Do you love where you live and why?

[babylonsister]

I'm moving pretty soon. Any info on what you love about where you live would be greatly appreciated!

[Captain Hilts]

1. I wish I were in New England or Canada. I'm in Bethesda/Chevy Chase now...

which has many many advantages, but it's not 'me'.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. My dear babylonsister...

I live in a suburb of LA, and I do love it here...It's not all horrifying traffic, terrible air and gangs, you know...

Yes, the cost of living is high.

But there are beautiful sights along the ocean.

You'll probably like being someplace else, though. It's crowded and expensive to live here.

Good luck with your choice, wherever it is!

[LWolf]

3. Yes.

I love it because the climate is dry. I get 4 seasons. While there are heat waves in the summer, sometimes even reaching the low 100s, they are fleeting and there are plenty of cooler breaks; 80s and brisk nights. I am at the foot of an incredible mountain range; I'm never comfortable away from the mountains. I'm close to an abundance of rivers, lakes, forests, and general outdoor paradise.

There are trees. A small enough population that I don't deal with traffic problems, air pollution, or over crowding.

[babylonsister]

19. Could you share the state? And I'm happy you are happy! nt

[LWolf]

92. Oregon.

I truly love Oregon.

[sandnsea]

4. Got any places in mind?

Anything in particular you hope to find in your new home? I've lived lots of places, except the northeast. I'd give you an honest pro/con of the places I've lived in.

[babylonsister]

7. Thanks. I'll be in touch. nt

[Mz Pip]

5. SF Bay Area

I migrated here decades ago and love it. It's a very progressive area of the country. Great food, arts, music and certainly weird enough to keep it interesting.

Minues - It's expensive. Traffic is awful and the summers are colder than the north pole these days.

[ScrewyRabbit]

SF Bay Area is worth the price of admission

I live just south of SF on the coast, in a place with the romantic name of Half Moon Bay. Even despite the unending fog throughout the summer, I'm thankful every day that I live near the ocean in Northern California. This is a place that just has everything.

[babylonsister]

44. Wow!

My sister lived in Half Moon Bay, her name was Lisa, and she worked at a couple of restaurants there, for years?

Good times!

[ScrewyRabbit]

100. So what are you waiting for?!

But I've only lived here a year, so no chance I would've met your sister.

[Justitia]

58. I've been to Half Moon Bay - it's gorgeous. You are one lucky Rabbit!!

But, I'm sure you know that

Enjoy!

[dana_b]

97. my home sweet home!!

yes, I've lived here for all of my life except for four years that my parents made me go to that hell hole called L.A. (sorry Southern Californians!). There's so much to do and see. It has a big city and it has the beauty of nature too. Yes, it's crowded, there's no getting around that, but you can get away and have some peace too.

oh, and I used to live 15 minutes away from Half Moon Bay. It's a very cool place to visit or live!

[Cleita]

6. I loved northern Idaho, where my DH and I lived for five years.

It's beautiful and dangerous. But being very red, it's hard to live there unless you are young strong and healthy, or one of the old people with money. However, living that close to Mother Nature and her beasts is not everyone's cup of tea. Right now the Central Coast of California, which is where I live right now, is very nice and far more civilized. It's wine country, with cutsey poo little towns full of antique shops, and there are beaches and other marine attractions. Most people love it. I find it hotter and drier than I like, but feel I'm still very lucky to live here. I do miss the wilderness though.

[rrneck]

8. I like it here.

I can go from sea level to the top of a ten thousand food mountain in a long weekend. And if I hurry I can take in a Shakespearean play while I'm at it. Low crime, lotsa of outdoors stuff to do. Lotsa liberals, not a few hippies, little congestion, and I can actually make a living here. Well, I did until the economy crashed. At least I haven't starved yet, and next year might be better.

[babylonsister]

12. Where is 'here'? nt

[rrneck]

49. Ashland Oregon. nt

[fizzgig]

113. i had a feeling that would be your answer

i visited there a few years ago and just loved it.

[donheld]

65. A ten thousand food mountain?

Sounds like a good way to gain weight

[rrneck]

74. Ga!

Never post when hungry.

[orleans]

9. i don't *love* where i live--it's okay

the important thing is that it feels like home. it is home.

i imagine most of us can do that--dredge up that "home" feel when necessary or even when not necessary.

in my younger days i lived in a couple other places--one was a different state and one was canada. i was able to "embrace" my surroundings, appreciate the differences--and both of those places felt like home as well.

just keep an open mind and try to embrace the differences as you seek out the similarities.

it will be fine.
(of course, that's just a guess)

good luck with the move.

[Joe the Liberal]

10. I don't...

I'd prefer to live in another state or country (like Canada).

[Birthmark]

11. I love it where I am.

I moved to the mountains of NC last year. I'll be moving even farther into the mountains in a few weeks. So far in the mountains that I could probably post my address with little fear that anyone could physically find me.

Loves me some mountains.

