Opinions on where you live

[tiredreporter]

I'm trying to decide where I would like to live. I used to live in Central Texas and think I want to go back but I want some opinions on other areas of the country. As a child I also lived in Chicago and Washington state. I also have family in Georgia and Lousiana and have visited there often.

Where do you live (major city, smaller city, suburbs, rural area)? If you want to provide name of city or state feel free to do so or just say what area of country ie rural area midwest or major city west coast.

What do you like about it?

What do you not like about it?

[tiredreporter]

I'll go first

I live in a southern New Jersey suburb about 15 minutes away from Philadelphia.

I like living near my dad. I like being close to a variety of recreation options like the Jersey shore and other major cities like Baltimore, Washington D.C. and NYC are just a couple hours away. We do have four distinguishable seasons even though winter can be brutally cold and snowy, but I like the changes in seasons.

I don't like that the cost of living is quite high here compared to the salaries for my profession. People are generally unfriendly. Drivers here are terrible full of road rage and inconsiderate. Don't know how to stop at stop signs, use turn signals and tailgate like there's no tomorrow. Philly was just named the ninth worst city of drivers.

That's all I can think of off top of my head.

[wordsmith]

I live in a small town in the rural heartland...driving more than a couple of miles in any direction from any point in my town will land you in the middle of thousands upon thousands of acres of gently rolling cropland. I grew up with these surroundings, so they're pretty embedded in my soul, they say home to me, although I've lived in and loved other places that were very different from here. Weatherwise, it's fine...we have all seasons, all extremes.

I love the fact that it's home to me, and part of this is that my family is here, although this type of area always feels like home, family or no. It's beautiful, there's loads upon loads of nature at my fingertips, the pace of living is easy and relaxing, people are friendly and know one another, so it's hard to get lonely without making an effort to isolate yourself, and the cost of living is very low compared to many other places in the country, so many things seem attainable that wouldn't be elsewhere. It's also a community that is within reasonable driving distance of a major metropolitan area, so one isn't isolated from the amenities of urban dwelling, either, but is far enough out to be well out of the suburban sprawl. Traffic is nonexistent (unless you count getting stuck behind a tractor), parking problems are nonexistent, and you aren't piled up on top of neighbors. There is room to breathe.

The biggest downside by far is that it requires time, planning, and gas money to get to a lot amenities that are only found readily in more populated areas. I don't have a variety fo shopping at my disposal, I have to either make do with the limited local selection, or resign myself to at least a half-hour, more likely hour-plus road trip to do major shopping. I'm a couple of hours from any international airport, from a major medical center, etc. The isolation isn't extreme, but it can be an inconvenience.

Another downside is that there aren't a lot of people who share my opinion, so it's hard to meet people like me. Basically, there are a few archetypes who live in places like this...there are those who grew up with it, never left it, never want to...the lifers...they may be young people who never had the "get out of this place and see other things" pull who are satisfied here, or ones who did have that pull but it never happened for them, and are somewhat bitter...or they may be old timers, people who've lived in places like this for long lives. Then there are the 30-40 something family people who moved in from elsewhere, because it's such a picket fence place to raise a family, very wholesome, low-cost, your kids can run around and play, you know your neighbors by name, room for a dog run, etc. Couples with young families really get into this. Sometimes they're former residents who went elsewhere and are returning to raise families...this happens a lot. Other times, they're newly in from the suburbs, and just love "the country." But there really aren't people like me.

[Skyblade]

I live in Ventura, California (30 miles south of Santa Barbara-- where I work) and about 70 miles north of Los Angeles. I like Ventura better than Santa Barbara because its slightly cheaper, but the whole area in general is WAY too expensive. We live in a 1 bedroom apartment and our rent is $1350 (and thats a GOOD deal around here). I also like being close enough to LA to go on the weekends or to fly out of Burbank or LAX. The weather is always fairly nice, which I'm kind of tired of (some of you may think I'm crazy). Santa Barbara is just awful...too many snooty attitudes and people who think its the best place ever.

[sparky88]

I live in Columbus OH and LOVE IT!! Young population- fun events and places to go at all times. Decent/low cost of living. Previous places I've lived are Indianapolis IN and Cleveland OH.

[arrow]

Good question!

I live in Brooklyn NY, and work in Manhattan. There are many things I like about it and many things I don't, and I plan to get the hell out of here next year so I'm enjoying myself more than when I felt more "stuck."

What I love about NYC:
- TONS of stuff to do, and a lot of it is free or cheap
- I don't have to have a car, and it's better not to have one
- Lots and lots of job opportunities
- Great food
- Many opportunities to discover things you like to do through various volunteer organizations, arts, and culture
- Beautiful parks
- Good (and CHEAP) public university system (CUNY)
- I've made some good friends and great memories here

What I hate about NYC:
- I cannot go a day without stepping over someone's nasty loogie
- It smells, and there is trash everywhere
- Too crowded, too noisy
- Overly materialistic
- Many people are just out for themselves (you CAN find many great, genuine people, but many others are trying to get somewhere and will not hesitate to use you)
- Takes FOREVER to get out of town
- High-priced apartments are still crappy
- Not enough nature, and although it's near hiking, it still takes forever to get to places to hike, and there isn't much of an outdoor sports vibe here
- Just too big a city for my taste, I prefer somewhere smaller

[shadeofgreen]

I live in Portland, Maine. It's the biggest city in the state but only has a population of 65,000 or something like that, though it's somewhere around 150,000 for the greater Portland area.

I like that I can actually live in easy walking distance of downtown relatively affordably (though that's getting harder to do, and would be impossible on my income without a roommate.) I also like that I can walk home from downtown alone at night without fear. I like that it isn't sprawly. The towns just outside the city limits are actual small towns, not just suburbs. I like that Portland is full of bleeding heart liberals.

The job market and the winter weather, however, are gonna drive me outta this town.

[wordsmith]

Yeah, I guess I should note that it's not so liberal where I'm from, but to be honest, because I grew up with it and am so used to being on a different political page than the folks around me, I usually think to mention it. It's like, the sky is blue, the grass is green, the area where I live is largely socially and politically right-leaning. Meh. It's really more apolitical than anything, actually. But the few who do study up and take a stand tend to be righties.

