What are the best places to live in the US?

[Charger1973]

Im just wondering, what do you think are the best places to live in the US?   

Im trying to decide where to move after i finish college, which will be a few years.  I have lived in Iowa for most of my life, and its not really my kind of place.  Its all flat and boring, and there arent enough warm days in the year for me.  I was considering Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Anyone live there or have any input on that area? 

[70charginglizard]

Im partial to the north west myself (born and raised) but you have to be able to deal with the rain quite a bit. If you can get past that. It can be a very beautiful place to live. Wide variety of landscape.

[Bandit4142]

Colorado is nice...  expensive, but nice. 

[ck1]

If your gonna move up here in the North West especially the North Bend area make sure you are planning to make allot of money for this is were the rich people live, average price for a house now is about $450,000 and a place near my parents are asking 1.8 mill, most House's in the area being built are 1 to over 2 million or even higher.  So if your family income is well over $200,000 a year you will fit right in...........come buy a tree at or farm too if you move here

[BB1]

I've lived in Spokane WA; Hated it.
I lived in Austin TX; Hated it.
Born in San Diego; It was awesome in the 70ds and 80ds. Left in 1995.
KANSAS City, by far the best place to live period. 1995 till death.
So much Charger and MoPar stuff to do here, it's just amazing.

Midwest... please don't come here. 

Albuquerque, New Mexico hell no. I had a friend living there with her boyfriend, and I would always stop by and see her.
Eventually we became roommates in Kansas, then Austin. Then she became pregnant,... and well I better leave it at that.

[mikepmcs]

Down low Virginia or Tennessee is where it's at in my book.(weatherwise)

If Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois didn't see winter I would live in one of those states without hesitation.  Hands down the nicest people I have ever met.

Albuquerque can't be bad though, I think you are on the right track.

[TruckDriver]

Don't come to Wisconsin. It is pretty here in the fall, but I want out. Just need to wait for my girlfriend to finish school and stuff.

[Silver R/T]

I like WA state. Had a chance to be in TN and I liked it also, not sure about their humidity in the summer though, dont like hot weather that much

[Charger1973]

Don't come to Wisconsin. It is pretty here in the fall, but I want out. Just need to wait for my girlfriend to finish school and stuff.

Lived there before.  I gotta move somewhere further south.  I just cant stand to be cold.  I want to be able to drive my car most of the year and not have to worry about the road salt.  Humidity sucks too...

[moparguy01]

western kansas isnt bad. its actually not as flat as you all think.

i actually like up here in ND/MN area, but it does get really really freaking cold for most the year.

[mikesbbody]

arizona is my favourite place in the usa i like anywhere hot.

[Charger1973]

arizona is my favourite place in the usa i like anywhere hot.

I think I would really like it there too, thats my #2 choice at the moment. 

[Steve P.]

It all depends on what kind of work you will go into. If you can handle humidity, Florida is the place for you. Summers are a bitch. Though if you have A/C it isn't a problem. Our winters are better than most states summers. Cali. is nice, but you better be damn good at what you do with that cost of living.. Vegas is great if you like it hot and dry. Lots going on there all the time. Just STAY OUT OF THE CASINO'S.. Haha.. I wasn't very impressed with Aridzona.. It seams awfully run down to me.

Taxes and insurance are going through the roof here in Florida. If you're on the coast especially. Housing is much cheaper than most places..

[Charger1973]

Im going into IT.  Computers are everywhere, and with my bad back I figure I need to get into a career where I would work with my brain rather than my back.  I want to be somewhere I can find a job but not somewhere thats going to cost a fortune to live.  I figured Florida would be one of the most expensive places to live, along with Cali and NYC.

[Steve P.]

Actually Florida isn't as expensive as most.  You can GOOGLE (best places to live in the US). CHeapest, warmest, etc...

[TruckDriver]

My girlfriend agrees that somewhere with mountains you can see when looking out of your windows. So, we came down to North Carolina around Ashville, or Tennessee around Chattanooga, or somewhere close.

[bull]

This might end up being kind of a "where do you live and why do you like it" thread because I bet most people are pretty ok with where they live or they wouldn't stay.