[babylonsister]

14. Anywhere near Asheville? I know next to nothing about NC,

except there are some good liberal places.

And Dad lived there for years, and there's some nice property. Awhile ago.

[Birthmark]

18. I'm about 2 hours west of Asheville

I've heard good things about Asheville but I haven't spent any time there. Sorry.

But I don't think I'm in one of the liberal places.

[cwydro]

78. I used to live up in the mountains in NC.

Place called Meat Camp.

[eleny]

13. I like it here a lot

Sometimes I miss the ocean. But the dry climate is terrific and I wouldn't go back.

[MercutioATC]

15. Cleveland suburb. Hate it.

Don't get me wrong...I like the actual suburb I live in, but the whole area is awful.

Lousy winters, almost no sunshine, high taxes.


...although I'm about 5 miles from Lake Erie and the lake is pretty cool for the 60 days a year that it's not either snowing or raining.

[OhioChick]

24. Same Here and Agreed.

It sucks here.

[Berry Cool]

27. Disagree. I didn't move back to Cleveland because I hate it here.

The weather's not always great, but we lucked out this summer.

I feel as if I have to live near a Great Lake to feel whole. I like being able to see Lake Erie whenever I want.

It has its flaws, but it's home.

[MercutioATC]

28. The eyes of babies born here are statistically 8% larger (to compensate for the lack of sunshine)

Yes, I completely made that up...but Cleveland has to be one of the LEAST sunny places I've ever seen.

[Blue_In_AK]

16. I love Alaska.

It's beautiful here, not like anyplace else. But coming from Texas, you might not like the long winters. It's true we have our share of right wingers here, but certainly no more than in Texas, and our progressive community is very strong and committed.

Our economy is good. We haven't been hit with near the problems the Lower 48 has, as far as foreclosures and unemployment.

I would have a hard time living anywhere else at this point. My former states of residence were Ohio, Colorado, Texas, California, and Oregon, so that's what I'm comparing to.

[Broken_Hero]

62. I'll be back there someday, just not...today, :)

Hey Blue,

[tularetom]

17. We have only one neighbor within three miles of where we live

And she is an excellent neighbor. We have room for our horses and a good size vegetable garden.

Mrs. T gets antsy living so far from stores and medical facilities and the climate admittedly sucks during the hot dry summer. But during the fall, winter and especially the early spring it's heaven on earth. We are above the fog and below the snow. We get about 24 inches of rain per year and maybe one snowfall every five years or so. It's 2-1/2 hours to San Francisco, 3 hours to Lake Tahoe, 3-1/2 hours to the Central Coast, 4-1/2 hours to LA, and 45 minutes to Yosemite.

There are a lot of rednecks in this area but that's changing as the outside world begins to filter in. Public services are piss poor but the schools are actually very good by 2009 standards.

I'll be 68 next month so I would be reluctant to move under any circumstances but I love it here.

[KatyMan]

20. Katy, Texas

Love it. The heat, the stores, the stuff around, etc is awesome, but mainly I love where I live because I'm with the woman I love, and we have the best house either of us have ever lived in. Not grand and all, but a great Craftsman type design, and we've decorated it in such a way that I hate to even leave it to go to the store. Yes, I love where I live, but can't guarantee you'd love it here too, unless you had as awesome a spouse as I do.

Good luck, and I hope you find everything you're after.


ETA--Wow, I just looked at your profile and you're in Houston. Put me in as a vote for Katy, then! It's not as dull and whitebread as you'd think. Ok, maybe a little, but it's a darned fine place to live

[Spider Jerusalem]

21. I just moved away from the Atlanta area.

I wouldn't recommend it. Heat, stifling humidity, horrible if you have allergies because of poor air quality and massive amounts of pine and hardwood pollen in the spring and ragweed in late summer, longest average commute in the US (35 miles, one way, in to work); Republicans and Southern Baptists everywhere outside the Atlanta perimeter (1-285). I don't know that it's any worse than Houston, but I don't know that it's much better either.

I've moved to the UK, which is much more tolerable (very few religious nuts, no need for a car where I am since everything I need is either within walking distance or accessible via public transit, temperatures not much above 75F and generally lower, no ragweed, and, oh yeah, that NHS thing...and my fiancée, most importantly ).

[Initech]

22. I hate where I live right now. I want to move out to a beach area when/if I could afford it.

[nevergiveup]

23. I live in the western suburbs of Chicago

and I hate it most of the time. The weather sucks and the people are not very friendly. I grew up in southern Illinois on the Mississippi River and although I hate the politics it is a neat place to live. If I had a choice of a place to live it would be in the mountains of Colorado. My son lives outside of Durango and whenever I go visit I do not want to come home.

[abq e streeter]

75. Former Chicagoan...Durango and the surrounding area, ( San Juans etc) are spectacular

to put it mildly.

[yearning_4_zion_IL]

108. Are you in DuPage county? Because there are other western 'burbs that are more progressive...

[Fridays Child]

25. Tucson is paradise from November through April.

And hot, hot, hot from May through October. But, if you have access to a pool, it's bearable.