[tiredreporter]

Great responses so far!

Keep em coming please.:)

[SmilesSoSweet]

I now live in Phoenix. I've been here for two years. I grew up in So. California.

To me, I just really needed a change of scenery and a chance to just start over. And since at the time I moved here I really had nothing holding me back, (no kids, husband/bf, etc.) I decided to move to Phoenix. (Of course I researched on a couple other places too.)

I ended up with a higher paying job in a much more affordable city. The summer months here are obviously the hottest, but they don't phase me anymore. And nowadays, the summer just goes by so quickly that I don't really mind the heat all the time.

I've been given more opportunities here too. I've been house hunting (though decided not to buy at the moment). I wasn't even going to think about buying a house in So. Cali all by myself.

Traffic isn't as bad here. I love the hiking out here. The landscape is so different out here as well. And compared to So. Cali, this place isn't as crowded. It's still a big city, but not as big to LA/OC/Long Beach area I grew up in.

[beeblebrox]

I live in Chicago. It's an awesome city with tons of history.

Pros:
-big city but manageable (NYC feels too big for me)
-the skyline (I can see the Sears tower from my living room window)
-the transportation, decent but needs definite work
-close to my family in Milwaukee
-tons of stuff to do
-neighborhoods are awesome and all different
-The Bean
-The Hancock Signature Lounge
-the archives-amazing stuff

Cons:
-tourists-can't stand them during the summer and christmas crowding up the streets
-unpredictable weather
-expensive

[GoogleGirl]

I live in the deep south near Baton Rouge, La. I looove southern living. Humidity totally sucks, but the food around here is the BEST. Living expenses weren't too bad before Hurricane Katrina, but now...geez. I'd say it's pretty expensive living in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas now. Freakin' hurricanes. I love the people around here. Southern people are very laid back, love to have a good time (hence the "lassiez bon temp roule" motto we cajuns live by), and many areas are very pretty to live in/visit.

oh yea, one bad thing about living in the south anywhere is hurricane season. We all have seen what that can do to a place. I've gone through more hurricanes than I would like to remember.

[dacrunkest]

I love where I live! I love it.

Kansas City is so underrated. I would have never expected liking it so much, but it's such a great city to live in, and affordable to boot!

[ebruening]

Like Wordsmith, I live in the Midwest. I live in Lincoln, Nebraska, which is also my hometown. I didn't care for Lincoln growing up, but I stayed in town for college, and I've not moved away for any longer than 6 months. Since I've been out "on my own" for the past two years, I've really enjoyed Lincoln.


Pros about Lincoln:

It's a college town, with a great atmosphere on football Saturdays

It's decently affordable

It has a relatively low rate of crime

People are generally very nice here - Midwestern nice, as an East Coast friend once said

It's big enough to feel like a real city, but small enough so that "natives" can go downtown, and always run into a friend or acquaintance

Downsides to Lincoln:
The streets are falling apart (seriously, there are potholes four feet wide and three feet deep outside my apartment building, and they ain't getting fixed anytime soon)

Salaries and wages in general are much lower than surrounding states, and much lower than salaries and wages in Omaha, which is an hour's drive away

The city council - and outgoing mayor - are a joke. They've harmed the city in a myriad of ways, and have no respect for local business owners.

Property taxes are some of the highest in the nation, when you take cost-of-living and per-household income into account.

The job market is generally slow.

[mahlerssecond]

I live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It is a medium size midwestern city. It has some good points and bad points. The good points are things like: short commute time, laid back atmosphere, cheap housing, etc. The bad things are: diversity of jobs (lots of low wage), lack of educated and cultured young people, and a lack of diversity of things to do (there are things to do, but they are always the same things at the same places.)

[capella]

Ah. I have so many opinions on where I live. First there is the actual town I live in and then the greater Central Florida region as a whole. I actually live about 35-40 minutes north of downtown Orlando. It's more like an hour when you count in traffic.

Pros for my specific town:
*I could afford a house here.
*It's generally quiet.
*We do actually have a grocery store.
*The elementary schools aren't bad... MS and HS, ummm, not so much.
*At least 85,000 people call my town home so it's likely to be getting some economic development in the future. This will be good for my home value. That's a big reason we bought here. The buy low, sell high kind of idea.
*It has potential if the bumpkin idiots running the place would open up their eyes and stop approving more residential housing before the commercial-office type stuff.
*It's on a big lake and could be pretty nice. There are decent parks nearby.

Cons:
*The drive to get anywhere remotely near Orlando (and thus a decent job) during rush hour is completely, totally and entirely insane. The traffic is AWFUL. I HATE I-4!!!
*This place is filled with a buncha 2 lane roads meant for an earlier era.
*More people are coming and there isn't room or infrastructure for them. :mad:
*My house taxes are too high compared to what my home is REALLY worth (I think that's true of a great many places though).
*We have NO shopping, NO restaurants, NO entertainment of any sort. It's ridiculous. There is not even a book store. I hate that. We have Walgreen's and Winn Dixie (OK, and a Publix too).
*Nobody like me lives where I do. Most people my age have a lot of kids and are on their second marriage. :rolleyes: :mad: :eek: Most aren't very educated either. I stick out here.

Central Florida on the whole is alright. Too much traffic and not enough high paying jobs. But again, it's like that in a lot of places. I like being close to a wide variety of beaches and attractions. I like the sunshine too. :)

[winneythepooh7]

I live in Long Beach, NY, which is a barrier island off the south shore of Long Island. I really, really like it here, although it is still right up there with NYC prices.

What I love about it is obviously the beach. I can go for long walks or bike rides whenever I want. Also there are a ton of restaurants in every direction including a really good Japanese place in the downstairs of my building. The grocery store, post office and LIRR are across the street from my building. There's generally always parking (although I may have to park further away from my building in the summertime). Some of the best pizza I've ever had is a block away. A good nail salon is right out my front door.

I am right under an hour train ride into Penn Station-Manhattan. I also still live about 2 1/2 hours from where my family lives, which is in the Hudson Valley of NYS (another great area with lots of outdoor stuff like hiking, vineyards, apple picking, antiques, crafts and river rafting and canoeing).

