If you were relocating ......

[RIstream'n]

Thank you all. 2air as usual great advice and Redshed you hit it right. The community is something lacking where we are now and where we've spent our entire lives. Thanks for the run down of your living experiences.

[Silverwanabe]

I love where I have always lived,

North Carolina,

Beaches, mountains,

we have it all.

[markdoane]

Minnesota.

We have pond hockey!

[Bob Thompson]

Brian and Donna, What is it you want to do? Do you want to be more active in outdoor sports or hobbies? Do you want to participate in more cultural activities? Do you want to earn more, building a nice nestegg, or do you want to experience more? Do you want to have access to an extreme variety of possibilites or can you get by on a select few?

If you really want to learn to windsurf and kitesurf, Sedona wouldn't be on your list. If you want to learn to pilot a hot air balloon, forget Corpus Christi. If you don't like hot and muggy, forget a lot of places. If you don't mind cold but don't like damp cold then a lot of places wouldn't be on your list. Truth is, the answers need to come from within. Then you choose where.

[cameront120]

Forget the States and come to British Columbia! The beauty is unparalleled!

[moosetags]

We have already found it. It's the Florida Panhandle. We are both Florida natives (Miami and Jacksonville) and came to the middle Panhandle 12 years ago. We originally transfered here with work, but have decided to stay right here in retirement. The weather speaks for itself. There are no big cities here, and no big city problems. You can do rurual or the beach. Crime is not a major issue. There is no state income tax, and the other taxes are reasonable.

The Panhandle may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it sure works for us.

[OregonArgy]

We live in the Willamette Valley of Oregon (Portland). There are definitely 4 distinct seasons. Coolest thing is that even in the height of summer, it is still lush and green and only over 100 for a few days a year. Every tree is green, every flower blooming. In the depth of winter the snow sticks around long enough to play in for a day and allows to all get back to work.

It does rain a lot. Even more, though, is it is pretty cold (35-50 degrees) for 4 or 5 months a year. It's doesn't usually freeze, but it isn't too hospitable for outdoor activities for about 4 or 5 months year. Funny thing is, February is usually dry and gorgeous, the same as all summer, but a little colder.

Most people think of summering other places and forget about Oregon, but you can't beat NO SALES TAX!!

Last funny thing...they don't let you pump your own gas. For the same price, it is all full serve here so when it is cold and rainy, you don't even have to get out of your car!

[FreshAir]

I was born and grew up (to 14) in Michigan. Spent my teens and 20's in the SF Bay Area (awesome for young adults things to do). My 30's in the hot central Californa valley. My 40's in the Reno Tahoe Nevada area. The last 2 decades we finally 'rooted' here in the California foothills between Sacramento and Tahoe. I love it here but I will have to say Reno Tahoe was my favorite.
Neil

[sandiegan]

I don't know how people live in the East, just glad some do. Windy, bitter cold winters and hot, humid summers were my experience going to college in Amherst, MA. Anywhere from Vancouver to San Diego along the west coast will always be my home. Monterey, CA is beautiful if you like a medium size town.

[janetb]

Such an interesting thread.
We would never leave where we are because of the temperate climate, access to the ocean, the Sierras, Monterey, San Francisco, Big Sur, etc. etc.
The price we pay is traffic, poorly maintained roads, traffic, and all kinds of other congestion, crime, and general funkiness.
But we do love our home base because we're a bit out in the country and can pretend to be away from it all.
If we did move it would be to Bend, Oregon. It has much to offer in outdoor activity, beauty, and serenity.
Good luck in your search!

[henw]

From a practical stand point. I would look at taxes. Some areas kill you with their many layers of revenue. Crime is a big concern. Local politics can drive you nuts. Imagine living in cerain Calif. cities. Road conditions. Cost of living, etc. After consideration of the above I would look at the amenities like view, activities, etc.
Tom

[RIstream'n]

Originally Posted by Bob Thompson

Brian and Donna, What is it you want to do? Do you want to be more active in outdoor sports or hobbies? Do you want to participate in more cultural activities? Do you want to earn more, building a nice nestegg, or do you want to experience more? Do you want to have access to an extreme variety of possibilites or can you get by on a select few?

Bob,
We're looking for more access to outdoor activities, less hustle and bustle, a more simplified life, scenery you can only get out west, a community with a small town feel but not so remote you feel alone and of course easier access to that side of the country for camping!! We don't need to earn more but it would be nice if the taxes weren't killing us.

[markdoane]

Minnesota.

We rank at the top in #1 through #7. We kinda flunk the taxes thing though.

[jkcru]

Tax's are every where, look at San Deigo County CA.

[flitzwhopper]

no toronados, no snow, no earth quakes, no floods, 300 days of sun a year, no freeways, medical school, no sunamis, relaxed pace, not too hot
Tucson

[altamont]

Southern Utah is beautiful. Smaller towns, less hustle and bustle, low taxes.

[BillTex]

Brian, just avoid any place with ice...

[fotochop]

Originally Posted by sandiegan

I don't know how people live in the East, just glad some do. Windy, bitter cold winters and hot, humid summers were my experience going to college in Amherst, MA. Anywhere from Vancouver to San Diego along the west coast will always be my home. Monterey, CA is beautiful if you like a medium size town.

The way most people live where they live is because it is their HOME. (I take it you haven't seen "The Wizard of Oz".) I have no beef against people who can relocate wherever, whenever, I just know I'm not one of them. I prefer to live in a seriously flawed city and area that my ancestors have called HOME for two centuries...warts and all. The beauty of Airstreaming is that it allows you to leave your home, have some adventure, then, like Dorothy, return to those you love, refreshed and renewed. Thanks to 2Air for the almanac recommendation...I have one on order already.

[cameront120]

Originally Posted by BillTex

Brian, just avoid any place with ice...

Unless it's in a cocktail!

[RIstream'n]

Originally Posted by BillTex

Brian, just avoid any place with ice...

For sure Bill, For sure......