Hey there all...

Just out of curiousity, of all the places you've visited, lived, go to school in the United States, where do you think it's best? I am considering relocating within the next couple of years and would like input. So far, I've thought of places I've been to in the past I've enjoyed, plus a couple where I've "heard" the atmosphere/community/music scene is great. I'm looking for somplace that's not horribly expensive (I know a few places on my list are and that's a BIG drawback).

1. Seattle, Washington
2. Portland, Oregon
3. San Francisco, CA
4. Tuscon, AZ
5. Albequerque, NM
6. Salt Lake City, UT

New Orleans would have been at the top of the list, but alas, Katrina hit a couple of years back, so it's a done deal for me.

Thanks!

Angie

I'm from Canada but I'm familiar enough with those areas to know that I wouldn't want to live in them.
The only place where I'd want to be is Hawaii!
:P

San Francisco is expensive for no reason.
My boyfriend lived in Utah for half of his life and he prefers California way more, even though we live in a small town (he even prefered Long Beach and that's a pretty bad area. He actually still prefers Long Beach over everything).

Arizona has got pretty affordable housing, but look in a good city for living in, not a city where tourists go.

I've lived in California all of my life and like it here. If you plan on going to Cali, don't plan on living in LA county because either you can't afford rent/payments or you'll be stuck in a crime filled area. Northern CA is pretty nice and the weather is way better. But you have to keep in mind California is the most expensive state to live in.

You wouldn't want to live in New Orleans even before Katrina. It was already poverty stricken in a lot of areas.

I've actually been doing a lot of research on the internet for my "dream place" and I think I'm tending to focus on possibly someplace in Oregon (most likely not Portland, due to costs), Austin, or Athens(GA). I've got to have a liberal minded place with a good punk scene. I'd love to move to CA, but I know it's way expensive. I've been to San Francisco and really liked it. I've been reading a lot about Critical Mass and other events that have been being held out there for years. It sounds like a great place to be a liberal crusty-ish punk. Ha, ha, ha.

Angie

PS Hopefully I am able to land some kick ass employment and fund my master's in social work!

I'm not sure that Texas or Georgia or any southern states would really accept any sort of punk.

Las Vegas is actually pretty affordable. Like on the outskirts. But the only problem with that is if you're used to cold or humid european weather, you'll basically die there. BUT, it does have a good punk scene.

And trust me, San Francisco is a great tourist area, but unless you're loaded, you'll be in hell living there.

If you're looking for a liberal-minded place, I do not recommend moving to Utah. That state is one of the most conservative in the country. Even living in a big city like Salt Lake City wouldn't help that much.

Yeah haven't you seen the movie SLC Punk?
Utah is Mormon territory and punks are not really accepted there.
:P

He, he, he...I'm straight edge and SLC is the straight edge capitol of the WORLD. That being said, I don't like most other 'edgers'. Too preachy, but Moab, UT is cool as sh*t. Austin is supposedly really cool, too. There's LOTS of punk/rockabilly/screwy stuff(like roller derby) goin' on there. It's not like the rest of Texas. Athens is that way supposedly as well. It's where REM, the B-52s and a bunch of other bands are from. It's an oasis in the middle of a "what the heck" type state. Atlanta's also supposed to be pretty cool. They've got a big gay community and do a thing called "Hotlanta" every year. Gay parties are the best (I suppose this sounds prejudice, but whatever, it's true!!!). Pride parades and stuff are always a hoot!

Personally, i'd move to vancouver canada, its a damn awesome place. As far as america goes, I have friends in NYC who say even the craziest of crazys fit in there.

Hah! i just found out longview (greenday song from "dookie") is a real place!

I had a similar realisation whilst peeing a few years ago, that "Armitage shanks" (another green day song) make toilets!

Sorry for the derail. I guess i vote seattle as its only 150miles from vancouver :P

Columbus actually is kinda cool, I've lived here all my life. The Short North is a great art district and we have a ton of festivals, Comfest (community festival) is one of the longest running volunteer festivals, and the Doo Dah Parade makes fun of other parades. Marcon, one of the oldest and largest Science Fiction conventions in the country, is held over the Memorial Day weekend downtown.