern US, but it’s more livable than many smaller communities and it’s close to some great places like Table Rock.
In terms of scenery, Asheville probably does have an edge but I’d still choose Greenville over it based on personal preference.
Greenville proper has no mountains. There is one mountain (big hill) about 15 minutes from Greenville. Otherwise, the nearest real mountains are about 40 min away near the NC/SC border. Even then, to get a true feel of being ‘in the mountains’, you have to drive into NC. Other than cheaper real estate, can’t imagine why anyone would choose Greenville over Asheville.
Another place that comes to mind due to being in the Foothills of the Catskills is this small city with 2 colleges: https://www.oneonta.ny.us/
It is on I-88 in between Schenectady and Binghamton(another area that could be considered). It is about an hour from both and minutes from Cooperstown.
You’ll be familiar with this OP, but Chobani has a facility not too far away from there as well in the next county over to the west.
If not restricted by employment options I would throw in other places along the I-81 corridor in Virginia where the scenery is stunning, yet not far removed from civilization or big cities when the desire is there.
Harrisonburg is a college town (home of James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University) and has an active well-utilized downtown area. The town and gown situation is well incorporated (not university-centric) so you wouldn't feel out of place living there. https://www.visitharrisonburgva.com/
Lexington-Buena Vista are about an hour south of Harrisonburg at higher elevations with much more up-close recreational options. Lexington has a beautiful historic downtown area and is home to both Washington and Lee College and VMI (Virginia Military Institute). Both blend nicely with the town and provide a consistent buzz that keeps things active, but not overwhelmed like some college towns. Lexington is the tonier of the two and Buena Vista more dressed down but still charming, more outdoorsy. https://lovelexva.com/https://www.buenavistava.org/
Christiansburg-Radford is another hour south adjoining the city of Blacksburg, home of Virginia Tech University. Blacksburg from my experience tends to be more a one-note place to live (all about VT) and doubt it would feel as welcoming as Christiansburg or Radford which tend more balanced economically. Radford is home to Radford University (a very nice medium-sized Division I school) and is arguably the recreational hotbed for the area. https://www.christiansburg.org/572/About-Christiansburghttps://www.visitradford.com/187/Visitors-Guide
This. It's a head scratcher as to why people always suggest Ashville for scenery as though it exists alone in some sort of Appalachian bubble. Tons of beautiful little towns and cities in that part of Appalachia if scenery is your number one factor in choosing a new location.
This. It's a head scratcher as to why people always suggest Ashville for scenery as though it exists alone in some sort of Appalachian bubble. Tons of beautiful little towns and cities in that part of Appalachia if scenery is your number one factor in choosing a new location.
Lynchburg, VA always flies under the radar for folks. Very scenic, wonderful intact historic districts, close access to a robust trail system in downtown, lots of natural amenities nearby, relatively affordable, and a rapidly revitalizing downtown area. Right on the James River, you can easily access the James River Heritage Trail and Blackwater Creek Trail from downtown. Much better and immediate access to nature from downtown than Roanoke, Charlottesville, or Asheville IMO. Super family friendly and safe.
Another place that comes to mind due to being in the Foothills of the Catskills is this small city with 2 colleges: https://www.oneonta.ny.us/
It is on I-88 in between Schenectady and Binghamton(another area that could be considered). It is about an hour from both and minutes from Cooperstown.
You’ll be familiar with this OP, but Chobani has a facility not too far away from there as well in the next county over to the west.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