On that note, I'll put in my for my area. If you like food the Food Network just voted Portland, Oregon as being the "Delicious Destination of the Year" and our very own Burgerville as the nation's "Better Burger" in the "Fast-food with character" category. http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_aw/text/0,3151,FOOD_28456_61089,00.html

Mike of "Bullrun" fame will tell you his leg over the Oregon Pacific Coast Highway was his favorite during the competition.

I live within 2 hours of either Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens or the Oregon Coast and 30 minutes from the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. The fishing, hunting, camping and hiking is great. Forbes says 7 of the top 10 "safest places" from natural disasters in the US are in the NW, 3 of them in Oregon if that means anything to you. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9131261/

But, truth be told I'd actually rather live here if unemployment didn't reach double digits in the winter: http://www.josephoregon.com/panoindexpage.htm#town

[Charger74]

Matt,

Albuquerque isn't bad, but if you are going into IT, I would recommend medical IT for that area.  It isn't a bad area, but does have it's fair share of weather problems.  YES, it does get snow sometimes. 

Arizona, well I will give you my take after living there for 20 years.   First if you do go IT, then Phoenix is the area to be in.  Was the fastest growing area for IT for many years.  PRoblem is, hello average temp in the summer is between 105 and 115 degrees.  BETTER add a/c to that car if you want to enjoy it.  Second, housing is not cheap unless you live in an apartment, but even then, don't expect to pay less than $800 for a 1 bedroom.   Yes, there is plenty to do, but expect anywhere from 15 to 60 minute drives to get to work and sometimes anywhere fun.  But there is alot of fun things.  The Salt river is awesome for tubing.   Tucson is nice, not quite as big, but has been growning by leaps and bounds since the early 90's.  JOb market isn't nearly as good though.

Now the bad part, unless your are good and get into a good job, don't expect decent wages, unless you can get a government job.  Heck, I moved to Iowa to get a better paying job (and did) than I ever had hope of getting where I lived (Sierra Vista) or Tucson.  Hate the heat, so Phoenix was out for me.

Really you best bet is to really talk with other people in IT.  See what type of IT you want to be in, then check surveys and research where is the best paying and highest marketable places to move to.

[Brock Samson]

I know,..
  come to the Bay Area, there's not enuff traffic and the rents and costs couldn't be higher...
oh, 'n by the way, we have the highest gas prices in the united states and all these freakin liberals, incl. democrats and socialists...
             

[Steve P.]

Time for your pill, Brock.....

[Brock Samson]

   I am a pill...

[Vainglory, Esq.]

I'm very much a city person, so that'll color my perceptions a bit, but here's where I've lived, and what I thought.

Minneapolis - I live downtown, and it's very nice; half of the year, it's cold as hell though, and I'm not sure it's worth it.
Dayton, OH - Great place to grow up, not sure about it otherwise
Lunada Bay/Palos Verdes, CA - Amazing, but you better have lots of $$$$
Los Angeles - Again, expensive, but totally worth it.  I'm looking to move back within a few years.
Atlanta - I loved it there, but it would be a culture shock to those new to the South.  Probably tied with Minneapolis for #2 on my list.
Austin - Not terrible, but too small; I'd go stir crazy.  And way too many hippies.
Boston - Nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to die there.
Destin, FL - Way too small, but picturesque.  Great place for a second home.
Fairfield, CT - A New York City bedroom community.  Very New England, and not really my style.
Paris, FR - Depends on whether Segolene Royal is elected...  Actually, it's a great place, but out of the question as a primary residence.

[Bob]

Don't come to Wisconsin. It is pretty here in the fall, but I want out. Just need to wait for my girlfriend to finish school and stuff.

High school graduation is right around the corner Better reserve that U-Haul.

Bob

[pettyfan43]

Hey I live in the heart of the southeast (North central Alabama) Huntsville is a Hi Tech town and the south is beautiful plsu the people are so laid back it's great.

Hard NOT to love the south!

In the summer, it gets a little warm though and we have a little bit of humidity! 

[Old Moparz]

Best place to live is probably my garage, it's been quiet in there for years.

[TruckDriver]

Best place to live is probably my garage, it's been quiet in there for years.

[Charger1973]

Matt,

Albuquerque isn't bad, but if you are going into IT, I would recommend medical IT for that area.  It isn't a bad area, but does have it's fair share of weather problems.  YES, it does get snow sometimes. 