The main thing I don't like about Long Island in general, is that a lot of people tend to be extremely superficial here. Everything negative you've heard about New Yorkers is basically what exists on the south shore of Long Island. The prices here are also completely ridiculous for living. My fiance and I are determined to buy a house, most likely in the spring of 2008. We want to live in Long Beach. At least he's a contractor which works in our favor, however, a major con about the city of LB is that things like plumbing and electric MUST be done by a contractor licensed in the city of LB, which he is not, and neither are any of his plumber/electrician friends. A couple of owners I met in LB said even homeowners who are do-it-yourself types get screwed over quite often with this "policy" since they are really strict about it here.

There's also a ton of racism on Long Island. And like every teenage girl I see fits the stereotype of "My Super Sweet 16".

[PenforPrez]

I live near a small Missouri town 80 miles southwest of St. Louis. Speaking for my general vicinity, here's my take.

Pros:

The scenery is nice, especially away from the Interstate. I live in the hinterlands of the Ozarks, and the Current River is a little over an hour from here, which is part of a large National Scenic Riverway. It's beauty rivaled by few places on this planet.

I live near a top-tier engineering school. Which is great if you're going into engineering or mining or comp sci. If you're going into a BA program like I did, you're on the short end of the stick outside the classroom. But having a research university nearby does add character to the area. It's a very valuable asset.

The cost of living is low, especially if you utilize the Wal-Marts that pop up about every 20 feet around here. Local attractions are cheap and somewhat quaint. We also have some of the cheapest gas in the country. Big plus these days. :D

St. Louis is easily accessible via the Interstate, with everything there.

Cons:

The economy here has hit a sour note. We've had a pretty good surge in manufacturing and fast food and retail and construction since the mid-80's, but the first is starting to roll back significantly. Also, finding a job making $10/hour is impossible, as that wage level is almost nonexistent.

No singles. At all. This is small-town Missouri. People here marry like Chicagoans vote: early and often. Dating here is a waste of time, at least to me. And the very few women around here on the online dating sites. . . *shudder*.

No educated/intelligent people who think for themselves. Despite the presence of the previously mentioned nearby university, people are frightfully ignorant around here. Missouri's 2004 gay marriage ban passed with 80% of the vote in my home county. :(

Drugs. I live in the heart of meth country in the state that leads in meth lab busts. The woods are FULL of heavily armed meth freaks around here. Considering a lot of it is injected, it's an HIV outbreak waiting to happen. :neutral:

The woods here are also full of scary, paranoid paleoconservatives who also go around heavily armed. I keep hoping they'll kill each other off and leave us relatively normal people in peace; no such luck yet.

That's the basics. :p

Paul

[happie]

HI everyone, I just joined the boards and I wanted to say hello!

Anyways, about where I've lived... I started out in Columbus Ohio. It was great, but a little chilly. Then I moved out to SoCal to join my roots. Lived in L.A. and San Diego. Then I moved up to the Bay Area.

Here's the dish on these places. Columbus, I LOVED OSU. You cannot find a better campus anywhere hands down. Okay so I'm a Buckeye and I'm biased, but I have happy memories and some crazy stories about that place. Truth is, it's cheap, comfortable, there are fun friendly people everywhere because of the campus. It was such a huge school that you could do almost anything you wanted to do.

Next to Southern California.
Los Angeles is a crazy commuter jungle with treasures. The air is bad, the traffic is crazy, many people prefer to speak Spanish (even the government workers) instead of English, you were trapped in your home because of traffic, there are wannabe celebrities running around and in some places you feel dumb if you don't have the 411 on them all. Regardless, there were some real perks to L.A. There is a creative element that you may be able to find in NYC and nowhere else. There are also friendly natives to the area who are dying to meet "down to earth" people. Because of the celeb chasing
overtakes the town, understandibly the locals need a breather. But they were really nice, it was a change from the stereotypes that I've heard.
There is a lot of diversity and integration. It is common to see a nice neighborhood filled with 3 or more different ethnicities.
Anyways, West L.A. and Santa Monica are really fun. Marina del Ray is a nice place to relax. And it will take you 2 1/2 hours to get to a beach from anywhere in the city on a hot summer day. Realistically, I couldn't live there for long because of the traffic.

San Diego. Fun town, lots of college kids and college grads flock to PB (Pacific Beach) and the Gaslamp (downtown). The sun and the beaches are great. Shopping is good. Resturants and stuff, few and far between and you had to know of the good ones. And of course there is the catch. The wages are paid in something called a "SUNTAX". Which means although it is very expensive to live there, 1. - there are not a lot of jobs there for college grads to begin with and 2. the jobs are also pay the same as they do in the midwest while the cost of living goes through the roof - and the employers use "demand to live in San DIego" as their lame excuse. The other issue that got to me was this "class envy" where everyone had to show eachother up with whatever material possessions they owned. Its' fun to live there for a while, but myself and my crowd decided it was time to move on with the pratical needs of our lives. Some got married, others got better paying jobs in other places, had babies, etc.

So now I'm up in the Bay Area. How many ways can you describe this place - the Bay area is HUGE. It takes an entire 2 hours to drive around it.

In the city, there are many happy sports fans. When you have 2 major league football fans, 2 major league baseball teams, a hockey team, and a decent basketball team... it tends to keep its' residents out and about. The geography is fabulous, surf cold and high, weather cool... not too far from Tahoe or Vegas. I like the people that live in the city. Many seem to be very nice, and many times they're all from somewhere else. So far I've met many people from SoCal, Seattle, Europe. Many are still kind of seeking the legacy of this city and breaking their piggy banks for rent to do it. There is a very well designed public transportation system which includes the Bart and the Muni, and unfortunately under new city leadership and problems - they're not running so well. The people FROM here are really friendly and seem to enjoy things outside of themselves (ie. travel or books - they always have some kind of interest). Even the most sheltered kids (who at anytime can be judgemental and snobbish) well instead they're really pleasant and friendly - and even fun. I like the people from this area. And I have never seen SO many Thai resturants in my life. Overall, it's been good.

Right now I'm still readjusting which is a challenge. Moving to a WHOLE new city is always an adventure.

:eek:

[blue27]

I am midwesterner..
I like the mid west but it can be a sleepy..eventhough I live in Chicago, I crave something new and different.. but Chicago is really a great city.