Beyond the temperatures, there are many natural wonders: Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Park, Mount Lemmon, Madera Canyon, the Rincons.

Wages are low and Arizona is a right-to-work/employment-at-will state, meaning unions are not well supported and job protection is nonexistent. We have a good health care program for those who qualify, AHCCCS.

Every winter, an international gem and mineral show comes to town, if you like that sort of thing (I do!). Uof A is a great school, as is our community college, Pima CC.

The sunsets are unfailingly beautiful.

[Ptah]

99. shhh

we don't want everyone to know.

:shhh:


You forgot the snake bridge;

[KatyMan]

26. I might add...

'home' is where your stuff is. Make your home be the same place as the people, places and things you love, and anywhere can be home.

[dgibby]

131. George Carlin was right!

Lordy, I sure do miss that man!

[muffin1]

29. Near Williamsburg, Virginia.

There's really no reason to move here. Visit? Yes, certainly come visit Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. But unless you like living around birthers and filthy rich snobs afraid of socialism and gay folk, live somewhere else.

[babylonsister]

30. Darn! And I'm thinking closer to VA to be closer to DC, to pitch my bitch! n t

[muffin1]

33. Northern Virginia is quite progressive.

In fact, we can thank them for turning Virginia blue. It's actually quite a beautiful state, but the people in the south eastern part are quite scary.

[babylonsister]

37. Thank you! I need this info. nt

[GoCubsGo]

31. No. I don't

I live in South Carolina. The winters are mild, which is one of the few pluses about my town. Springtime is beautiful, with all of the azaleas and dogwoods. My town is midway between the coast and the mountains, which is convenient. I'm about an hour or so out of Columbia, which is not really a bad place. Long summers mean a long growing season. That means we get home-grown tomatoes up until the first frost, which comes some time in October. It's long enough for two crops of some things, like summer squashes. But, consider who are our governor, Senator and Congressmen. One has to live with the idiots who elected these assholes, and it's definitely not pleasant. Also, the summers can be downright oppressive, thanks to the humidity. I'd take August in Phoenix over this any day. At least there, you sweat cools you, rather than piling up on your skin and making you even more uncomfortable.

I used to live in southeastern Colorado. I am sorry I ever left there. Pueblo isn't exactly a mecca, but it's a decent sized town. At least one can ride one's bike on the road there without becoming target practice for whatever passing motorists decide to fling at you. It's a drier climate, too, and the mountains are nearby. They don't get the amounts of snow much of the rest of the state gets, yet they're still close enough to the ski slopes. There's a nice greenway along the Arkansas River, and a big reservoir for boating, fishing and hiking. I miss the trucks on the roadside selling Rocky Ford melons in the summer...

[babylonsister]

51. Thanks for your response. I appreciate it. nt

[Kerrytravelers]

32. I live in the San Gabriel valley suburb of Los Angeles.

In fact, I am about 10 miles north of downtown Los Angeles (in particular, about 15 miles north of where the O.J. Simpson trial was held.)

It is an extremely liberal part of Los Angeles. Planned Parenthood has a location here, and is never a target. They are involved with our local school district in terms of the Family Life and Planning High Course curriculum. Apparently, this isn't happening in all areas of the country. Every once in a while, I see someone mention my town by name, and comment on the richies who live here and how conservative it must be. It makes me laugh out loud. We have a very "green" city. Our mayor, a major liberal, bikes to work. He has been the mayor forever and usually wins at least 80% of the vote. Sometimes, no one bothers to run against him. I know there must be republicans in town, but I'm not sure what rock they are hiding under. We are represented by all Democrats. I don't think a Republican has held any office in this area in decades. We have countless churches in town that are for Marriage Equality. I think there may be some that aren't, but they sure keep their traps shut. We're kind of like the San Francisco of the LA area... and I grew up the Bay Area, so I have some familiarity with the great San Francisco. There was a HUGE protest when Prop h8 passed. And when you drive through town, you'll count endless Obama stickers and other liberal stickers on cars. We also have a huge number of registered Green voters.

Just like anywhere, we have our nuts, but they are so in the minority... but we are still respectful to them... and they are more fiscal conservative rather than the armed tools and fools screaming at the townhall meetings.

However, it is extremely expensive. I mean... really expensive. We're getting priced out. We've had to move a few times due to rising rent prices.

If you come into this area, I'd suggest stopping once you go as far east as Arcadia. Anything west of there to Burbank is pretty good. West of Burbank is less familiar to me.

[SPedigrees]

34. Southern Vermont. Yes I love it!

Most liberal state in the nation set in the beautiful green mountains. We've been here for 35 years. I'm from the Boston area originally and I do miss the ocean. I feel at home anywhere in New England.