Arizona, well I will give you my take after living there for 20 years.   First if you do go IT, then Phoenix is the area to be in.  Was the fastest growing area for IT for many years.  PRoblem is, hello average temp in the summer is between 105 and 115 degrees.  BETTER add a/c to that car if you want to enjoy it.  Second, housing is not cheap unless you live in an apartment, but even then, don't expect to pay less than $800 for a 1 bedroom.   Yes, there is plenty to do, but expect anywhere from 15 to 60 minute drives to get to work and sometimes anywhere fun.  But there is alot of fun things.  The Salt river is awesome for tubing.   Tucson is nice, not quite as big, but has been growning by leaps and bounds since the early 90's.  JOb market isn't nearly as good though.

Now the bad part, unless your are good and get into a good job, don't expect decent wages, unless you can get a government job.  Heck, I moved to Iowa to get a better paying job (and did) than I ever had hope of getting where I lived (Sierra Vista) or Tucson.  Hate the heat, so Phoenix was out for me.

Really you best bet is to really talk with other people in IT.  See what type of IT you want to be in, then check surveys and research where is the best paying and highest marketable places to move to.

I really think NM sounds the best the more I read on it.  AZ was my top pick for years, but the girlfriend isnt really into it.  So I can be a little flexible.  I do have alot of research to do... 

Yeah I was going to remove the AC from my car, because I dont really care for it on a muscle car but im reconsidering that its going to be hotter whereever I move to.  I think I'll just collect the parts for the conversion and decide at a later date if I really want to get rid of it. 

[Rocky]

I know,..
  come to the Bay Area, there's not enuff traffic and the rents and costs couldn't be higher...
oh, 'n by the way, we have the highest gas prices in the united states and all these freakin liberals, incl. democrats and socialists...
             

Don't forget the sidewalk babies too.  http://cbs5.com/topstories/local_story_113104104.html

[Charger-Bodie]

stay in iowa and suffer like the rest of us!

[Spike]

I would think South Carolina would be a nice place to live, weather, location. Suprised no one mentioned it.

[CharlieCharger]

Actually Florida isn't as expensive as most.  You can GOOGLE (best places to live in the US). CHeapest, warmest, etc...

Cheap land is in the north region of Florida.."Tampa" and its suburbs have reasonable prices..go a little further north like Land' O Lakes, Dade city and you can get a good deal on land and houses around in the area..forget Miami its $$$$$$$$$ Sarasota, anywhere a lot of retired folks live and it gets bad...

[pettyfan43]

I know,..
  come to the Bay Area, there's not enuff traffic and the rents and costs couldn't be higher...
oh, 'n by the way, we have the highest gas prices in the united states and all these freakin liberals, incl. democrats and socialists...
             

Brock, You truly live in hell huh? 

[Mean 318]

To be honest, I agree with MoParGuy01! I have visited a ot of places, but I like ND the best! Clean, low crime, and quiet! Sure it is flat where I am, but I love that you can be on the open road in a few minutes! A lot of farm land, you drive an hour one way and see lots of flat farm land, the other way rolling hills, the other way is lots of trees and hills, you go up to Bismarck and it looks like a mini grand canion. Small tows all around. Just all around nice! Here are a few pics of ND for ya! But it gets F*#@ing cold here in the winter, and it can be HOT in the summer!

[70charger_boy]

Don't move to Connecticuit IT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Rhode Island blows too!!!!!

[TK73]

I've lived in 8 states covering the East Coast, deep South, Mid West and Pacific NW... Washington State is the coolest but we're full up here... if you want to come up you have to await until somebody leaves...

[RD]

Kansas is beautif.....ummm.. no, do not come here, its terrible... you will hate it.... (more mopar stuff for me)


anywho...we have enough commiefornians already!

[GTX]

Pretty much anywhere you want to live is going to be expensive and crowded since everyone else also wants to be there. That is unless you like places nobody else does and don't mind a 100 mile commute each way.

I think most decent places have gone sky high and overcrowded now anyway but I guess it's all relative.

