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I'm trying to decide on where I want to move after I graduate from law school. I'll be in my mid-twenties when I graduate, will almost definitely still be unattached, born and raised in the Midwest (small town Minnesota, mostly). I definitely want to live in a bigger city (started out living in the country, then in a town of 2500, then a town of 29,000, then a town of 100,000, aiming higher still).
Weather isn’t hugely important to me, I can deal with all kinds of weather (Southeaster MN = bitterly cold, dry, winters and hot, humid summers). My ideal weather is 65-75 degrees, but again, not of the utmost importance. Whatever city I go to, I’m think I could find career opportunities, so also not a deal breaker.
I grew up near Rochester, MN, population 80,000, where everything is spread out, it’s impossible to walk anywhere, no soul (bland and boring), non-existent downtown, and almost entirely composed of strip malls. Probably perfect for raising a family, but to me, a living hell. I want a city where you can walk from shops to restaurants to bars without having to get into a car. I want a city that has a unique feel to it. Like the opposite of Rochester.
I’m looking for a city with the right intangibles. I want to live somewhere that’s alive and vibrant. I also want somewhere where it’s not impossible to escape the city on the weekend, where you can reach a beach or a mountain or a lake without driving for two or three hours (not as important as being vibrant/alive, but still a consideration). I tend to be initially shy when thrown into new surroundings, so I also want somewhere where it’s not impossible to meet new people or break into established social circles. And where at least some segment of the population is more laid-back.
Does a city like this exist?
My two top cities in consideration right now are Chicago and San Francisco. I’m also kind of considering Seattle, Denver and Boston. As for NYC/LA, I’m torn. It’d be fun to live in major world metropolitan area, but I’m not entirely sure I’d assimilate well into either of those cities, and for NYC, at least, I think the work-hard-and-then-work-harder kind of atmosphere (especially in terms of the law firm culture) would get to me.
San Francisco is wonderful but very expensive for a new grad and the California job market is tough.
Chicago is also a great city but unless you count Lake Michigan, it doesn't meet your criteria for getting away easily. You can drive for hours through suburbs and cornfields. Job market is also getting much tougher.
I've been told good things about Austin from a lot of people. I've never been there, but from what I hear, it's got a sort of an interesting, diverse population, very eclectic, from all walks of life. I've also heard it tends to be one of the more friendly and welcoming cities.
You might also like the other Rochester (in New York), Grand Rapids, Cleveland (especially university circle), Pittsburgh, or Indy if you want more suburban sterile.
I’m looking for a city with the right intangibles. I want to live somewhere that’s alive and vibrant. I also want somewhere where it’s not impossible to escape the city on the weekend, where you can reach a beach or a mountain or a lake without driving for two or three hours (not as important as being vibrant/alive, but still a consideration). I tend to be initially shy when thrown into new surroundings, so I also want somewhere where it’s not impossible to meet new people or break into established social circles. And where at least some segment of the population is more laid-back.
Does a city like this exist?
My two top cities in consideration right now are Chicago and San Francisco. I’m also kind of considering Seattle, Denver and Boston. As for NYC/LA, I’m torn.
Without a doubt I'd recommend Denver. It answers all of the criteria you mentioned.
Alive and vibrant, check.
Denverites live to escape the city on the weekends and they do...a lot of residents head off in all directions when Friday night hits. There is a great big playground of mountains, lakes and trails to explore.
Denver is by far I believe the most welcoming big city, period. I chalk it up to the fact so many are from someplace else.
You could do it here in Syracuse. You would have to look at neighborhoods like Downtown, Tipperary Hill(Far West Side) or Westcott.
Albany might be another one to consider. You also have smaller cities like Troy, Saratoga Springs and Schenectady nearby too. I would think the Lark Street area of Albany would be your cup of tea.
Rochester's Park Ave. neighborhood would work. They also have Charlotte Beach there too. It's within 2 and a half hours from the Adirondacks too.
I'd say Chicago, esp for law career, but you said this
"I also want somewhere where it’s not impossible to escape the city on the weekend, where you can reach a beach or a mountain or a lake without driving for two or three hours (not as important as being vibrant/alive, but still a consideration)."
When I lived there I didn't really need to escape. Obviously no mountains.
SF is the best option for outdoor activities and climate.
Seattle has Vancouver and Portland available for weekend drives.
Would choose city w/best career opportunities, both at firm one is joining and at other leading firms if one wants maximal career liquidity
In any competitive, lucrative industry (in any economy) would prioritize 100hr workwks for first 5-10 yrs of career before worrying about lifestyle fluff and girlie stuff like work/life balance
One usually lacks time and money to really enjoy any high-powered region like NYC/SF/BevHills early in career; quickly, money arrives; free time usually comes slightly later
For ex., generations of financiers who are car nuts started their career in Manhattan, the world's mecca for finance but a living hell for car guys, but only chose to flee to SF or BevHills, paradise for car nuts, after they had laid groundwork for their career by their mid-late 20s...all about priorities
From what you described, I would seriously look into Overland Park, Ks. Sure the population isnt that big on paper, but it runs right into Kansas City. However, it still has that small city feel to it, even though every single amnety you could want exists there. Crime is low, its not too terribly expensive, and pretty much the entire city is home to many professionals. The design of the city is easily navigatable and you can escape down to the many small towns, lakes, countryside in a matter of minutes.
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