Pros:

Always something fun and cheap or even free to do.(Taste of Chicago, Blue/ Gospel, Jazz festival, and the new Loopitopia)
You can live here without a car.
People are pretty friendly
Even though Chicago is a midwestern city it is still some art and culture around.
It is a very clean city, there is always some new contruction in the works around here.
The cost of living if moderate, not is high as NY or CAL.
It is a safe city most areas you can walk around at night in.
The job market is pretty good finance, insurance anything techinical and business related gets thumbs up.
Big city with a small town feel..


Cons:
Very Segregated city, everyone stay in there little group.
People can be really to themselves and it can take a while to make friends.
Can get boring after awhile.
No major surrounding cities to visit..
there are hardly any creative jobs.

Edit: the weather is totally crappy, you never know what you are going to get, and you have to be prepared for everything. I mean you can have all four seasons in the span of one week.


There is not many bad things about chicago, nice city, clean and has many things to offer..I have lived here all my life.

[wordsmith]

Cons:
Very Segregated city, everyone stay in there little group.

Having lived in Chicago myself, though not lifelong, I think this largely depends on where you choose to live, and individual choice. I didn't find where I lived to be at all segregated, and lived and worked and socialized with people of many, many, many different backgrounds. But you have to choose to do that, as with anywhere.

Just an opinion.

[pisces2473]

HI everyone, I just joined the boards and I wanted to say hello!
Your profile thing says you joined in Oct 2005?

[happie]

Your profile thing says you joined in Oct 2005?

I signed up a while ago, but I had trouble logging in so I tried it again yesterday.


Sorry.

[blue27]

Having lived in Chicago myself, though not lifelong, I think this largely depends on where you choose to live, and individual choice. I didn't find where I lived to be at all segregated, and lived and worked and socialized with people of many, many, many different backgrounds. But you have to choose to do that, as with anywhere.

Just an opinion.

hmmm..I agree it really does depend on the areas you been in..I'm just relaying my experience as this is what I have seen...throughout many areas of the city .. but there are alway exceptions..

[happie]

[QUOTE=blue27]I am midwesterner..
I like the mid west but it can be a sleepy..eventhough I live in Chicago, I crave something new and different.. but Chicago is really a great city.
[QUOTE]

I've been to Chicago a few times. The people are great. And the food isn't bad either. It gets too damn cold for me in the winter, there's no way I could ever handle it. Props to you though - Chicagoans are some of the toughest people around, have to hand it to you.

[Vikarious]

Minneapolis / St. Paul!!!!

I love it here, and I often think its overlooked and underrated. There's always tons to do - whether you're looking for arts and culture or the outdoors. People are nice, the weather is nice (and sometimes not so nice, but bearable!), We have all the big city stuff, with a smaller city feel. Good schools, beautiful neighborhoods, tons of lakes. Love it.

[mahlerssecond]

I love to visit The Cities .... I cant believe that more people don't realize how nice of place they really are. If I had to move, it would be my first or second choice.

[PenforPrez]

I love to visit The Cities .... I cant believe that more people don't realize how nice of place they really are. If I had to move, it would be my first or second choice.

It's also the first choice of about 90% of North Dakota college graduates. Plenty of good jobs in ND, but they can make a lot more in the Twin Cities. USA Today had a big thing on that a year or two ago; I seriously considered moving to ND for awhile. :rolleyes:

Paul

[Lizanne440]

Born and raised 25 years here in Orange Co., CA. I am very excited about moving up north to Oregon next year after I graduate. The particular city I live in is like Pleasantville, the movie. Very clean, everything is in it's place, many people follow the typical OC stereotype and care more about a designer purse than spending quality time with friends. I said many, not most. A lot of girls come to class looking like they're ready to hit the clubs, and the guys, don't get me started. Let's just say these ones aren't my type (at least in Southern OC).

[caostotale]

Dirty Jersey (central).

I really can't stand a lot about NJ, but I'm incredibly reluctant to leave because NYC and Philly are both really awesome cities to live near (they are both about 40-50 miles from where I live). As for NJ

Pros:
Proximity to great cities.
Lots of great universities, if you're into furthering your education, etc...
Decent amount of open space for hiking, biking, and other outdoor stuff
Tons of great restaurants.
Some parts of it are affordable.
Lots of jobs, though it takes a lot of maneuvering and bullshit to find a decent one.

Cons:
-Costs are definitely up there.
-Too many cops, which, NO, does not do a thing to lower the crime rate. Most of them are corrupt as hell also, making over $100K a year to do less work than local cab drivers and tollbooth operators.
-Too many toll roads that are often the worst roads to travel on
-Disgusting amount of materialist culture and chain restaurants. Every town has a Starbucks and 2-3 Dunkin Donuts. Small business has been on the edge of a knife around here for years.
-Too many state cops who are borderline mentally retarded.
-Horrible political climate. NJ is heavily divided politically and may as well be a demographically racist state. In recent years, neocons have been infecting this area heavily by trying to make it legal to carry more guns. There's also way too many H2's patrolling the soccer fields in my town.
-Parts of NJ are McMansion hell and condo purgatory.
-Camden, Paterson, Trenton, Vineland, and Asbury Park are still standing. Worst crime and the appearance of mid-1970s Saigon. Seriously, these places are incredibly trashy and it's sad to watch the locals perpetually at war with the people who own those decrepit shitholes (most of whom live far from those places).
-The military base in South NJ occasionally burns down the pine barrens and puts people out of their homes without even getting a slap on the wrist.

[Legal(b)eagle]

Currently Atlanta and, while it is a great place to live (especially if you are black, materialistic, LOVE FOOD, gay or want to raise a family), I am bored to death here. ATL is not a town for the intellectual or idealistic.

Before that, DC, which I loved. If you are into your health, ambitious, somewhat social and a little nerdy, DC is the place to be in your twenties. Alot of people don't like the political aspect and I had a really hard time getting established there, but its so cool to know that interesting and important things are happening all around you.

Before that, South Florida, which is another anti-intellectual locale. It's especially conducive to sunworshippers who are not opposed to the use of recreational drugs (and have patience to deal with retirees and tourists).

Before that, small town Ohio, which was fun because it was a college town and I was in college... but I am not sure what life is really like in Butler County.