In my neighborhood here the homes have tripled in value in 10 years and they aren't worth it, I debated the value we paid over ten years ago . I'd love to find another city to live in and we've been looking but every place that we like is already expensive and overcrowded.
Sitting in traffic for an hour or longer each way every day going to work doesn't sound fun.

[Mean 318]

Grand Forks is 50,000, clean, housing is starting to go up tho

[BigBlackDodge]

Georgia's not bad, but you will be required to have all your teeth removed after completing 2 years of residence...state law.

....oh, and shoes are a big no-no here.

We're not the greatest state, but we are allowed to make fun of Alabama.


BBD

[Charger1973]

I really think the South West is the place for me.  I need to visit to be sure though...  I hope I like it though. 

[GTX]

We'll probably end up in the S.W somewhere but it's not far from here in Utah. You gotta make sure you like  it dry and hot in the Summer.
Of course that's what I'm looking for (I think) if I can't be in the central coast area of CA.

Does anyone know much about New Mexico? Anyone from there? That's one state I've never been to but would like to check out. Maybe Albuquerque?

[Charger1973]

We'll probably end up in the S.W somewhere but it's not far from here in Utah. You gotta make sure you like  it dry and hot in the Summer.
Of course that's what I'm looking for (I think) if I can't be in the central coast area of CA.

Does anyone know much about New Mexico? Anyone from there? That's one state I've never been to but would like to check out. Maybe Albuquerque?

Thats my thinking too.  And exactly where I am thinking of moving to.  I have been to Utah, Salt Lake City.  I was there in mid-July.  I liked it, but the Mormons were like vultures and people didnt know how to drive.   Im not sure what the winters are like there either.  Albuquerque sounds great from what I have read, but surely someone here lives there...   

[Bandit4142]

I've been told by several friends that Salt Lake is really nice, but a tough place to have any kind of social life if you're not LDS.  Just FYI.  I personally don't know, just what I've heard.

[GTX]

Oh, not so. The fact is that the population in SLC is only about 35-40% active LDS contrary to popular belief and we aren't nearly as weird as people may think. There is quite a bit to do if you are Mormon or non but it doesn't come knocking on your door.
Just like many other rocky mountain communities we have a number of local breweries which make some very high quality beer from what I'm told, I used to drink beer but never cared for it, just don't see the interest really. Anyway, the mountains in the Summer hanging out a pub is great. Boulder, Colorado is also cool.
The liquor laws are not nearly as weird as some claim and you just can't beat SLC up in the mountains in the Summer. We are in a shortage of really good restaurants and clubs at the moment but that changes all the time, they come and go but there is a fairly good night life downtown.
The Winters are more mild than the Midwest where I came from years ago but still too cold for me. Part of the reason we haven't moved yet is that we can't find another town that has the same flavor but with better opportunity for jobs and decent housing etc but warmer climate.

Since the Olympics we've had a huge influx of people who liked the lifestyle and charm but they all want to change just this one thing or that and now SLC isn't as it once was. I'm a stranger in my own town. We now have a ton of idiots here who know nothing of living (or driving)  in the mountains and we watch them fall from mountains and die in avalanches every year....and just shake our heads.

It's very unfortunate if someone has had a bad experience with Mormons or anyone else here because as a rule everyone gets along pretty well and although there are some local  quirks I have yet to see any of the weird tales in reality. Boy, I could tell you some really funny things I've heard.
There is a very strong Catholic presence and pretty much every other religion. I've got very good friends in most every group.

Anyway, sorry for the rant. Nobody wants people to get the wrong impression of their town although I agree with the driving statement but then Dallas drivers make me completely crazy myself.


( I didn't take offense at all, just wanted to add my two cents.)




quote author=Bandit4142 link=topic=27819.msg304500#msg304500 date=1177388273]
I've been told by several friends that Salt Lake is really nice, but a tough place to have any kind of social life if you're not LDS.  Just FYI.  I personally don't know, just what I've heard.

[Charger74]

Matt, If you are looking for less humid area, then you are looking in the right place.  Not to sure about NM, but what I can tell you is, their driving is  horrendous as well.  But unlike here in lovely Iowa, they tend to drive a little slower in some places. 

I really liked AZ in the summer.  I do miss not having the humidity, but when you can fry an egg on the sidewalk, it's too flipping hot.  I think you are on the right track.  I do think you would like NM.  That area is very nice.