[babylonsister]

45. It gets so cold there! I'm thinking warmer places. But I love NE! nt

[SPedigrees]

81. I can't deny the winters are cold, and long too! nt

[zanne]

104. Southern NH. Yup. I love it here. Love Vermont, too.

I also lived in western MA (Berkshires) and I love it there. I think the big selling point about NH is that I grew up here. Home sweet home, y'know?

[Lex]

35. It's a "dark blue" city, very diverse, tolerant, lots of live music, good food, sports, the arts.

My extended family and long-time friends live close-by. 2.5 hours drive to the coast or 2.5 hours to the mountains.

I live close enough to my office to ride my bike in when I want.

[grantcart]

36. I love my state and will never leave it

I am in a place that blends reality and fantasy into a vortex of clashing symbols that leave people in my immediate vicinity shaking their heads in wonder.

For the past 12 years 3 months and 7 days I have lived as a permanent resident in the State of Confusion. Its alright in my state there is no violence, no guns and lots and lots of funny voices.

If I take my medicine and keep up my personal hygene the custodial mistress, Nurse Ratched, (we call her Nurse Ratched because she is a nurse and her name is Ratched) allows me to come over to the magical keyboard and I communicate with all of my friends at DU.

Sometimes when I get sad and down I just look at the fellow who lives next to me, in the State of Perturbation and a calm comes over me and I say my own little Serenity Prayer - atleast I am not Cliffordu. That comfort allows me to close my eyes for a restful sleep.

I don't think they will let you come here without a Visa but if you want I can recommend you to friend of mine - he is the Potentate of Admissions.

[babylonsister]

38. Not so funny to me.

Two sisters in SoCal who didn't and haven't fared as well as you.

[cliffordu]

42. grantcart is a lying sack of crap. My cell is nowhere near his.

I have a view.

[grantcart]

52. but I have the constant sound of waterfalls

As I am right next to the latrines

[cliffordu]

55. And we thought that smell was you....

[cliffordu]

39. I live in a small coastal tourist trap on the Olympic Peninsula, in Wa. State.

I love it here. I was born here, left when I was a kid, and came back 9 years ago.

I'll die here. My ashes will be spread in the army fort where I was born.
(The same place they filmed an officer and a gentleman.)

The uncle I'm named for is buried in that fort. I'll be in good company.

[grantcart]

57. Yup and they can hardly wait to do it too.

The whole area will celebrate.

[cliffordu]

59. Ouch. Well.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIiWBPdhPH8

[BanzaiBonnie]

40. Pacific Norhtwest, 20 miles from Portland

I've lived in this area all my life, so I am far from objective.


That said, Keep Portland Weird is on bumper stickers all over the city.

Portland is within 80 miles or so of some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. Within 1 1/2 hours you can be at the ocean or on Mt. Hood, or in the Columbia River Gorge, or the high desert area of southern Oregon. Take your pick, we have it all.


Oh, and the music and theater scene? World class jazz to opera to... I don't know how many theater groups there are here.

[travelingtypist]

41. I live 30 miles from Portland.

Ditto what BanzaiBonnie said. Plus I love the green. I love the curvy roads. I love the rain. If you come from someplace without a lot of rain, it can take you years to get used to 90 days without sunshine. Did I say I loved the green?

My little house.

[babylonsister]

43. Ahhh, reminds me of what I've missed! Thanks. nt

[Arugula Latte]

98. I live in Portland -- love it.

I've lived in Ohio, S.F. Bay Area, Wash. DC, outside of Denver (summer), Cambridge, Mass. (summer).

Love the people here, the liberal vibe, access to ocean, forests, mountains, rivers, high desert, etc. I love the way the air is full of oxygen (I appreciate that after frequent trips to Denver). I love the green, too (after a green early childhood I never quite got used to the semi-desert landscape where I grew up in the East Bay of San Francisco). The rain can get to you, but every place I've ever lived has at least ONE major thing that people complain about. In the Bay Area it was crowdedness/traffic/high cost of living.

[snooper2]

105. One of my co-workers lives right outside of Bend...

The pictures are amazing!

[devilgrrl]

46. I live in West Hollywood, CA and love it.

Great neighborhood, centrally located and near all the Hollywood cheese for my East Coast friends. Rent control helps bunches.

[cliffordu]

53. I used to live on Larrabee.......

[handmade34]

47. although I am homeless now

I still maintain residency in Vermont and I always loved being there. Health care is good, people are friendly, Burlington is a great college town, Hiking is awesome, Maple syrup is a must on pancakes, the hillsides are glorious in the fall, the mountain brooks are delightful to swim in, the skiing is good in the winter and Bernie Sanders and Pat Leahy are our Senators.

[babylonsister]

48. Where are you living? You have a laptop? What's up with you? nt

[handmade34]

50. I live 'on the road'

I just left Napa Valley and will start work in De Smet, SD next week. I have been working this job for 4 years, move every 3 weeks and have been in all contiguous states. I have a laptop and usually live in hotels. I miss my family, community and gardens, but this was my only option for a job.