Before that, NY. The suburbs are like suburbs everywhere, NYC is like nothing else on earth... it takes a special type of person to thrive there, but I think everyone should visit once in their life.

And even before that, Boise ID. It's beautiful, unspoiled and totally ordinary. That's about all I remember.

[asm198]

I love where I live! I love it.

Kansas City is so underrated. I would have never expected liking it so much, but it's such a great city to live in, and affordable to boot!

Ditto times a thousand.

I grew up in a VERY small town in southwest Missouri. Take what you think of small and cut that in half. I officially grew up on a 167 acre cattle farm, but went to school in a village (it's officially a village, not a town) of 171 people. I graduated with 28 people.

Right after graduated, I got the heck out of dodge and went to school in the closest city, of about 150,000. I loved it and thought it was a decent size, but I had spent lots of my childhood hanging out in this city, so it wasn't new.

My fiance had relatives who lived in KC, so we would come up to visit them occasionally. I completely fell in love with the town. I adored it and kind of made it my goal to live here one day. When said fiance graduated from college, he asked me where he should look for a job. I told him to look for jobs in the college town we lived in or in KC. He got a job in KC and we moved.

Even though I only lived her for 6 months the first time, I loved it. Not as much as I could have, because I couldn't drive (long, long story). Two years later, I moved back and here I am. I love living in KC and have been here for 3 years. I honestly don't think I would ever want to live anywhere else, except maybe the New England area, like around Boston.

I like that I can get anywhere by car and the interstate. I like the variety of food and entertainment. I like that I have lots of options for stuff to do. And I like that I have all of that, but still can live in a quiet area of town that has a hint of the country feel I grew up in. And I really like that my fiance bought an affordable home when he was 24 and that it's pretty inexpensive.

I also like that, even after living here for 3 years and having a fiance who has lived here for 5 years and a best friend who has lived her for 6 years, we can still find new things in town that we never knew about. I'm a firm believer that most people who come here will be surprised about KC. It's not the small, cowtown that people expect.

[dacrunkest]

Ditto times a thousand.

I grew up in a VERY small town in southwest Missouri. Take what you think of small and cut that in half. I officially grew up on a 167 acre cattle farm, but went to school in a village (it's officially a village, not a town) of 171 people. I graduated with 28 people.

Right after graduated, I got the heck out of dodge and went to school in the closest city, of about 150,000. I loved it and thought it was a decent size, but I had spent lots of my childhood hanging out in this city, so it wasn't new.

My fiance had relatives who lived in KC, so we would come up to visit them occasionally. I completely fell in love with the town. I adored it and kind of made it my goal to live here one day. When said fiance graduated from college, he asked me where he should look for a job. I told him to look for jobs in the college town we lived in or in KC. He got a job in KC and we moved.

Even though I only lived her for 6 months the first time, I loved it. Not as much as I could have, because I couldn't drive (long, long story). Two years later, I moved back and here I am. I love living in KC and have been here for 3 years. I honestly don't think I would ever want to live anywhere else, except maybe the New England area, like around Boston.

I like that I can get anywhere by car and the interstate. I like the variety of food and entertainment. I like that I have lots of options for stuff to do. And I like that I have all of that, but still can live in a quiet area of town that has a hint of the country feel I grew up in. And I really like that my fiance bought an affordable home when he was 24 and that it's pretty inexpensive.

I also like that, even after living here for 3 years and having a fiance who has lived here for 5 years and a best friend who has lived her for 6 years, we can still find new things in town that we never knew about. I'm a firm believer that most people who come here will be surprised about KC. It's not the small, cowtown that people expect.

I love how this city is set up. It's very "linear"...you have River Market and Quality Hill, Downtown, the spot where the new Power and Light District will be (which I am excited for, looks cool!), Crossroads (awesome), train station, Crown Plaza, the Park and the Liberty Memorial, then you start to get into Westport, the art museums, then Plaza (where I live!), Loose Park (beautiful!), Brookside, Waldo...and the MAX takes you right down the line...and it's cheap!

[asm198]

Exactly, dacrunkest. I admit, I got so lost the first few times I tried to drive up here, but that's because I didn't understand how it worked. It's way easier to figure out where you are here, based on street signs and what you come across.

I too am super excited about P&L. I think it will do wonders for downtown and I actually tried to get a job with their corporate office recently. My best friend, who lives downtown, was really excited about that.

People on a message board I'm on about the area love to complain about the 'suburbanites', of which I'm one, because they say we know nothing about downtown. But because of my friend, I know quite a bit about downtown. At least every couple of weeks, I drive up there to visit him and have hung out plenty in the River Market area, which is pretty cool. He used to live in Quality Hill, so I'm familiar with that area as well. I have to say, though, my 'home' is the Plaza. My fiance works at a bar there and I'm there way too much. And you mentioned Loose Park, which is a favorite of mine. So much that I'm getting married there!

I have to say, when we move from here, I want to move to Brookside, the Plaza area, or in Leawood. It solely depends on the school districts, how much money we have, and ultimately how affordable a house we can find. Currently, we live by the Triangle, to give you an idea.

[dacrunkest]

Exactly, dacrunkest. I admit, I got so lost the first few times I tried to drive up here, but that's because I didn't understand how it worked. It's way easier to figure out where you are here, based on street signs and what you come across.

I too am super excited about P&L. I think it will do wonders for downtown and I actually tried to get a job with their corporate office recently. My best friend, who lives downtown, was really excited about that.

People on a message board I'm on about the area love to complain about the 'suburbanites', of which I'm one, because they say we know nothing about downtown. But because of my friend, I know quite a bit about downtown. At least every couple of weeks, I drive up there to visit him and have hung out plenty in the River Market area, which is pretty cool. He used to live in Quality Hill, so I'm familiar with that area as well. I have to say, though, my 'home' is the Plaza. My fiance works at a bar there and I'm there way too much. And you mentioned Loose Park, which is a favorite of mine. So much that I'm getting married there!

I have to say, when we move from here, I want to move to Brookside, the Plaza area, or in Leawood. It solely depends on the school districts, how much money we have, and ultimately how affordable a house we can find. Currently, we live by the Triangle, to give you an idea.