[MM1R/T]

I currently live in NM, about 2 hours from Albuquerque. I am counting the days until I can go home to Montana.

I haven't lived in Albuquerque, but given my job, and the fact that it is the closest major center to the ugly little rathole town I'm living in for the next month, I spend a lot of time there.

If I were forced to live out my days in NM, I would probably end up in ABQ. Climate is pretty good, but probably not what you'd expect. It gets 4 seasons. a little snow in the winter (a LOT of snow this past winter) but it doesn't stick around for long. Monsoon season is impressive. Lots of rain, but, again, it doesn't last long. Really windy spring and fall. Not too hot in the summer.

Lots of good restaurants, coffee shops, that kind of thing.

I can't speak to the job or housing market, as I never looked into moving there. I do see lots of new construction going on.

It's located at the base of the Sandia Mountains, which are quite spectacular. Santa Fe is less than an hour's drive, keep going and you'll get to Taos and Raton.

The big adjustment is cultural. This place is QUITE Mexican. Not East L.A. Mexican, but more so than, say, the Midwest. If you're not used to it, it takes a little getting used to.

The real drawback to ABQ is the level of violent crime. Maybe it's just my perspective coming from low-crime Montana, but I am always amazed at the amount of stupid, random violence in ABQ. The I-40 and the I-25 cross at ABQ and I believe that a lot of drug traffic goes through there because of that. There is also a lot of gang activity. I'm sure that it's like many other larger cities around the world:  Confined to the rougher parts of town. Unless you have a real phobia regarding firearms, I would recommend equipping yourself appropriately.

[Mean 318]

Not to step on any toes here, but I was in Utah a few years back... VERY beautiful, but if you aren't Mormon you are not welcome. We stayed in a few smaller towns around Salt Lake. Couldn't get service in the resteraunts and everyone looks at you. I cant say what SLC is like, but the smaller towns were awful.

[GTX]

How did they know that you weren't Mormon? Didn't you have the horns?

You just need to know the secret code to identify yourself. 


Just like every other state, thousands of people pass through each year and stop in lodges, ski resorts, hotels and restaurants. This adds up to many millions of critical income in tourism dollars to the state so it just doesn't make sense for anyone to be rude to tourists. Our taxes would go up if we drove away tourism.


I'll say this, when I was little and growing up in Illinois we had parents tell their kids right in front of us that we could'nt come over to their house since we were damn Mormons and many other variations of language that shouldn't be said in front of a 7 year old. Stuff just happens.

Anyway, it's not my intention to turn this into a religion thread or a Utah thread. I'll say this, anyone is welcome here in my opinion and if anyone is passing through drop me a line and I'll be more than happy to show you around as best I can.
During the Olympics we got a reputation as being very friendly people to all the visitors.

[chargerboy69]

Not to step on any toes here, but I was in Utah a few years back... VERY beautiful, but if you aren't Mormon you are not welcome. We stayed in a few smaller towns around Salt Lake. Couldn't get service in the resteraunts and everyone looks at you. I cant say what SLC is like, but the smaller towns were awful.

That is weird. I have been to SLC a few times and never had any problems, and I am not Mormon. And how did they know you were not? Guess you should have told them your last name was Osmond or Romney.   

I always felt everyone was very friendly. Someday I would love to go back.

[69bronzeT5]

Best places to live in the US?


The answer is simple, dont live in the US, LIVE IN CANADA, EH!

[Charger1973]

I currently live in NM, about 2 hours from Albuquerque. I am counting the days until I can go home to Montana.

I haven't lived in Albuquerque, but given my job, and the fact that it is the closest major center to the ugly little rathole town I'm living in for the next month, I spend a lot of time there.

If I were forced to live out my days in NM, I would probably end up in ABQ. Climate is pretty good, but probably not what you'd expect. It gets 4 seasons. a little snow in the winter (a LOT of snow this past winter) but it doesn't stick around for long. Monsoon season is impressive. Lots of rain, but, again, it doesn't last long. Really windy spring and fall. Not too hot in the summer.

Lots of good restaurants, coffee shops, that kind of thing.

I can't speak to the job or housing market, as I never looked into moving there. I do see lots of new construction going on.