I most enjoyed Colorado, Arizona and Oregon, but miss Vermont a lot... (my kids are ski bums at Stowe)

[grantcart]

54. that's not easy - good luck to you

[Broken_Hero]

56. Nope,

I don't like it where I live, almost bordering on hating where I currently live, which is South West Missouri aka Roy Blunt Country(puke).

I'm born/raised in SE Alaska, and I miss the ocean, I miss my mountains and cool temps(to hell with this humidity/heat), and I miss my family.

[Lindsey]

60. I love where I. live which is s Studio City. The vibe is awrsome.

Living in this part of California has everything. We have the beach, the mountains, awesome quirky store, an I'm into new age so there's places to go everywhere.

[Broken_Hero]

61. What part of CA

do you live? I spent some time up in Sacramento, it wasn't bad, I enjoyed San Francisco so much better.

In S. Cal, I spent time in Torrence/Redondo Beach area, and Riverside(meh).

[Kerrytravelers]

68. Hey there! Studio City is very close to me in the LA area!

[Broken_Hero]

73. Studio City?

I didn't know it was the name of a real city...I thought it was a play on words.

[snooper2]

106. Missouri is the worst state in the Union...period...

I left that shithole at 22 and never looked back


( Grew up about hour and a half due south of St. Louis ( Jefferson County ) )

[mnhtnbb]

119. Having lived in both Missouri and Nebraska, I think Nebraska is worse.

[Broken_Hero]

127. I disagree, there is a border state that I

loathe beyond all reasons of rationality...

[dmr]

63. Do like a lot of blue water, trees, rolling hills, autumn, snow?

Northern Michigan here. Absolutely beautiful. For being up north, we are fairly metropolitan. Michael Moore lives close by, too.

Grew up in suburban Detroit, spent 20 years in Miami, and a few on Long Island, but my (childhood) dream move is where I am at right now.

I LOVE MICHIGAN!

[donheld]

64. IMHO there's no place like Denver's Capitol Hill

It has a wide mix of black, white, gay, straight, old, young. It also is heavily Democratic.

[Xicano]

66. Yes I love where I live here in Southern California.

I love living here on the San Pedro/Palos Verdes, CA here in the Los Angeles area.

I love the weather.

I love the diversity.

I love going to Hollywood to watch rock & roll bands play at the various venues such as The Viper Room, The Whisky and The Troubadour, etc.

I love the beaches.

I love the deserts.

I love the mountains.

I love the short drive to Las Vegas.

I love the short drive to Mexico.

I love having Barbara Boxer as my Senator.

I love having IN-N-OUT Burger as a choice of burgers.



Here's a few pictures I took around my neighborhood and some from a museum here in LA: Clicky

[abumbyanyothername]

67. I love Santa Monica climate

the rents (mortgage in my case) are not too keen.

And I actually like Nice (essentially the same city, minus the bikini tops, in the South of France) more, but my wife refuses to be an adventurer.

[Historic NY]

69. I'd like to find a more liberal area I live in a 50-50 county & I'm in a town on the wrong end.

[armyowalgreens]

70. No. I really do not like Phoenix.

I cannot wait to get out of here.

[Libertas1776]

71. Ugh

I live on Long Island and I absolutely hate it. Everyone outside of Long Island seems to think that everywhere is like the freaking Hamptons; everyone lives on the beach in a colonial style beach house or mansion. In actuality, the majority of its 2 million plus residents live in towns like mine that could be any other dreary suburb in the country with its shopping centers acting as the only source of "community." The quality of life is nothing spectacular considering the absolutely exorbitant price it costs to live here. What could get you a semi-mansion in other parts of the country gets you a crap house tantamount to a bungalow with add ons. When I was younger, going into the city (NYC) on the train was a real treat. Now, I can't even set foot in the city, its become so expensive, a yuppified, corporate Disneyland for out of town hipsters. It tears at my heart when I think of the way things use to be, and not even that long ago.

I hope to move away one day soon, maybe to Vermont or somewhere in New England. A relatively quiet, secluded life in the sticks sounds a lot more tempting to me than the trite, characterless, overpriced suburban crapscape I'm living in now. I just hope my Lawn-guy-land accent isn't too bad. I could talk pretty well when I need to, but in a casual conversation, my voice can descend to this hybrid of nasally, Fran Drescher like(I'm a guy by the way) New Yawker/Brooklynese accent if I'm not careful. Fuggedaboutit! Hey, I'd even move abroad if the opportunity ever arose, just for the experience of it. I know I would eventually return back to the states, though. This is still my home(USA), its just such a massive place that its gonna take some time for me to find that "Home Sweet Home," y'all come back now, ya hear? kind of place

[Tangerine LaBamba]

72. Northern Virginia -

Alexandria, to be specific.

It's just a grand little city, small enough to be very much the small town, big enough to have room for sophistication and a variety of people and lifestyles. It's so blue, it's known in the less-blue, but still blue, surrounding areas as The People's Republic of Alexandria.

