I feel like you never hear about Sac but I’ve been researching different cities and it’s definitely piquing my interest.

Mid-late 20s, gay male, big into running/hiking. I like walkability (even if it’s just decent neighborhoods), parks, greenery, unique bars/coffee shops, younger or more lively crowd with events and places to meet people. I like having changes in seasons but lean strongly toward the warmer/sunny weather for more of the year.

Idk it looks like the city has a decent downtown area with great parks and outdoor recreation, with stellar weekend trips nearby. You tell me?

I’m definitely going to be an outlier here but I was hoping for some suggestions on places with a lower cost of living.

I’m a full time artist and not really able to enjoy much of what California has to offer because of my income as a sole proprietor. I’ve enjoyed my time here but I’d like to stress a little less about going out or even with gas when I go camping.

I’d like to be in a more conservative area with great access to nature and ideally the ocean for sailing. ⛵️
A state that doesn’t do emissions testing is a must for me!

I actually like a lot of the areas outside of Seattle but I’m hesitant because I think I’d be getting myself into a similar situation just a few hours north.

Florida seems up my alley also as a point of reference. Super open to suggestions though!

I’m working on a report to help agents research neighborhoods and share that information with movers.

But I'm also wondering if maybe this might be better as a consumer tool, rather than just an agent tool.

Sample report: https://each.place/report/build/california/south-pasadena/1414-mission-st

Website: https://each.place/

Would this be useful in your search? Is there something we should include that would improve the experience as a mover rather than an agent?

I work remotely and have flexibility, and am considering moving to one of these two places for various reasons. I'm weighing my personal preferences on other things separately, but for this thread I'm curious which one you think has a brighter future

Both cities are approaching 1 million people within the city limits, but they seem to be taking very different paths.

For purposes of the discussion, let's define “brighter future” as where each metro is likely to be 15–20 years from now, based on:

• Population growth — attracting and retaining residents
• Job growth — especially high-paying professional jobs
• Economic diversification — not being overly dependent on one industry
• Corporate investment — headquarters, expansions and major projects
• Income & wealth growth — whether prosperity is actually increasing
• Talent pipeline — universities, educated workforce and ability to attract young professionals
• Housing & affordability — whether growth remains sustainable
• Infrastructure & connectivity — airport, transit, roads and ability to handle growth
• National relevance — whether the city is gaining importance relative to peer metros

I will start out by stating this obviously will not work for every occupation but this about it… most college towns punch way above their weight in almost all regards that improve quality of life.

The arts. Most universities have orchestras and arts programs which mean free or low cost high quality entertainment, as well as museums.

Food. The food options around universities are usually closer to that of med size to large size cities compared to towns of the similar size. Breweries, wineries, diverse foods from local restaurants. Bonus if the university has an agricultural program that could mean cheap, high quality meats, honey and fruits and vegetables.

Infrastructure. College towns usually have high proportions of bikers and walkers which means more bike lanes and sidewalk maintenance at the level or exceeding major cities. For adults easy access to continued education, for kids k-12 schooling which is often affiliated with the university.

Education. Regardless of whether it’s for you or for kids college towns usually have superior educational opportunities compared to larger cities.

*Bonus*

Medical access. A college town with a med school grants almost immediate access to top tier medical care whether it be level one trauma centers or medical specialties such as oncology or cardiology

Bonus bonus

A dental school. Need anymore be said.

Also I think it’s good for people of all ages to be around young people it keeps you young at heart. The burbs age you.

My spouse and I are both in our early 30s and don’t feel “at home” in our current city of Minneapolis (typical transplant experience here, imo). My spouse is a Canadian so that opens up the whole country to us, which is exciting! I’m an American attorney but open to leaving the legal field and doing adjacent work instead. She works in finance and also has a graduate degree. Our families live in Arizona and we are not interested in the south, so we will be far away from our family regardless of where we go.

Things that are important to us: parental leave/benefits (hope to have kids in the next five years), public school quality, diversity, safety, four seasons, nature, food, walkability. Ideally we move to a bigger city.

Things we don’t care about: cost of living, nightlife.

It seems like Canada is a slam dunk due to the parental leave alone but I’m curious what the internet thinks!