It's located at the base of the Sandia Mountains, which are quite spectacular. Santa Fe is less than an hour's drive, keep going and you'll get to Taos and Raton.

The big adjustment is cultural. This place is QUITE Mexican. Not East L.A. Mexican, but more so than, say, the Midwest. If you're not used to it, it takes a little getting used to.

The real drawback to ABQ is the level of violent crime. Maybe it's just my perspective coming from low-crime Montana, but I am always amazed at the amount of stupid, random violence in ABQ. The I-40 and the I-25 cross at ABQ and I believe that a lot of drug traffic goes through there because of that. There is also a lot of gang activity. I'm sure that it's like many other larger cities around the world:  Confined to the rougher parts of town. Unless you have a real phobia regarding firearms, I would recommend equipping yourself appropriately.

I dont think the cultural difference would bother me.  My hometown is now about 50% hispanic.  I dont have a problem with that, I love mexican food.   

I think you will find the same crime in any major city, but its good to hear opinions of those who live in the area... 

[Charger_Fan]

Mean 318, how would they know you aren't Mormon? Do you have a swastika tattooed on your forehead?

Unless the restaurant was a little hole-in-da-wall place with terrible service, I don't see why you wouldn't get served. There are PLENTY of freaky looking people around Utah & they always seem to get served.  I'm not Mormon either, but I rarely have any problems like that.  If I do, it's just because the service sucks & I make it a point to not return.
If you do move here though, definitely be prepared to be "welcomed" to the neighborhood. "Welcoming" involves being hit up by the neighborhood Mo's shortly after moving in...but after turning them down 3 or 4 times, they get the hint & leave you alone. Just answer the door with a beer in your hand & they'll get the hint quickly.

I haven't lived in a neighborhood where I felt completely outnumbered, there's always been a few like-minded people I felt I could relate to.

On that note, I still want to move back to Arizona one of these days...not because of the Mo's, just because of the snow.

[GTX]

Sort of a funny note:

During the Olympics we had reporters come from everywhere you can imagine. There are many stereotypical ideas of what a Mormon is including ones dressed like Amish or Polygamist and then others swear that Mormons have horns and all sorts of other nonsense. I have had several people ask me about a horn. I tell them that we are required to cut it down when we leave the state.
We actually had reporters standing in the middle of downtown Salt Lake asking where all the Mormons were and how to find a Mormon. They were standing in the middle of the street in downtown SLC and surrounded by Mormons and didn't even know it. Even the non Mormons thought this was hilarious and everyone would send the reporters on snipe hunts looking for a Mormon.   

It was only when they got up in Park City about 40 miles up the canyon which has a really great party life that they found out that they were had.

And for the record, I can't handle the one woman I have let alone multiple wives and wouldn't want to!! 
   

[Bones68charger]

Western Nebraska is not a bad place to live as long as you don't like having a lot of people around. We have pine crested buttes, the sand hills are gorgeaus. There is a ton of out doors stuff to do if you like that kind of thing. Plus we are close in proximity to Denver and the Black Hills. Our weather is not too bad either relitivly mild year round. Well for this part of the country anyway.

[19Charger68]

I live 40 miles south of Albuquerque, but my wife and I both work in Albuquerque.  Have to agree with what others have said.  Albuquerque or Los Lunas (south of Albuquerque) is your best bet both weatherwise and jobwise.  Albuquerque is growing quickly.  The housing market is strong but not rediculous.  There are jobs to be had but the pay will depend a lot on your profession.  There is crime here but most of it seems to be gang member against gang member.  We came here from Wyoming to get away from the bad weather and have not been disappointed.  I would say there are more positives than negatives in living here.  Oh, lots of car shows during the year which was a plus for us.

[Charger1973]

I live 40 miles south of Albuquerque, but my wife and I both work in Albuquerque.  Have to agree with what others have said.  Albuquerque or Los Lunas (south of Albuquerque) is your best bet both weatherwise and jobwise.  Albuquerque is growing quickly.  The housing market is strong but not rediculous.  There are jobs to be had but the pay will depend a lot on your profession.  There is crime here but most of it seems to be gang member against gang member.  We came here from Wyoming to get away from the bad weather and have not been disappointed.  I would say there are more positives than negatives in living here.  Oh, lots of car shows during the year which was a plus for us.