Red Bridge isn't bad...it's still in the city...might be a cool place to look when house hunting...Plaza is awesome...I live on 48th and Roanoke. For me, it's either city or small rural town. I am not so crazy about the happy medium. Wherever I am, I like being in the middle of things, whether it's a city or it's a small rural town. I like being in the center of the circle, not the outline, but that's okay...it's just a preference.

It's such a great city, and so affordable!

[PenforPrez]

I officially grew up on a 167 acre cattle farm, but went to school in a village (it's officially a village, not a town) of 171 people. I graduated with 28 people.

Friend of mine went to high school in a small town in western Missouri; there was something like 40 people in the entire high school.

Right after graduated, I got the heck out of dodge and went to school in the closest city, of about 150,000. I loved it and thought it was a decent size, but I had spent lots of my childhood hanging out in this city, so it wasn't new.

I hate you-know-where. Partially because you-know-who comes from you-know-where. But you already knew that. :p

Paul

[PenforPrez]

Currently, we live by the Triangle, to give you an idea.

I heard so many stories about the Triangle. I just couldn't believe it. Then I actually drove on the Triangle. Holy shit!! :eek:

Paul

[dacrunkest]

asm...do you live near Grandview? Did you see the cops the other day, when they found the body? I work in Olathe, where the killer is from.

[asm198]

Red Bridge isn't bad...it's still in the city...might be a cool place to look when house hunting...Plaza is awesome...I live on 48th and Roanoke. For me, it's either city or small rural town. I am not so crazy about the happy medium. Wherever I am, I like being in the middle of things, whether it's a city or it's a small rural town. I like being in the center of the circle, not the outline, but that's okay...it's just a preference.

It's such a great city, and so affordable!

Heh, I love that you mentioned Red Bridge. When I tell locals where I live, I tell them I live off Red Bridge, which is mostly true. If you know where Red Bridge is, you can easily get to my house. It's a nice neighborhood. Very quiet and there's nothing around really as far as retail, but it's a stone's throw away from all the highways that can get me anywhere I want to go.

I have to admit, I am way jealous that you live on the plaza. I would love to live there, but it has to be in a house, which we just can't afford. If I want to be totally honest, I'd love to live around the Loose Park/Ward Parkway area, but I'm not loaded.

Friend of mine went to high school in a small town in western Missouri; there was something like 40 people in the entire high school.



I hate you-know-where. Partially because you-know-who comes from you-know-where. But you already knew that. :p

Paul

Oooo, where in MO was it? I've probably heard of the 40 people school! They probably competed with us in sports! Ha!

I know you hate you-know-where and I'm glad you're moving to the Lou. Although, because I'm a KCer, I have to be dismayed by that. Heh.


I heard so many stories about the Triangle. I just couldn't believe it. Then I actually drove on the Triangle. Holy shit!! :eek:

Paul

Hahahaha!!! You know, I used to be a VERY timid driver. Like, I wouldn't drive anywhere that had too many cars around and would go out of my way to avoid situations like that. Well, the first time I drove to KC ever, I was driving home and ended up having to drive through the Triangle during rush hour. In a hail storm. That cured me of all my ills, I swear. I'm one of those bitchy race car driver people now. I honestly think I could drive anywhere now. I don't know if I would like it, but I could do it.

[dacrunkest]

Heh, I love that you mentioned Red Bridge. When I tell locals where I live, I tell them I live off Red Bridge, which is mostly true. If you know where Red Bridge is, you can easily get to my house. It's a nice neighborhood. Very quiet and there's nothing around really as far as retail, but it's a stone's throw away from all the highways that can get me anywhere I want to go.

I have to admit, I am way jealous that you live on the plaza. I would love to live there, but it has to be in a house, which we just can't afford. If I want to be totally honest, I'd love to live around the Loose Park/Ward Parkway area, but I'm not loaded.
.

I live about 1/2 mile from Loose. They actually have some sizeable apartments in Plaza for cheap. Mine's a neat old building with wood floors, a sun room, really old architectural stuff...(crown molding, ornate stonework, brick...wonderful).

I like small quarters. I could live in a bungalow. But my apartment is relatively sizeable.

[asm198]

asm...do you live near Grandview? Did you see the cops the other day, when they found the body? I work in Olathe, where the killer is from.

I didn't see the cops, but I most definitely heard the sirens. I actually had cops driving down our street, which is a rare occurence, so I knew something was up.

After you mentioned this, I had to look it up to see if they had released the park where they found her body and I was right. I figured it was that park. Before they had released the location, I was wondering if it was the one near me, which is where a ton of questionable activity goes down. It's very wooded and pretty secluded, so I had started to wonder.

You work in Olathe? I figured you worked downtown.

[dacrunkest]

I didn't see the cops, but I most definitely heard the sirens. I actually had cops driving down our street, which is a rare occurence, so I knew something was up.

After you mentioned this, I had to look it up to see if they had released the park where they found her body and I was right. I figured it was that park. Before they had released the location, I was wondering if it was the one near me, which is where a ton of questionable activity goes down. It's very wooded and pretty secluded, so I had started to wonder.

You work in Olathe? I figured you worked downtown.

Nope. I reverse commute. The commute is worth it to live in the city. I couldn't live in Olathe or JoCo.

[asm198]

I live about 1/2 mile from Loose. They actually have some sizeable apartments in Plaza for cheap. Mine's a neat old building with wood floors, a sun room, really old architectural stuff...(crown molding, ornate stonework, brick...wonderful).

I like small quarters. I could live in a bungalow. But my apartment is relatively sizeable.


Yeah, one of our best men lives on the plaza and my fiance says his apartment is pretty nice. If we still wanted to live in an apartment, the plaza would be our top choice. My fiance could walk to work! I don't want to disclose the name, but he's a manager at bar/restaurant there. PM if you want and I'll tell you which one.

My best friend lives downtown in the garment district and his building is awesome. Very pretty!

We live in a 4 br, 2.5 bath house with an ok sized backyard. We had a roommate for the first two years he owned the house, so we had to combine three households and the space was definitely welcome. Now that the roommate is gone, we finally have room to spread out. I'm a big crafter/quilter, so I have a bedroom dedicated to crafting and quilting. Another bedroom is the 'gym', which has our Crossbow and treadmill, as well as 'overflow' clothing of his, that won't fit into other closets. Then, there's our bedroom and the guest room.