Where would you move, I want to be able to visit NYC, but I don't want to live in that chaos, looking for greenery, space, peace with no budget in mind, I am renting, but I love NYC but only for a day at a time, I want to be able to leave it and go to some peace. I have heard upsate NY is great, but do people live in MA or CT and do this, or even down to Raleigh.

I was born and raised in the Hudson Valley area of NY, in Orange County. Mostly farmland areas that had nothing much going on and were incredibly boring, and I grew up hating it as a gay man.

I met my now-husband in 2017. He grew up in Bridgewater, NJ.

We both had dreams of leaving home, and he was going off to college. He ended up going to college in Los Angeles and left in the summer of 2017. We did long distance for a whole year, because we both knew we wanted to leave and after his first year, he could get an apartment and no longer require to live on site at the dorms.

In 2018, I moved to Los Angeles. For the first 2 years, it was really fun. We went out a lot, did a lot, explored a lot. Then Covid happened and everything changed.

We have never been more miserable. We absolutely hate California now and realize we took the lifestyle back in NYC for granted, but we have felt stuck here because his parents and his sister also moved across the country.

Well, we learned that his sister is miserable here too, but she's a successful author now, along with her partner, who are now both publishing and making good money. So now that they have money and no longer feel that they have to live here for work, they are moving back to Boston.

My husband's parents then established that they are willing to sell their house to fund their move back east as well.

This has my husband and I both incredibly excited. My parents offered to let us stay in the trailer behind their house for as long as we want until we get back on our feet, so our temporary living situation couldn't be any better.

We're pretty open to ideas of exploring anywhere along the transit corridor into NYC so long as the trainride is really only about an hour or so.

What would be your suggestions to look into for someone who is a gay man? I only stress that because I obviously don't want to move to an area where I'll hate my neighbors because they're overzealous religious fanatics, but I also don't need the area to be an LGBT haven either. I keep to myself and just want to have a neighbor who won't care, but I don't need it to be a gay mecca. I love Massachussets for this idea but I don't think that would be doable for work.

My wife (38f) and I (39f) are currently in Florida and have been trying to figure out where to relocate since election night 🙄 We have visited various places in CT, MA, RI, and MD, and are checking out DE next month.

We are targeting the northern Wilmington area and potentially Newark. Any areas we are missing? We would need a single family home, so unfortunately the more walkable areas like Trolley Square are out. We also want to be close to Philadelphia for jobs, so Rehoboth is out.

We plan to have kids, so the most important factor for us is an area where we wouldn’t be the only two mom family.

Thank you in advance!

I have lived in Florida and want to move out for the longest. Me and my mom are going our separate ways. I was leaning more towards Providence, Rhode Island I've done as much research as I can but I would love to hear your thoughts. I have done some job searching but may stay in optical sales for a bit until I get a feel around the area. Is there enough eye centers around? Is it hard to get work? I know job market isn't great.

We have resided for a while in DFW suburb solely for my dot our long-term plan was to make a switch right about now once we had a child, as we truly detest the area. After research and visits to many places, we have narrowed down our locations for a switch to Ohio and Connecticut. Our criteria was…Four seasons, great public K-12 schools, well kept neighborhoods, very low crime and access to a strong white collar job base. We like both states for similar and different reasons, and we are originally from northern New Jersey and Westchester County. We are politically moderate and do not want to be in the tri-state area again willingly. For Ohio, we are focused on Powell and for Connecticut, Avon.

After research on house options in both areas, we realized the fundamental differences when it comes to actual after purchase and the carrying costs.

A big one is understanding the true difference in cost between a house built in 1998 with forced heat air and a house built in, say, 1938 with oil heat. Of course other things like lot size and lawn care cost, public sewer vswell water come into play as well.

What are your thoughts and insights? Does this move the needle a lot in your own considerations when buying a house and relocating?

looking to move in a few months and still pondering on where to go. Moving from South FL after 15 years of living here.

- True 4 distinct seasons, access to mountains, dense forests, and high natural scenery.

- Great local coffee shops and shop sin general, good dining, good walkability/downtown charm.

- high energy dog needs (access to trails, open space, dog-friendly community).

