Wanting much the same, but with better weather (Charlotte: requirements, places)

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by yakimono

Thanks, have checked the city charts extensively. Also planning at least one trip in the summer to experience it in person.

SLC seems too hot, and dry, to boot; though it has lower altitude than Denver.

Have you checked Sacramento? It has a decent, not-too-dry climate, but not as much culture a larger cities.

[yakimono]

Will check further into Wilmington.

CA consistently rates as one of the worst states in terms of financial and overall government management. Not sure when it's going to hit the fan, and not something I want to deal with in our "sunset years".

We're no strangers to humidity in MN, though I'm sure it's worse in other parts of the US, particularly where temps are higher. If I have to pick, I'm not sure if I'd rather go more humid or less humid.

[Wallop the Spot]

Yakimono:

Personally, as I have aged I have become more tolerant of heat and humidity and less tolerant of the cold. Growing up in Michigan, I loved the winter (and skiing) and dreaded summer temperatures in the 80s. Now, pushing 60, and having spent the past 25 years in Virginia, I dread the forecast of snow and temperatures below freezing, and find myself looking forward to the warmth (and, yes, the humidity) of Summer. I'll be cold in my grave for eternity, so I might as well soak up the warmth of the sun while I can

Best wishes!

[west seattle gal]

I would recommend Seattle if you want the same but better weather (cloud cover/rain most of the year, but people are always outdoors regardless). Our local government is a bit bureaucratic, though.

[ucctgg]

Originally Posted by goldenage1

Have you checked Sacramento? It has a decent, not-too-dry climate, but not as much culture a larger cities.

Sacrament to hotter than SLC, and often drier.

City Climate Comparisons

[westcoastbabe]

Some of the specifics that matter to us, we already have good resources to find out about. We enjoy our summertime free Music in the Parks concerts, the Fringe Festival, Speculative Fiction conventions, and weekly Contra dancing – to name a few of our regular activities and give a sense of our lifestyle.

^ THIS just killed it for you.

[poppydog]

westcoastbabe, you can find ALL that in the Triangle. If you're not finding it, you're not looking.

However, you will NOT find moderate summer time temps. You will find highs regularly in the 90s and I don't know if that is a killer for the OP.

[yakimono]

Seattle is not an option--not enough sun or daylight hours.

We'll have to visit this summer and see how it feels. We're thinking to hit Raleigh and Asheville...any others we should consider?

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by yakimono

We'll have to visit this summer and see how it feels. We're thinking to hit Raleigh and Asheville...any others we should consider?

Durham and Chapel Hill: not too much different in weather, but more the culture you were looking for. You might also like Charlotte. There are contra-dancing groups there, eg: http://www.charlottedancegypsies.org/ There's at least one Freethinker group nearby: http://www.meetup.com/gastonia-freethinkers/

[pnwretired]

Originally Posted by yakimono

Seattle is not an option--not enough sun or daylight hours.

We'll have to visit this summer and see how it feels. We're thinking to hit Raleigh and Asheville...any others we should consider?

Been here in Seattle area since 1983. Born, raised in San Diego. It's not the rain that bothers me it is the endless grey skies. Didn't really bother me until the past 5 years or so. I am so ready to retire elsewhere.

Don't move here unless u like grey skies.