We're fifteen minutes, by car, from downtown DC, and you already know the cultural life of the city is marvelous. Not to mention that all the Smithsonians are FREE! The Metro is easy, too, without the hassle of parking, a truly lovely system that takes you pretty much anywhere you want to go in D.C.

National Airport - some call it another name, a dead President's name, but to me it will always be National - is only fifteen minutes from here. Dulles is farther out, maybe a forty minute drive, but an easy one.

It's not far from the country - an hour's drive west, and you're in rolling hills, horse country, and farms. Some absolutely remarkable dining out that way, as well. Sophistication and plain old good country cookin'.

The beaches are an easy two-hour drive, easy to get there all year round, and Philadelphia is a three-hour drive, or a quick Amtrak trip. NYC is another easy Amtrak jaunt, and, with the Metro going right into Union Station in DC, it couldn't be easier.

This area has everything - great schools, cultural life, weather that includes all four seasons, and a population that is the best cross-section of the world's population imaginable. Evey cab trip is a geography/politics lesson, and that's great fun.

I've maintained a residence in Alexandria since 1973, my legal domicile, where I vote, where I consider "home," although I've lived all over the United States and in various cities abroad. There are places I love, and return to when I can, but NoVa is home, and I think it's just the best place in the world.

Except for the traffic, which sucks year-round, lousy drivers, who also suck year-round, and the tourists, who never stop.......................................

[old mark]

76. I love my area - I am on the edge of a small city, and the edge of an old

suburb, close to everything we need, but, maybe 20 minutes away from forested hiking/hunting land and great state parks. We have an 8 room ene-of row house, built in the 1920's. Most of our neighbors are fine, which means they don't annoy me. Only a few are criminals, which is not really too bad. It is a great house with a great yard, in an OK neighborhood very convenient to everything we do - and we paid a very low price for it - it will be paid off next year.
We are in Berks County PA, near the Amish farm country.

mark

[yorgatron]

77. I live in San Jose Ca. and I fucking hate it.

the city slogan should be "Embrace the Mediocrity!"

[old mark]

80. I moved from PA to Berkeley, CA in '74 - home prices in San Jose were

even then averaging $300,000 for fairly small ranch houses on concrete slabs. I have been through your town, but never spent any time there. I moved back to PA in '76, have not left since.
My mortgacge payment how is over $100 a month less than I paid for rent in Berkeley in 1975 and I have never had anyone try to break into my home here, as happened in Berkeley.

mark

[Inspired]

79. I live in a suburb of Des Moines, Iowa.

My husband and I were born here and most of our family lives in this area. Des Moines is very urban but you don't have to go far to be in the country. You kind of have the best of both worlds.

The worst part of living in Iowa is the weather. It ranges from very cold to very hot and humid. It's the one thing I hate but it really makes you appreciate the difference in the seasons. You dream of spring in the winter and long for fall in the summer. I say I hate it but I don't know what it is like to live in climates that are more constant. Is it boring?

The best thing about living in Iowa is politics. Having the 1st in the nation caucus is very exciting. The opportunities we have to meet politicians and hear their views is priceless. Every four years it gets nuts in Des Moines. And I love it!

[femmocrat]

82. Western PA is beautiful-- beautiful rolling hills, four seasons, friendly people.

Pittsburgh is a democratic stronghold, but anywhere outside the city is conservative.

Great sports teams, if you are into sports. Tons of cultural attractions. Booming arts community.
Very reasonable cost of living. I've lived in several other states, and really prefer PA to any of them.

[Patiod]

85. I used to trash Pittsburgh

because of the Philly-Pitt rivalry ingrained in me at Penn State.

After college, my one girlfriend said she was sick of my nonsense, and organized what the travel industry calls a "fam tour" (familiarity tour) for me.

Friday night at Froggy's, then up the incline and dinner on Mt. Washington. Saturday at a polo match, then again out to dinner. Sunday watching the Steelers from a luxury box at Three Rivers Stadium (uh, yeah, this was a while ago).

Never trashed Pittsburgh again.

Except maybe the accent ("Dawn" is a guy? Named Donald? Really?) and the "that shirts needs ironed" sentence constructions.

[PRETZEL]

89. I had to endure that also,

it was loads of fun. PSU Class of '81.

I'll still take Pittsburgh over Philly though I've lived in the Philly area longer than I've lived in Pittsburgh.

[Patiod]

91. I was a year behind you!

Lived in Cooper Hall. Happy Valley. Good bless it.

I can still remember walking on campus during the World Series (the good one that the Phils one, not the one the previous year that the Pirates won) and you could tell when the Astros, or later, the Royals would score, because all the stupid Pittsburgers would be yelling their fool heads off - there were so many more Western PA people up there vs Eastern PA people. Crazy. But fun.

Did you know La Vie is online now?

http://www.libraries.psu.edu/digital/lavie /

[PRETZEL]

94. Shunk Hall for me til my senior year

then lived in an apartment with a friend (big mistake)

thanks for the yearbook thread. May have to peruse it later.