- $1,800-$2,200 rent range

- decent people

- overall good QOL

- decent sense of community and culture compared to FL

Which under-the-radar towns or mid-sized cities fit the bill and I'm open to any suggestions and any advice. Just want change and want to live somewhere else that will bring more joy to me and my wife. Any hard truths about where your living and the positives and negatives would be appreciated, thanks.

See original post. I would really appreciate any input :)

I am a single parent with two kids living in California the Central Valley. I bought my home in 2022 and have a month payment of $2700 everything included. My water, sewer, garbage, electricity and gas is another $300. I have no car payment. Monthly gasoline, car insurance, oil change, tires, registration average $285. I want to get rid of my car. Here are some requirements. I need at least 3 bedrooms as I have a boy and a girl. Schools must be at least 7 or above ratings test scores. Rent is under $2500. I'm not too worried about a job because my career is in demand. US only.

This may not be the typical post, but I’d like to get an idea of what it’s like living in a conservative US state as a foreigner and also, as a very politically left person.

For context, I (female, Australian, twenties) am very left-wing, as is my partner. I’m feminist, queer and enjoy being involved in that culture and going to gay clubs and events with friends in the community, as a foreigner I’m publicly critical of the Trump Administration (I have articles published in my name), I’m pro choice, I’m educated in political science and politics is very important to me. I’m a baptised Catholic but that’s where my religion ends, I have never been to church or held a gun (that’s normal where I’m from). I am reasonably alternative in my interests and style too, not like I have the blue hair stereotype and I can look more “square” if I want to but I feel like it comes through quite a lot in my style.

My boyfriend is also very left wing, vocally pro Palestine, he’s middle eastern and Muslim, as are a few of my close family members. We both enjoy quite an alternative lifestyle, for example, we love Berlin and the club scene there. We love going to raves, art galleries and things of this nature. I love “gritty” artistic cities like Berlin, NYC, Milan, Athens. My current city has the same vibe, more alternative and artistic. Confusing mixture of identities and interests I know, but that’s what makes us who we are.

He is European but was born in the US and has a US passport. I am Australian and have never been to mainland US. I live in a very progressive, diverse city here, but come from a more conservative state so I’ve been in that kind of environment, and honestly all it taught me was how much I treasure being in a progressive place the more times goes on. I don’t miss the sexist, racist and homophobic comments from my hometown nor do I miss being around people that love Trump and write disgusting things about minorities and immigrants (yes there’s Aussie MAGAS).

Anyway, he wants us to move to Houston for 4 years because he really wants to do this medical residency there (he’s a doctor). I feel bad because I don’t want to hold him back but I was afraid enough to go to the US under the Trump administration to begin with let alone to a highly conservative state. I eventually came around to the idea of going to a blue state like California (I love surfing so at least there’s that) or NY but now he’s pushing me to go to Texas and I’ve told him I don’t want to. I’m honestly a bit afraid. I’m scared I wouldn’t be able to be myself in the ways that I want. I’ve never even been to Texas in my life, but I’m well versed on the laws. The total ban on abortions from conception with no exceptions for rape scares me, this is unfathomable where both my boyfriend and I are from. I personally wouldn’t feel safe as a woman living under these laws that have come into play in the last few years.

I am also scared of ICE as I am not a US citizen and it’s important to me to be very vocal about world issues and politics. Honestly, as a foreigner I’m afraid my opinions would get me detained at the border before I even set foot there. I’ve heard too many stories of people who are literally married to US citizens being detained by ICE. Even in everyday discourse I don’t want to deal with people treating me like I’m less because I have an accent and I’m not American.

He thinks I am being dramatic and is saying Houston isn’t that conservative or MAGA. But coming from a left wing Australian city I feel that the culture shock would be intense. I wanted to live in Berlin or Geneva before he pushed for Texas. Not exactly up the same alley right? And I don’t want to live somewhere I wouldn’t be comfortable or where the culture just wouldn’t feed me and my interests. I want to reiterate that I support the right of Republicans and conservative Christians to
have the right to free speech, to have their own opinions and values and to live their life how they see fit, but for my own health and happiness I want to live in a place that aligns with my values and interests. This is really important to me at this point in my life.

What are people’s thoughts on someone like me moving to a red state, who has never been in mainland America and has no real exposure to the culture of conservative America? Do you think it would be as difficult as I’m anticipating?