Sounds like it is a good choice.  I think im going to have to visit the area sometime in the next couple years.   

[Mean 318]

Long hair, facial hair... I'm not talking scary or nasty... but I didn't blend in. It could be that I did go to a few bad resteraunts and just happend to run into a lot of people having a bad day. I was never in SLC, just about an hour or so away. I also might just be kinda scary .... or funny to look at

[GTX]

Back just before we bought this house we are in now I was really hot to trot to move to Florida and Tampa area in specific. The hurricane threat pretty much backed me off from that though.
Of course we're due for a major quake any day too but the hurricanes seem more certain especially in cycle of recent years.

Actually Florida isn't as expensive as most.  You can GOOGLE (best places to live in the US). CHeapest, warmest, etc...

Cheap land is in the north region of Florida.."Tampa" and its suburbs have reasonable prices..go a little further north like Land' O Lakes, Dade city and you can get a good deal on land and houses around in the area..forget Miami its $$$$$$$$$ Sarasota, anywhere a lot of retired folks live and it gets bad...

[Charger1973]

I meant to ask too, but keep forgetting...  What are the emissions laws like in NM and AZ?  I dont want to move somewhere and have them tell me I cant drive me car on the road.  Here in Iowa, we just license it and go, they dont inspect anything.

[CaptMarvel]

VERY beautiful, but if you aren't Mormon you are not welcome. Couldn't get service in the resteraunts and everyone looks at you.

Well, I can say that is just completely false...I know for a fact that most members of my faith try to practice the golden rule and in general are VERY welcoming. I think some folks get a lot of wierd and wrong ideas about Mormons, which I dont quite understand.. Im not a life long member , but have been since 88' and am very happy to be. We do have a way of "welcoming" folks to the neighborhood, dont be offended or taken aback, its just a normal thing to do, and especially in Utah. Everyones got to remember that LDS is still the majority there (even in this day and age-I think around 75-78% of Utah are LDS, whether active or not) and it is very much the culture there. Its been that way since the 1840's. It would be like going into Alabama, Mexico City or Lancaster, PA and not expecting to be surrounded by Baptists, Catholics or Amish. That said, part of the LDS faith is to allow everyone to worship according to the dicates of their own conscience, and its taken pretty seriously too. I've never lived there, but have in-laws and other family there and I always enjoy the visit. Truth is, anywhere you go, you'll likely be in contact with LDS folks, and increasingly more and more. Its among the fastest growing faiths worldwide. SLC itself is just like any other big American city, it has some really cool historic sites, shopping, some nice places to eat and yes, even a few nutjobs. My daughter moved there for a while and eventually came back, she loved the social scene- very nice for young LDS looking for others, but didnt like the weather. I dont think I'd ever move there (life long Cali kid-wouldnt like that cold white powdery stuff everywhere in the winter, whats it called?) but I have kicked around the idea from time to time. If i did, probably St. George would be the likely spot, the downside for me? too close to Vegas...Manti or Vernal would be cool, but kind of isolated and no source of income around there....outside of Utah and California? Texas or parts of Arizona would also be a high consideration of mine for the future..Ive lived briefly in Alabama and always thought of going back again, the people there seemed really geuine and hospitable..Also got alot of relatives in NE Arkansas and I love it there too...

[Charger74]

I meant to ask too, but keep forgetting...  What are the emissions laws like in NM and AZ?  I dont want to move somewhere and have them tell me I cant drive me car on the road.  Here in Iowa, we just license it and go, they dont inspect anything.

Not sure about NM,  but unless they've changed the laws recently in AZ.  I think Phoenix area requires emission testing, maybe  Tucson, but the rest of Az does not that I know of.  I know where I lived it didn't require it.  Just license and go..   But in those areas, if your car smokes to much, someone can complain and you can get fined if you don't get it fixed....

[Mean 318]

Well I want to apologise for what I said, I had one bad trip and that influenced my opinion. I have no problem with the state-which IMO is the most beautiful state in the US- or the people. We just met a few impolite people that made us feel very unwelcome. Again, no need to hijack this thread or turn it into a debate. Zack