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I am a 43 y/o, soon to be divorced, bisexual, atheist. I love art, music, poetry, books, sports, travel. I like to work, and have worked up to director level at multiple companies.
I love life, and I have tons of friends in many places, but I have no idea where I want to "settle down." Or if I even should "settle down" at all.
I love southern california (San Diego currently) but the cost of living here is so high. The weather is great -- I love that there isn't humidity and bugs.
I have lived in the following states: Tennessee, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, California. I've visited many more.
I want a cheaper place, not too much humidity, where people are friendly and smile back (it's my southern politeness, I want reciprocity on this. )
I don't love damp, rainy weather because I have circulatory issues.
I want to be somewhere lesbians and atheists fit in and no one bats an eye.
Am I looking in the wrong country? I love the US and want to continue paying taxes here, but I can't find a suitable state for me. Anything I'm overlooking?
Denver fits all your criteria except maybe price (not as cheap as those other states, but much cheaper than SD).
How are you with heat? Tucson is very affordable, and of course not humid. It's a college town, so doesn't have as much of that macho Mexican social conservatism you get in a lot of other Southwest cities. Has kind of liberal, hippie-ish undertones you might like (there's a small light rail system, despite it being a metro area of only a million). One thing that might count against it is the white-collar corporate scene isn't huge, so you'd want to look for companies in your industry if you can't work remote.
I am a 43 y/o, soon to be divorced, bisexual, atheist. I love art, music, poetry, books, sports, travel. I like to work, and have worked up to director level at multiple companies.
I love life, and I have tons of friends in many places, but I have no idea where I want to "settle down." Or if I even should "settle down" at all.
I love southern california (San Diego currently) but the cost of living here is so high. The weather is great -- I love that there isn't humidity and bugs.
I have lived in the following states: Tennessee, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, California. I've visited many more.
I want a cheaper place, not too much humidity, where people are friendly and smile back (it's my southern politeness, I want reciprocity on this. )
I don't love damp, rainy weather because I have circulatory issues.
I want to be somewhere lesbians and atheists fit in and no one bats an eye.
Am I looking in the wrong country? I love the US and want to continue paying taxes here, but I can't find a suitable state for me. Anything I'm overlooking?
Maybe don't settle down, get a trailer, and vagabond? I can relate to your post...in the same boat. Lived in Colorado, Texas, Illinois, Florida and Nevada. I'm ready to scoot to a new spot too. No place ever really feels like home.
Maybe don't settle down, get a trailer, and vagabond? I can relate to your post...in the same boat. Lived in Colorado, Texas, Illinois, Florida and Nevada. I'm ready to scoot to a new spot too. No place ever really feels like home.
I'm in Phoenix right now, exploring. This type of heat doesn't bother me. I do work remotely, and I've never been to Tuscon, so that will be my next trip to investigate.
Thank you so much!
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheTimidBlueBars
Denver fits all your criteria except maybe price (not as cheap as those other states, but much cheaper than SD).
How are you with heat? Tucson is very affordable, and of course not humid. It's a college town, so doesn't have as much of that macho Mexican social conservatism you get in a lot of other Southwest cities. Has kind of liberal, hippie-ish undertones you might like (there's a small light rail system, despite it being a metro area of only a million). One thing that might count against it is the white-collar corporate scene isn't huge, so you'd want to look for companies in your industry if you can't work remote.
How about Vermont, western Massachusetts, Connecticut outside of metro NYC (cost factor) in the northeast?
Or out west, as someone mentioned, try Tucson. I know Tucson well. I went to the University of Arizona there and was stationed there for 3 years in the Air Force, years back in the late 90s.
Back then, it was jokingly and lovingly referred to as the "cultural progressive black hole" of southern Arizona haha, and it was on the money. It is a liberal city for the most part and folks mind their own business, but are very friendly if you engage with them. The only thing I would mention about Tucson that *could* be an issue, would be there are a ton of "snow bird" retirees--some of course, from red states, with those views.
Also, I'd suggest Hawaii, but it is pricey. The big Hawaiian island is less expensive for housing, but there aren't as many amenities.
Cleveland Ohio? (Ohio the state is awful but Cleveland is somewhat different from the rest of the state.)
It has a great art presence (orchestra, museums, architecture, theaters, play house….etc.) and fairly big LGBT acceptance/community (Lakewood by the Lake Erie.)
People generally are unpretentious, warm and friendly, esp if you stay in inner ring cities like Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights and University Heights. Lots of restaurants, stores and activities. Atheists welcome.
The weather can be a drag, but if you can handle overcast, cold winter (but summer can be very pleasant and lovely. Lots of lush green metro parks.) it can be done. Real estate isn’t outrageous compared to CA. Many beautiful, sturdy and well-made houses in the Heights area.
Last edited by achtung baby; 07-06-2022 at 04:49 PM..
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