where's the best place in the US to live and why? DO TELL!

[golfgal]

It just has to be Mi because at least we have the 3 seasons here. And water, water everywhere.

Well, Minnesota must trump MI because we have water everywhere and 4 seasons.

 

[Martha7]

Well, Minnesota must trump MI because we have water everywhere and 4 seasons.

And an economy where thousands aren't being laid off every month!

 

[golfgal]

And an economy where thousands aren't being laid off every month!

In Minnesota??? Yes, there have been some layoffs, but not like in other parts of the country. Sorry, but MN economy is doing great, we are not seeing the problems other areas of the country are. Minnesota's unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the country at 3.7% where Michigan's is one of the highest at 6.6%. National average is 5.1%

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/laus.nr0.htm

Minnesota has added 37,000+ more jobs since last year.

 

[olena]

That's really a subjective answer and depends on your criteria.

Some want particular climates, cultures, tax structures, schools, job markets, quality of medical services, cost of living, transportation options, occurence of natural disasters, etc.

No place is really perfect for everyone, but many are perfect for some people.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

To the OP--what is your definition of "best place"? Economy? Climate? Mild winters? Four seasons? Low cost of living? Nice scenery? If you gave your list with your rankings you might have more people replying since this is all so subjective.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Olena, we were thinking the same thing!

 

[Caradana]

Manhattan. Wake up in the center of the universe.

 

[kelleigh1]

It just has to be Mi because at least we have the 3 seasons here. And water, water everywhere.

Aren't there 4 seasons? Winter, spring, summer and fall. Which one do you miss out on?

I think there are goods and bads about living everywhere. And I'm not sure that there is a perfect place, but I think New England comes close. We have all four seasons. A tornado is extremely, extremely rare, as are earthquakes. We may feel the effects of one hurricane a year, maybe! Yes, we have blizzards and nor'easters, but it's rare for anyone to die because of one. We also have the oceans and the mountains. Quiet country towns and big cities. All four sports. Amusements parks. Beaches. Nature trails. Lots and lots of history. An easy trip to NYC if that's of interest. And just so much to do and see.

The biggest negative at the moment is the cost of housing...at least in Massachusetts I know that it's through the roof (no pun intended).

 

[KarenAylwood]

Aren't there 4 seasons? Winter, spring, summer and fall. Which one do you miss out on?

I think there are goods and bads about living everywhere. And I'm not sure that there is a perfect place, but I think New England comes close. We have all four seasons. A tornado is extremely, extremely rare, as are earthquakes. We may feel the effects of one hurricane a year, maybe! Yes, we have blizzards and nor'easters, but it's rare for anyone to die because of one. We also have the oceans and the mountains. Quiet country towns and big cities. All four sports. Amusements parks. Beaches. Nature trails. Lots and lots of history. An easy trip to NYC if that's of interest. And just so much to do and see.

I've been thinking about this recently since I know that we'll have to be moving in 3 years anyway... I'd LOVE to move to New England (I'm an Upstate NYer originally) but the only thing that's holding me back is $$$$$$$$$$$! It's so expensive up there!!! I guess it's all things relative because wages are inflated up there (for the most part when compared to here) but still!

I still think we'll end up moving there

If you asked my friend (who is moving w/ her hubby soon) she'd say North Carolina. Another moving this week will swear it's Arizona... all depends on your preferences!

DBF and I love all four seasons and are TIRED of his HOTT weather in the summer, so it will probably be New England for us! It really is according to what your preference is! It's hard to pick just one place that's the "best place to live" for everyone.

 

[kelleigh1]

I've been thinking about this recently since I know that we'll have to be moving in 3 years anyway... I'd LOVE to move to New England (I'm an Upstate NYer originally) but the only thing that's holding me back is $$$$$$$$$$$! It's so expensive up there!!! I guess it's all things relative because wages are inflated up there (for the most part when compared to here) but still!

I wouldn't exactly say the wages are inflated. I've compared my salary to other parts of the country and I'm right in line with many of those. And salary certainly hasn't increased as much as the cost of housing has. It's sad when the people who were raised here can't even afford to live here and that's the point we're getting to very quickly. About the only reason I can still afford to rent my apartment is because I've lived in it for over 7 years now and my landlord raises his long-term tenant rates at a slower pace. To get a new place (same size and town) would mean about a 50% increase in monthly rent...and we couldn't afford that.

 

[Stitchfans]

There is no such place that I am aware of. It would be warm all time. (Florida)
but doesn't get way to hot (Hawaii) but the cost of living isn't real high ( I was told by cousin who lives in Orlando is wasn't that bad so- Florida)

so far Florida sounds good to me. not to mention closer to the Mouse!

 

[Micca]

You can also scratch this place off the list of best places.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

You can also scratch this place off the list of best places.

I don't think it's ever been on my list, not since I was in the area as a kid.

 

[Martha7]

Well, Minnesota must trump MI because we have water everywhere and 4 seasons.

Golfgal~ I meant my post as a continuation of yours..."Minnesota must trump MI because we have water everywhere and 4 season..." and my post, "and an economy where thousands aren't laid off every month..."

I didn't mean to slam MN, as you know, we're most likely moving there in a few months! I did, however, mean to slam MI's economy!

 

[Martha7]

Just to give my input, I grew up in So Cal, which is great weather-wise, but it's way too expensive for housing now, and has a lot of transient people, which usually means an increased crime rate. I loved Florida, but again, since the weather is nice, you get the transient population and higher crime rates. Florida, if you live in a gated community, is great, but you'll still run into the wackos on the road. We really enjoyed Cleveland, where we still have some very good friends. Michigan has been nice, but as I said above, the economy in the Detroit area is a big problem. The people are very nice however, and I've never seen such polite drivers anywhere else in my life! We've lived in Brazil, Spain and Germany, but I'm keeping this within the U.S. The answer is that the perfect place to live will offer you what you want, whether that's warm weather, a change of seasons, outdoor activity, shopping, good schools, a good community or proximity to your family and friends. There is no "best place" to live, since we all have different priorities!

 

[Planogirl]

I think that you're all wrong no matter what you say.

 

[Martha7]

I think that you're all wrong no matter what you say.

I love the Dallas area too, especially for the great Mexican food!

 

[Curious]

Well, maybe if someone got this danged ROCK off my BACK, I could GO somewhere once in a while

Okay, but I think you may need to give me a couple days on that...

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Manhattan. Wake up in the center of the universe.

Ummm, I think you mean BOSTON, which is the HUB of the universe, thank you very much.

 

[diznygirl]

I'll put in a vote for my town, cuz it's in Florida, is close to Disney and has lots of fun events and some really nice friendly people. We also have underground power lines, which helps in a hurricane.

And I already live here, so that makes it perfect - I don't have to move!