Plus, downstairs we have the pool table, dart board, full bar, and entertainment area, which is pretty cool. And we have two dogs. They are small dogs, but they would be so annoyed if we didn't have a yard for them to play in. Now, a house is a must for us.

[asm198]

Nope. I reverse commute. The commute is worth it to live in the city. I couldn't live in Olathe or JoCo.

You are like my best friend. He lives downtown and works in OP. He's a graphic designer for a big trucking company. I don't want to say the name, but I'm sure you'll know which one. He's always telling me he loves his commute, because he's always going the opposite way of everyone else.

[dacrunkest]

You are like my best friend. He lives downtown and works in OP. He's a graphic designer for a big trucking company. I don't want to say the name, but I'm sure you'll know which one. He's always telling me he loves his commute, because he's always going the opposite way of everyone else.

Yeah, it's okay for that, but I would prefer to work in the city...I am trying to apply for a job with an insurance company in the city. I would sell the car and take the 51 or the MAX to work every day. Paying for gas sucks when you commute 30 miles / day. Plus, I want to start my Masters at UMKC...so, being in the city would be better (working, I mean)...

[asm198]

Have you thought about Lockton? They are right there and you'd be able to walk to do most anything. I'm not sure what type of insurance you do, though.

[dacrunkest]

Have you thought about Lockton? They are right there and you'd be able to walk to do most anything. I'm not sure what type of insurance you do, though.

My company is paying for me to get a CPCU...I do Property/Casualty. I am trying to build a career in crop insurance or agricultural underwriting. Lockton looks for 10 years of Workers Comp experience. I only have P&C experience, and have nowhere near 10 years.

My company would pay for me to get an MBA, but I wanna get an M.A. in music. So, I am kinda screwed on that...but UMKC is pretty cheap!

[mahlerssecond]

Originally Posted by asm198
Right after graduated, I got the heck out of dodge and went to school in the closest city, of about 150,000. I loved it and thought it was a decent size, but I had spent lots of my childhood hanging out in this city, so it wasn't new.


I hate you-know-where. Partially because you-know-who comes from you-know-where. But you already knew that.

Paul

Watch it! My old man went to college at you-know-where. He had you-know-who as a business professor there. Lets put it this way, they didn't see eye to eye. My old man always thought you-know-who was a religious nut.

[asm198]

My company is paying for me to get a CPCU...I do Property/Casualty. I am trying to build a career in crop insurance or agricultural underwriting. Lockton looks for 10 years of Workers Comp experience. I only have P&C experience, and have nowhere near 10 years.

My company would pay for me to get an MBA, but I wanna get an M.A. in music. So, I am kinda screwed on that...but UMKC is pretty cheap!

Too true. Just wanted to be sure you hadn't overlooked anything! My fiance's family is in the insurance industry, both down home and in a small town near KC. They also own a tax office in a nearby town and I've told them if they need someone to run it, I'd be happy to do so.

I plan to head to UMKC to finish up my BS/BA (not sure which) and I'm actually applying for a job there. It's a pretty nice place.

[dacrunkest]

Too true. Just wanted to be sure you hadn't overlooked anything! My fiance's family is in the insurance industry, both down home and in a small town near KC. They also own a tax office in a nearby town and I've told them if they need someone to run it, I'd be happy to do so.

I plan to head to UMKC to finish up my BS/BA (not sure which) and I'm actually applying for a job there. It's a pretty nice place.

I run by UMKC every day on the Wiggins Trail! I am applying to their Music Conservatory for a M.A. in piano performance.

[wordsmith]

I plan to head to UMKC to finish up my BS/BA (not sure which) and I'm actually applying for a job there. It's a pretty nice place.

Really? I applied for a job there, too, but I didn't get it.

[stephly21]

I have lived in 2 areas:

Northern suburb of Chicago....

Pros:
-Lots of land so you don't feel like you are living on top of others
-All 4 seasons
-Enough jobs
-Close enough to Milwaukee and Chicago to have a night life

Cons:
-Not a lot of new things to do in the suburbs
-People drive like maniacs
-Traffic can be bad
-Too cold during winter
-Tornadoes

Seattle Area.....(This is where I live now)

Pros:
-Beautiful scenery
-Tons of outdoor activities to do like hiking, camping, etc
-Smart and friendly people
-Great jobs

Cons:
-The overcast winter
-Traffic!!!
-Living expenses
-People are friendly but won't let you in
-Everyone lives so close to each other (maybe I feel that way b/c I'm from the midwest)

Overall I like both of these areas but am still looking for my utopia. I don't want to move back to Chicagoland area and I know I cannot stay around Seattle for the rest of my life. I need more sun and affordability. Who knows where I will end up next!!

[PenforPrez]

Watch it! My old man went to college at you-know-where. He had you-know-who as a business professor there. Lets put it this way, they didn't see eye to eye. My old man always thought you-know-who was a religious nut.

I forgot about the other you-know-who from you-know-where. I was thinking of a different you-know-who. :p

Paul

[SWMOchick]

Are there quite a few people on here from around KC? I love it there. It's so much better than Springfield. Although, I've never lived there. Everyone I've talked to that does/have likes it up there for the most part.

[dacrunkest]

Me, asm198 and KCboy. There may be others, but these are the ones on my radar.

[lynette]

I live in Scranton, PA. It's probably best known right now for the fictional setting of "The Office", but it's one of PA's larger cities (combined with nearby Wilkes-Barre). I moved here for graduate school 3 years ago, and decided to stay because I liked it here so much. I came from Michigan (Flint area)...and it was depressing back there for several reasons. I decided to stay because I had made friends here, love the mountains and beautiful scenery, and I actually did land a job fairly soon after graduation. I also love how much history the area has. Philly and NYC are a 2 hr drive away, and rent here is pretty cheap. There's quite a few colleges in the area.

People do complain about the job market, although after coming from where I did, it doesn't seem that bad! Drivers here are terrible too, and the way they handled the snowstorm on Valentine's Day was a nightmare. Although I probably won't stay here for the rest of my life, I think it's a decent area for a young person.

