Do you like where you live?

OK, I need some POTN wisdom. I am originally from Germany but currently live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth (Texas) area with my family. Franky, we hate it here. In summer it gets so hot that it really limits outdoor activities. The same goes for photo ops, as everything looks kind of brown-ish and boring for most of the year.

So, we want to move. A big city or near one would be good. Close to an ocean would be nice, but not necessarily required. Moderate climate, not too hot in summer, snow in winter would be good for the kiddo. We love San Francisco, but the cost of living lets us hesitate. Also the prospect of "the big one" in terms of earthquakes is a little freaky.

While we have looked into various places I was wondering if people on here have any suggestions. If you like where you live, could you please tell me where it is and why you like it?

Thanks!

I lived in San Francisco for around six years, and about two years ago moved to Sydney, where I'm at now. I love it here, it's unlike anywhere else I've lived before (I've lived in San Diego, San Francisco, Flagstaff AZ, Barcelona Spain). It opens me up to an area of the world that I've yet to explore.

That said, if you are contemplating moving to the SF Bay Area, have a good look at it. While I love where I live, I do miss parts. It is expensive, but often your salary will be higher in areas like SF where the cost of living is higher. That was my experience at least. I loved SF because there's just so much to do, both around the bay and within short drives. You can get to Tahoe in 4 hours, Monterey in 2, Napa in an hour, the redwoods in just a few. There's a never ending list of things to do and see.

I feel the same way about Australia now. So much to see and do, but not enough time. I suppose that's an important part about where you live. If you feel stagnent and have little drive to appreciate what's around you, then are you just living where you live because of a sense of familiarity? Is it family or a job that is keeping you somewhere you don't want to be?

I wasn't sure about moving so far away from friends and family, but to be honest I talk more to them now than I did when I lived within driving distance. VOIP phones, Skype, and IM programs make the world a smaller place. And if you're worried about cost of living (or earthquakes), then just remember that life is an experience, and it's just money.

By the way, growing up in California makes you indifferent to quakes. After awhile, they just get to be kinda fun.

Hope that helps, and answers your question.

Thank you for your thoughts. I agree that SF is definitely a nice place, and it is definitely a consideration. One of the reasons we like it there is that there is so much to do, resp. within short driving distance. I cannot say this about Texas. We moved here because of a job, I then decided to go back to school for an MBA, but I think we are now ready to make a move to an area that fits us better. Wherever that may be.

I have a mate that's moving from SF to Austin. He's really excited about it, but I'm not so sure if it's because of the landscape, so much as the cost of living. He's a single dad, trying to make ends meet and his company is moving out there as well.

I can say this with 100% honesty though, SF (the Bay area in general) is a fantastic place to live. I've lived there once, and I'd likely live there again if it came about. There's just that much to do. I've done alot of it, but not everything, and I was there for six years.

I live outside Portland, OR. An hour to the ocean, an hour to the mountain, a couple hours to the high desert. Lots to do in the area, very mild weather. Summers are beautiful, winters a little gray. However, if you don't mind a little rain it doesn't keep you from getting out (or you can drive to central Oregon for some sunshine). Thumbs up.

I lived in Houston for four years, and visited the DFW area a few times. Like you, I found Texas life was not for me. I was born and raised around the Seattle area, but I've lived in San Diego, Los Angeles, Philadephia, and Houston. The northwest is by far my favorite.

If you don't mind some rain and gray skies, think about the Pacific Northwest. Lots of green, mountains, oceans. . . Not quite as spendy as SF. Moderate climate, no hurricanes, still some earthquake risk, no tornadoes, but we have a pesky volcano if you'd like to find something to worry about.

Don't live there now, but my family still does and that is Boise, ID. Climate is great and mild and easy access to mountains and the high desert. It is a growing area and because of the downturn much more affordable than it was a couple of years ago. It has a growing cultural base and great things to do in both summer and winter.
Now if I was going to just pick up and move for photography and weather reasons it would be to St. George or Cedar City Utah. Not far from Las Vegas so you can fly to anywhere in the US at very reasonable rates and some of the best opportunities for getting out for great pics in a 4-6 hour range. But then I'm not a big city kind of guy so the wide open spaces have a certain appeal to me.

Funny I'm originally from DFW but just spent 3 years in Germany.

I would move back to Germany if I were you.

Thanks for the suggestions. I don't know much about Oregon resp. the Pacific Northwest, but it sounds like it would be a good place for us. I'll do some research.

Not sure about Boise, I don't think it is a big enough city for us.

@scot079 - Funny that you say that. Moving back to Germany is a possibility as well. The job market is a problem though. I take it that you enjoyed your stay? Were you stationed in Germany?

deletedpenguin wrote in post #7420800
I have a mate that's moving from SF to Austin. He's really excited about it, but I'm not so sure if it's because of the landscape, so much as the cost of living. He's a single dad, trying to make ends meet and his company is moving out there as well.

Yeah, this is about the only advantage I can think of. Cost of living is really cheap here. Houses in the DFW area are even less expensive than in Austin. Coming from SF I bet it is very exciting to move here, at first. After a while he is probably going to get bored though.

Artdime wrote in post #7422537
@scot079 - Funny that you say that. Moving back to Germany is a possibility as well. The job market is a problem though. I take it that you enjoyed your stay? Were you stationed in Germany?

Yes we absolutely loved it there! I'd love to get back there before too long. I was stationed @ Ramstein air base near Kaiserslautern.

Tchuss!

Edit: Just dug up this snapshot. From outside our house in Hohenecken

scot079 wrote in post #7422633
Just dug up this snapshot. From outside our house in Hohenecken

Noice! Makes me homesick. Thanks, Tim!

bitte schoen!

If you can't move back to Germany, maybe try the western US?

I like the SF Bay area but it is soooo pricey! My husband's family is from there (Marin county, which is BEAUTIFUL!) and I love visiting, but can't believe what they paid for their houses. I live in San Diego which is expensive, but no where near as expensive! A $250,000 house here will sell for $1,000,000 in Marin! But it's beautiful.

As for San Diego- I used to love it but not so much anymore. The weather is still perfect, but I'm not a big fan of the people anymore. It's good if you like the beach atmosphere, but it's got a big city feel to it. And I'm such a small town girl! The SF Bay area feels more like a series of small towns rather then a metropolitan area.

I really like Santa Barbara. I think if I could live anywhere that's where I'd go. I've only been a few times, but I love it! The city is beautiful, the people are nice, and it just has a great atmosphere to it.

I've lived in Chicago all my life. The summers are ridiculously hot and humid, fall is usually the nicest time of the year, the winters are brutal (so far this year -40 wind chills, ice storms, and then massive flash flooding in late December after a surprise 63 degree day that melted all the snow and ice), and spring is alright. Spring is a relief once it starts getting warmer and everyone thaws out from the winter freeze.

I've been considering moving somewhere warmer after college provided I land a solid job wherever I go. Florida is a possibility, the only thing that worries me are the drivers!

I also really want to buy some property in Poland later in my life. I have family there and absolutely love it there, especially in the mountains.