TLDR; I am an Australian (twenties, female) living in a progressive city who has never been to the USA. I am extremely anti MAGA and very vocally left wing. I don’t have US citizenship. My European boyfriend has a US passport (though has never lived there) and wants to do his medical residency in Houston for 4 years. Am I wrong for not wanting to live in Texas knowing what I know about myself and my values and interests, and considering fears around conservative laws and ICE activity as a foreigner with less rights.

NOTE: please, if you are triggered by my feelings and thoughts towards Republicans, hardline religious circles or MAGA then this discussion isn’t for you. This is about who I am and what’s best for me, nothing more. People who can understand where I’m coming from and can give me a perspective based on that are encouraged. Thank you.

Looking for recommendations for hilly, woodsy, seaside towns or cities on the east coast of USA. Preferably LGBTQ accepting.

Which place am I looking for or overlooking?

Female, early 30s, single, not liberal but don't care much about blue/red state/city, love the outdoors (hills, mountains, but also some water) but would also like to be close to a fun city with things to do and explore. I do not want to be somewhere with high crime rates or a massive homeless/drugs problem. I like 4 seasons. Have a car, so wouldn't mind living in the burbs. Budget would like to stay under 2k for a 1bath/1bed.

I was pretty set on the west but now am also looking more east (coast)/new england area. Pennsylvania seems like a pretty neat state, especially since I would love to eventually buy something with a few acres. But I've never visited. For reference currently live in a suburb of a college town with 250k people.

I just broke my lease in NYC and am staying with my mom in NJ temporarily while I figure out where to move. I moved back after working in the midwest and cost of living, nonstop energy, etc. is just way too much for me at this point. I like having access to my car and more space and care more about saving at this point in my life. I definitely don't want to live where I currently am (central NJ) because its dead suburbs with nothing going on. I was initially thinking Hoboken but am also considering Philly. I know they're two different vibes; I've spent a lot of time in Philly when my sister was there for school and think it may be a better option for someone my age (34F). I'm an attorney building out my own practice so I've done the NYC biglaw grind and don't have any reason to physically be there (nor did I find I fit in with the white collar crowd, which is why I'm considering Philly instead). Would appreciate anyones thoughts! thanks in advance :)

Do you like it better? Job? QOL? Housing? Happiness? QOL?

Me, my husband, and our three kids are about to be homeless. Our eviction hearing is in the morning and we will likely lose, unless a miracle appears. We have no family or friends, no support, my husband’s job is unpredictable and unsustainable, but it’s all we have. If we lose we don’t know where we will go or what to do. It feels like a sign to get out of Houston but we don’t have anywhere else to go. With three young kids everything feels so risky but we have to figure something out fast. Should we stay or go? What are some cheap housing/lodging options?

I am an Educator, former teacher and still working in the field but I am open to hands on careers like police. I dont think I can live in nyc bexause as the black sheep of my family, I would just like to get away before I get on the hook for taking care of my parents as they age since I am child free and single and will remain so. What I hate about nyc is rhat I cant even own my own house at a reasonable price because it is competitive out here and as a average single income earner , thats just not happening in this market. I would like to be somewhere diverse, good gym complex , good pay , decent food, amd affordable homes. I am a huge introvert / home body so I am not that caring about city activities as I absolutely love nature. i prefer warm areas but for pay reasons I guess I can stick to cold. Thanks in advance

My husband and I are trying to narrow down where we want to live, and we’d love to hear from people who currently live in or have experience with these states. I’ve read through posts about each state and we’re planning to visit each of these states next year to get a better feel for the areas before making a decision.

About us: We’re 26 and 27 years old.
interracial couple.
I work remotely as a recruiter, and my husband works in tech.
We’re currently living in North Carolina and haven’t traveled much outside the Southern states.

What we’re looking for:
Cooler summers and lower humidity
Four seasons
A good job market for tech

The states we’re considering:
Utah
Idaho
Montana
Maine
Vermont
Pennsylvania

For those of you who live in these states, what do you love and hate about living there? How are the summers, winters, job opportunities, & cost of living?

Are there any particular cities, suburbs, or rural areas you’d recommend looking into?

Thanks in advance!

And where did you end up moving? Was it hard to find a new job?