[vinsanity]

Born and raised 25 years here in Orange Co., CA. I am very excited about moving up north to Oregon next year after I graduate. The particular city I live in is like Pleasantville, the movie. Very clean, everything is in it's place, many people follow the typical OC stereotype and care more about a designer purse than spending quality time with friends. I said many, not most. A lot of girls come to class looking like they're ready to hit the clubs, and the guys, don't get me started. Let's just say these ones aren't my type (at least in Southern OC).

Let me take a wild guess: UC Irvine. I work in Irvine myself, and I don't think it's that bad once you're out of college. Since it's so expensive to live in the area, the designer purses don't become so important anymore when you have to spend that $2,000 that month for rent :rolleyes:

I also grew up here in South OC, but I went to college at LMU in West L.A. I was pleasantly surprised that Angelinos aren't nearly as stuck up as the stereotype makes them out to be. They get an unfair rep if you ask me. If not for the horrendous traffic, I'll take West L.A. over South O.C. any day. Angelinos are friendlier in general, and much cooler to talk to, but moslty because it took me 12 years to realize that so many people in Orange County have their head up their ass :p

In the end, though, this is my home, for better or for worse. I couldn't leave SoCal for most any other place in the country, even if I wanted to.

[vinsanity]

the guys, don't get me started. Let's just say these ones aren't my type (at least in Southern OC).

oh, and btw, what did you mean by that? :rolleyes: :p

[vivo]

Heh, i live in oc now. Read about the OC stereotypes. unsettling.

[Tiff58]

I just moved to Eastern PA, working in Jersey, about 2 months ago. I will put in my 2 cents on the area, even though I don't know much about it.

Pros:
Gorgeous scenery
Proximity to NYC/Philly
Lots of good schools nearby
Outdoor activities- mountains, water

Cons:
Long commute times
High cost of living (but I know cheaper than NYC/Socal)
Not much of a scene for young people that like to go out
Not a lot of restaurant selections
Cold winters

I just moved from Memphis where I lived for 3 years....

Pros:
Great food
Great nightlife
Short commute times
Low cost of living
Weather

Cons:
Crime
Can be hard to meet people

Basically, I loved Memphis. It's a great city to live in.

[dengeist]

Nor't Jerzee (North Jersey) Moved here from VA (and Germany before that) sixteen years ago. Lived in the sticks of AZ for a year and HAD to move back.

Pros:

-Extremely close proximity to NYC
-Subway system that goes directly to NYC
-Slightly lower rents
-Has its own unique flavor, if you know where to go (Morristown, Montclair, Hoboken and parts of Jersey City)
-Great ethnic restaurants
-20 min drive to the mountains
-45 min drive to the shore
-1 hour from farmland
-Not a bad drive to Philly or Boston

Cons:

-There's an area on the turnpike and 1&9 that STINKS!!!! Really bad...like a dead body! Never smelled anything like that in my life and YOU DON'T GET USED TO IT!
-Traffic is a motherf&%$#$ everywhere!
-Everything is spread out (A car is a must)
-Can go from opulence to ghettos in 2.5 secs
-Too many strip malls or malls in close proximity

[Deni81]

I was born and raised in Orlando, FL. I know Amy gave her pros and cons on the area but i will give mine as well.

Pros
- Only 45 minutes away from the beach
- Given that we are home to 3 major theme parks, you have some entertainment options. The tip is to make friends with someone who works at Disney or Universal. My best friend is a supervisor at Universal and she gets tons of free passes, so i never pay to go.
- People are generally friendlier in comparision to other parts of the country.
- No snow to deal with


Cons
- Not really a place for single people, its more geared towards families
- Summers here suck!! Its humid and hot. Ohh and the afternoon showers.
- Too many strip malls and chain restuarants - seriously i am having trouble thinking of a unique orlando dining experience
- Cost of living has started to go up
- Not a lot of culture here
- highest crime rate in years

[labrat2111]

I live near chambersburg, PA

Pros:

Cheap cost of living
Traffic isn't too bad (other than slow farm equipment)
Good for outdoorsy hobbies(hiking, biking, 4wheeling, snowmobiles, hunting, fishing)
Beautiful, pastoral scenery

Cons:

1.25-1.5 hours from any "cultured" activities
Good jobs are harder to come by
Harder to date and make friends
Not as much to do as a big city area

[dacrunkest]

I live in Scranton, PA. It's probably best known right now for the fictional setting of "The Office", but it's one of PA's larger cities (combined with nearby Wilkes-Barre). I moved here for graduate school 3 years ago, and decided to stay because I liked it here so much. I came from Michigan (Flint area)...and it was depressing back there for several reasons. I decided to stay because I had made friends here, love the mountains and beautiful scenery, and I actually did land a job fairly soon after graduation. I also love how much history the area has. Philly and NYC are a 2 hr drive away, and rent here is pretty cheap. There's quite a few colleges in the area.

People do complain about the job market, although after coming from where I did, it doesn't seem that bad! Drivers here are terrible too, and the way they handled the snowstorm on Valentine's Day was a nightmare. Although I probably won't stay here for the rest of my life, I think it's a decent area for a young person.

My mom's husband grew up in the Electric City. They currently reside about 1.5 hours from Scranton. It's definitely an underated town.

[crystal_dance]

I live in North Jersey and work in nyc.

Pros:

- Proximity to nyc means good nightlife, restaurants, cultural things, etc.
- Good job market
- Plenty of educated people
- "Liberal" environment if that's what you're into
- Mix of different nationalities
- You don't need a car to live well here

Cons:

- Lack of nature the closer you are to nyc
- Crazy high cost of living
- Very very bad traffic
- Good job market + Plenty of educated people = Competitive environment
- Except for baseball, we don't really have sports worth being excited about

[badabing]

Don't come to DC. Its a miserable sad city. I can't wait to move. Its full of young professionals who think they're the sh**. If you like that sort of scene, please come join the madness!

[dengeist]

Don't come to DC. Its a miserable sad city. I can't wait to move. Its full of young professionals who think they're the sh**. If you like that sort of scene, please come join the madness!

I think that's pretty much every major city.

[wordsmith]

Or at least annoyingly trendy, scenester areas in every major city, anyway. Most cities have cooler areas, though, at least.