So I have a dilemma... I will be graduating soon (Bachelor's in Healthcare Management and a BSN (Bachelor's in Nursing) since this will likely play role in your feedback) and I want to move from Pensacola, Florida. While we do have the most beautiful beaches in the nation, there really isn't much more here and I find it very uneventful. I know the grass is always greener but my five years here have been plenty enough and am certain I'll be happier elsewhere. The problem is that I'm exceptionally picky and am wanting the best of all worlds. I know Utopia doesn't exist but I'm hoping you guys can help me in my research.
Random facts. I'm 23 and what I'm looking for is somewhere modern, upkept, thriving, et cetera. I want to live somewhere that is not hot but where people are still very adventurous and love to get out. Somewhere with giant city parks where people are walking their dogs and reading books on the lawn of a hill; that kind of thing. I am a city guy but I don't want to live somewhere exceptionally crowded like say, Manhattan. Another thing that will play a big role in my decision is the weather. I love going to the beach, don't get me wrong. But I'm just not a fan of the heat. I'd like to live someplace that's cool and only moderately warm during the summer. Also, I'm somewhat stubborn about spending money on certain things. I'm not wanting to spend an inane amount of money on living expenses. I do understand that I'm not going to find cheap places to live in a thriving, medium sized metropolitan area. I don't mind renting for the first few years but I definitely plan on buying/building a house. I also want somewhere that'd be considered a good place to start a family and the lowest crime rate possible.
Places in mind. The first place I fell in love with was Austin. It seemed to be the the perfect place. It is growing, the job market isn't terrible, cost of living is pretty darn good given the state of the economy. No matter what research I'm pursuing it seems that Austin is always there. I'd prefer to be in a more conservative area but a liberal area is not going to stop me from moving somewhere I genuinely fall in love with; I just want to be surrounded by decent people. That's not to say liberals are indecent, but people generally "click" better with people they share the same views with and I'd hate to live somewhere and feel like a minority. I also heard the nightlife is great here which is something that's important to me as well. I love music and I love going out. The one thing that is really turning me off is the heat. I already am not a fan of the Florida sun and I couldn't imagine weeks, even months, of 95 to 100 degree weather.
Portland. Apparently this is of the "trendiest" places you could move in 2013. In my research I've found that many people find Portland to be overrated yet it seems to top the "best cities to live", "the best place to start a family", and "the best cities of the near-future" list. One thing that I will love about Portland is the weather. While depressing to many, I love the rainy and over-casted environment. Often times people say this and discover they really miss the sun after a year or two but I'm almost certain that won't be me. Portland is said to be the greenest city in America which I also love. People love to get out and do things here as well. The cost of living, from what I've discovered, seems to be on the rise but not quite as much as other popular metropolises... yet.
Seattle. Seattle seems to have that modern, new, fresh, feel that I'm wanting but the cost of living is said to be exceedingly high there. With my education I will be making a fair amount of money (average middle class I assume) but I most certainly won't be wealthy, at least not until I've continued my education and acquired more experience in the field. I don't want to have to worry about money all that much... is Seattle out of the question?
I am excited to hear what you guys have to say and your thoughts on different places. Please suggest some of your own and ask me question to help me further decide what place is best for me. This post is sloppy and quickly thrown together but the basic facts should be here. Thanks!
Random facts. I'm 23 and what I'm looking for is somewhere modern, upkept, thriving, et cetera. I want to live somewhere that is not hot but where people are still very adventurous and love to get out. Somewhere with giant city parks where people are walking their dogs and reading books on the lawn of a hill; that kind of thing. I am a city guy but I don't want to live somewhere exceptionally crowded like say, Manhattan. Another thing that will play a big role in my decision is the weather. I love going to the beach, don't get me wrong. But I'm just not a fan of the heat. I'd like to live someplace that's cool and only moderately warm during the summer. Also, I'm somewhat stubborn about spending money on certain things. I'm not wanting to spend an inane amount of money on living expenses. I do understand that I'm not going to find cheap places to live in a thriving, medium sized metropolitan area. I don't mind renting for the first few years but I definitely plan on buying/building a house. I also want somewhere that'd be considered a good place to start a family and the lowest crime rate possible.
Places in mind. The first place I fell in love with was Austin. It seemed to be the the perfect place. It is growing, the job market isn't terrible, cost of living is pretty darn good given the state of the economy. No matter what research I'm pursuing it seems that Austin is always there. I'd prefer to be in a more conservative area but a liberal area is not going to stop me from moving somewhere I genuinely fall in love with; I just want to be surrounded by decent people. That's not to say liberals are indecent, but people generally "click" better with people they share the same views with and I'd hate to live somewhere and feel like a minority. I also heard the nightlife is great here which is something that's important to me as well. I love music and I love going out. The one thing that is really turning me off is the heat. I already am not a fan of the Florida sun and I couldn't imagine weeks, even months, of 95 to 100 degree weather.
Portland. Apparently this is of the "trendiest" places you could move in 2013. In my research I've found that many people find Portland to be overrated yet it seems to top the "best cities to live", "the best place to start a family", and "the best cities of the near-future" list. One thing that I will love about Portland is the weather. While depressing to many, I love the rainy and over-casted environment. Often times people say this and discover they really miss the sun after a year or two but I'm almost certain that won't be me. Portland is said to be the greenest city in America which I also love. People love to get out and do things here as well. The cost of living, from what I've discovered, seems to be on the rise but not quite as much as other popular metropolises... yet.
Seattle. Seattle seems to have that modern, new, fresh, feel that I'm wanting but the cost of living is said to be exceedingly high there. With my education I will be making a fair amount of money (average middle class I assume) but I most certainly won't be wealthy, at least not until I've continued my education and acquired more experience in the field. I don't want to have to worry about money all that much... is Seattle out of the question?
I am excited to hear what you guys have to say and your thoughts on different places. Please suggest some of your own and ask me question to help me further decide what place is best for me. This post is sloppy and quickly thrown together but the basic facts should be here. Thanks!
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