Fun most definately, actually too much fun...........................

[WinkyDink]

120. PSU '71 here! Hastings and Brumbaugh.

[distantearlywarning]

114. Love living in the 'burgh!

I've lived a lot of different places, and this is my favorite place I've ever lived.

Pittsburgh is a very underrated city.

Why do I love it? There are four beautiful seasons (with the exception perhaps of August and February), lots of greenery, more cultural activities than I could possibly ever go to, a champion football and hockey team, lots of great pre-war housing stock with character (no cookie cutter suburbs here!), it's a very progressive city politically, 3 gorgeous rivers, and a very highly educated population. Oh, and there's a very low cost of living here. You get big city amenities for a little city price. Can't beat it!

[Dulcinea]

117. I grew up in western PA.

My parents and one sister still live in the Pittsburgh 'burbs. I spent a big part of my childhood boating on the upper Allegheny, near Kittanning. When I die I want my ashes scattered there.

I'm also a Penn Stater, class of 1987!

But, do I love where I live? Not really. I live in Decatur, GA, a blue suburb of Atlanta. It's not bad, but Atlanta is too landlocked for me. I want to live near water.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

83. I love the State of Florida. I'm okay with South Florida.

If I had my pick, I'd rather Central or North Florida because you can actually escape from the built up urban areas out into the country. Whereas in South Florida you literally have two roads that lead you out of the urban areas. But on the other hand, I love the weather and the beaches here so I'm reasonably happy.

Hurricanes don't scare me, and I don't mind the heat or humidity. And I love the gators. If I die without having seen another flake of snow in my life, I'll be happy. Right now, the only way I'll leave Florida is in a pine box.

[SteppingRazor]

86. Hell, I'll do you one better and say I even love it here in South Florida.

Sure, it's tough if you aren't a fan of city life, but parts of this area are practically paradise, and while it's tough to get out to the wilderness, what wilderness there is makes the trip worth while -- the 10,000 Islands, the Everglades, parts of the Keys -- it's like no other place in the country. I've been here for a decade now, so it's lost a little of it's luster, but there's still not many other places I'd rather be.

[HEyHEY]

84. Beijing, the repression can't be beat!

All that and 24 hour bars!

hic.... I'll wander off into a hutong looking for chuar now.

[NewJeffCT]

133. Not to mention the repressive humidity

the humidity combined with the pollution was just awful the two times I've been to China.

[PRETZEL]

87. About 20 miles west of Philly

been here since 1981.

I'll be here til I retire. If I'm still married we'll probably retire in WV where my wife grew up.

[rug]

88. Yes. Trees.

[EastTennesseeDem]

90. I love the hell out of Nashville, especially this part of town.

I go to Vanderbilt, the part of town of which (West End/Hillsboro Village) is absolutely thriving and alive. Very busy. Very liberal. Full of extremely laid back and intelligent people. Love it.

[graywarrior]

93. I do now.

Driving around the north shore of MA yesterday just confirmed that I love this area even more than I loved NH. I am so happy to be back home.

[Chan790]

95. I love living in NYC.

There is something to do 24/7/365, you can find anything you want for sale, pretty much any place you want to go within the city limits can be reached for $2/trip or $89/month.

[Throd]

96. El Dorado Hills, CA. I'm very happy here.

I love the natural beauty of the Sierra foothills. I can be in downtown Sacramento or some remote wilderness within 30 minutes depending on which way I point my car.

[1gobluedem]

101. Ann Arbor, MI

Wonderful small city of about 114,000, with a world class feel thanks to the University of Michigan. Very cosmopolitan and diverse; vibrant arts scene, world class hospitals, good public schools, abundant trees, beautiful neighborhoods, Big Ten sports, great restaurants and locally owned businesses, and so blue Republicans don't even bother to run for office anymore.

Close to the Great Lakes and Canada. You can be at the tip of the mitten, at the Mackinac Bridge in just over three hours. 20 minutes from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, a NWA hub. There is something for everybody here. Lowest unemployment in the state as well.

[Roon]

102. I absolutlely love where I live..

I live in an area called the Highlands..in Denver Colorado. It's called this because it's the highest point in Denver. If fact the very highest point in Denver is only a block from where I live. My place is very close to downtown and there are a lot of younger people moving in so they can be close to work. Downtown is 10 minutes by car and 15-18 minutes by bus.

This area is jumping. I rent a two bedroom apartment from my Grandparents that is half rent for what they could get for it.

The grocery, liquor store, and bus stops are all very close. My Family has been living here for over 50 years and I have been living in the area for 20 years.

I wouldn't change anything.I am going to stay here for as long as possible.

[brendan120678]

103. Usually...

although at times it can be expensive as hell living here (Connecticut).

[Solly Mack]

107. Yes! It's friendly, the people are great, lots of museums and parks

traveling around is easy (great mass transportation (city to city, state to state and country to country)

the 16% VAT can be a little off- putting.

