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As a person sometimes overly obsessed with research, I think I may have reached the over-saturation point and feel I could use some constructive advice from fellow CD'ers regarding where to relocate to.
I'm currently in Philadelphia and miserable. I really dislike the long winters, the dirty air and pervasive litter, the city's negative self-image and "that's the way things have always run here" attitude, it's overall "less than polished" citizens (voted "least attractive residents" in Travel and Leisure Magazine), the urban/ghetto culture, the serious lack of basic services for a city its size (grocery stores, etc.)...the list goes on.
I'm from Florida originally, and also have lived in North Carolina and Washington DC.
DC is too expensive, and in many ways similar to Philadelphia. I really liked living in North Carolina (Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill) and am now considering the Greensboro/Winston Salem area. I swore I would never return to Florida after last living in Central Florida (the Orlando area). Weather however is a factor and having just returned home from Central Florida for the holidays feel maybe I should reconsider another locale there. Highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s this time of year seems like a good idea again. The Orlando area is definitely out, as is most of the state due to the hurricane risks and other factors. I do know as a native Floridian that some areas are less prone to severe storm damage. Gainesville and Jacksonville for example.
Unemployment rates aren't a factor for me, I'm starting a business and each of the locales I'm considering has a need and can support this business concept. The cost of living isn't a factor either and real estate costs are well within budget for me after I sell my home in Philly. Staying on the east coast is important because of proximity to family and friends.
The overall deciding factor for me is to determine which place has the vibe I'm looking for.....relaxed/relatively uncongested, friendlier people, cleaner air, somewhat unpolluted, a milder winter though at least a bit of a four season climate, a progressive community unafraid of positive change and a place with good access to a variety of services (grocery stores, etc).
The list so far is:
Winston Salem
Greensboro
Jacksonville
Gainesville
I'd love any constructive feedback about any of those four or someplace similar you'd feel fits my criteria. Thanks everybody!
...I really dislike the long winters, the dirty air and pervasive litter, the city's negative self-image and "that's the way things have always run here" attitude, it's overall "less than polished" citizens (voted "least attractive residents" in Travel and Leisure Magazine), the urban/ghetto culture, the serious lack of basic services for a city its size (grocery stores, etc.)...
Sounds similar to Saint Louis.
The carolinas sound great, but I would move to the coastal area.
I see you are considering Jacksonville, but not Orlando or south florida? What makes you consider Jacksonville and not the others?
Orlando is too suburban, not close to the ocean and as a result deathly humid. South Florida is too built out and expensive. Both Orlando and South Florida (as well as the Gulf Coast) are too prone to severe hurricane damage. The Jacksonville area has rarely had a direct hit and usually suffers only the blown out after effects of a "crossover storm".
Location: Austin, TX/Chicago, IL/Houston, TX/Washington, DC
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I would have to say Jacksonville. At it's peak in 2008 it was America's 12th largest city, now 13th behind San Francisco (12th).
You'll get all the advantages of a big city, and would hardly be affected by hurricanes that the rest of the state experiences.
The best part would be that the winters would be very mild as compared to Philadelphia.
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any suggestions?