[jellen]

109. I hate where I live. My husband refuses to move.

We live in the middle of nowhere in a dump. The roof leaks and the bathroom faucet drip all the time. there are holes the bathroom walls and the roof leaks. Why do I stay here? I guess I don't have the guts to go out on my own.

[livetohike]

110. I love Pennsylvania. I love how green everything is in the Spring

and Summer. I love all the trees and the glorious Fall colors. I love the quiet of Winter and the way the snow falls and lays on the evergreen branches. I love seeing the deer with their fawns and the surprise of a black bear walking through the woods.

I live one mile away from a Wild and Scenic River and a beautiful state park known as "The Black Forest of Pennsylvania".

[Deep13]

111. Not really.

I find Ohio to be uninteresting in geography and culture. It's like Connecticut except without all the New Englanders, the history, the colleges, the sea and the nearby cities. Instead, it is provincial, evangelical, tight-assed police state. Cleveland in particular is a shithole.



Down by the river! Down by the banks of the River Charles.
That's where you'll find me,
because I love that dirty water-
Boston, you're my hometown.

[carpetbagger]

112. Gainesville, Florida, and yes, I love living here.

It's a college town, it's in Florida, it's a Florida college town.

We're surrounded by forests and prairies and rivers and lakes, a whole lot of it preserved, with the beach an hour away. There's still open spaces in the middle of Florida. It gets cold enough to enjoy some cold weather, but the average high in January is 66. Gainesville attracts university-town people, the freaks, the artists, the academics, those are the people I fit in with. There's lots of music and art as well.

[Louisiana1976]

115. It's convenient with a nice view.....

I'm on the 4th floor, and the building is walking distance from the library and is on a couple of bus routes.

[GOPisEvil]

116. I moved to the Seattle suburbs from Austin and I like it here a lot.

It's SO nice not to have to deal with temperatures approximating the surface of the sun for 3 straight months. And, here's a secret, it doesn't rain here as much as they say.

I love the tall trees and mountains nearby.

Now, it's not cheap. But I love it.

Edit - I do miss some things about Austin though.

[mnhtnbb]

118. I LOVE Chapel Hill, NC. I was born in NYC, lived in northern NJ,

southern California, Missouri and Nebraska before moving to Chapel Hill. What do I love?

Change of seasons. Walking to football games on campus. LIBERAL NEIGHBORS!!! Friendly people.
Intelligent people. Small town atmosphere but cosmopolitan feel. Airport is 25 minutes away
and direct flights to NYC take an hour. Anything you could want shopping within 30 minutes.
Free bus transportation in Chapel Hill. The beach is only 2 1/2 hours away. The public schools
are supported (Chapel Hill/Carrboro is the best district in the State of NC) although this current
economy and budget woes are affecting the local schools. But mostly, I feel like I'm home.

[ShenandoahAspen]

121. I love my state, but not the part I live in.

I live in a county that went 67% to McCain in 2008. I'm surrounded by rednecks and fundies. I love NC, but just wish I lived in a more liberal part of the state.

[JNelson6563]

122. Northern lower Michigan.

Absolutely beautiful.

[Joey Liberal]

123. I hate Oklahoma for the politics and fundies, but

I's not too bad. It's tough having two complete morons like Inhofe and Coburn as our Senators. But, I get to irritate neo-cons every day.

[hippywife]

124. Yes and no.

I love the little liberal haven that is the 8 acres with a tiny house, garden and chickens that we live on. I hate the fact that it is surrounded by the idiocracy that is the rest of Oklahoma. I venture out to work five days a week with my sole thought: making it through the day and getting back here as fast as I can. We don't leave here on the weekends at all if we can help it.

[Odin2005]

125. I'd rather be in Minneapolis.

Fargo is BORING!

[MrMickeysMom]

126. Yes, my body knew it was in the "right place"

After many years living in the south I returned with husband to North, but in SW PA.

I have exactly the right spring weather, plenty of rain to garden and never water the lawn, not too much snow and summers never too hot. I have met some good friends and love the walk the hills and trails surrounding.

Lots of traffic issues to work on, but I ain't through trying to make things better in life, so I'm happy (not rich, but happy)!

[Generic Brad]

128. Meh

The grass is always greener somewhere else. I would love to move and see other parts of the world. But the job is here. The house is here.

Home is wherever you hang your hat. Every place has it's positives and negatives.

[Ohio Joe]

129. No... I live in Ohio

Though in about a week or so I'm moving back to Mass... I can't wait.

[Iggo]

130. Oh god yes.

The suburbs of Los Angeles are an amazing place to live...if you grew up here.

I've noticed people from elsewhere tend to hate it. But their kids like it.

[JTG of the PRB]

132. I absolutely love where I live. I've fallen under the Curse of Chief Niwot.

"People seeing the beauty of this valley will want to stay, and their staying will be the undoing of the beauty."

I never had a chance.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_Niwot