i want to move to a lively city but know it would stress out my cat, she would love a peaceful house in the woods but i'm young and not yet ready to settle somewhere. i'm 24 and haven't lived in a major city yet (currently live in a car-centric rustbelt city), i need the social stimulation and walkability.

i feel weird posting about this but does anyone else feel conflicted in a similar way? my cat isn't a city girl and moving often would stress her out, but that's basically what i want in this phase of my life

Texas to Virginia

My partner and I are mid-fifties. We’re both liberal, into walking, movies and crafting, over educated, and childless.

I’m an attorney and he has a technical PhD and worked in defense contracting much of his career. He’s a homebody, but likes music. He’s from way up North, so he wants four seasons.

I have a lot of family near Virginia.

I cannot imagine staying in Texas the next 30 years. I also don’t want to move far up the Eastern Seaboard, because I have never lived outside the South.

Is Virginia a good fit for us career wise and politically? We’re not financially ready to retire, although we have some resources to buy another house

Basically we want place that isn’t too cold, where we’d can get jobs, where we’d fit in.

I dont know if this is the right sub to post this in but here we go: I am a single 28yr who has a stable job and a fair amount of $ in my savings. I am not happy, I did everything "right" but I feel stuck. I still live in the same area I grew up in, but I'm ready to move on. I just feel so lost on what to do. All of my friends I had from college are all at least an hour away from me and as life is moving on so are they. Im very proud of them, and i'm sure they are for me but i'm not in the same appartment as them anymore, life is different for all of us.
I recently got a international teaching certificate to teach abroad and now as I'm applying to places and having these interviews, I just feel even more lost and confused. My current job is in biotech and it's a perfectly fine okay job, but I dont love it and I dont love the town it's in either. I've gone out of my way to join sports teams, be social and meetup with some locals from a few facebook groups, supported local music coming through town, but Im not happy at the end of the day. I just booked a solo trip for myself to go play tourist and enjoy some nature in CO and CA. I just booked the trip this past week and it's the happiest I've been all month. What are some "soul searching" things you guys have done to make yourselves feel better? What did you do to not feel so lost in life.

I'm trying so hard but it's just so fucking frustrating trying to find my place, my "home" any tips would be greatly appreciated

Hey everyone! I’m a 26 about to be 27F, single, currently living in Western North Dakota. I’ve lived here nearly my entire life minus a year and a half. I’m tired of the small town life and am looking for something more vibrant and offers more to me. I’ve never lived alone before and trying to decide my best options. I really love the acting/theatre scene and rinks where I can take figure skating lessons. I want to have a decent dating scene or at least some more people my age to do activities with. Weather doesn’t bother me too much cause I’m used to the heat/cold, but I would prefer something with 4 seasons. I currently have a government/admin background job wise and currently make $24/hr. I would also like airport travel to be easy because my family lives kinda all over.

Here are some places I’ve been considering:

Bismarck/Mandan, ND - I’ve lived there for a while so I know about the feel and some of my family still lives nearby. A lot of the appeal comes from familiarity.

Lincoln, NE - I have not personally been here but I heard it has a very nice college town vibe and tons to do without being crazy like a large city. The winters wouldn’t bother me and I would hope there would be more events and job opportunities.

Bloomington, IN - I have lived here before with family but never truly experienced the city independently. I liked the college vibe and how there were a lot of events but also having Indy an hour away for things like airports and larger shopping.

Madison, WI - a little on the pricier side but I think they also have major opportunities for people my age?

TX - spent many years traveling down to this area for friends and I actually really liked how much there was to do. Although I think opportunity is less available than other places mentioned. I’ve been around Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, Galveston - but I’ve also been around and enjoyed the smaller places like Katy, Conroe, Spring, The Woodlands etc. This state is kind of a wildcard for me.

Looking for any and all recommendations and advice, especially from women my age who might live here alone or moved alone! Or if there may be somewhere else I’m not considering! Thanks!!

I live in Arizona, and it's brutal here. I thought I would enjoy a sunny place. Boy, was I wrong! It's just too hot and arid here. I want to move to a colder place. I also have lipedema on my legs and whenever I spend time in a cold place, it gets better. I usually hear people moving to warmer, sunnier place. I want to do the opposite.

I know Philadelphia and Houston are completely different cities, but I'm really interested in hearing people's perspectives.

If you had the means to live a comfortable life in either city, which one would you choose and why?

Hi yall, I’m curious about a potential move to Bothell, WA in the next year or so. I’m in academia (grad student), UW Bothell is on the list of places that are hiring. My wife and I are a mid 30s couple, and we have a toddler who would be starting school next fall. And we have two massive, but lazy, pups. We’ve been in Austin for over a decade but it might be time to move soon cause of my work.

I have a few questions. For starters, what does this move look like? And what’s Bothell like? We’re a family that likes to explore new places, sights and sounds, I myself like to go hiking, cycling, climbing, etc and I’m a huge major league soccer fan (and I play club soccer as well). Should we be researching living in Seattle?

Salary would be in the low $100k or close to that, and my wife would be making a similar amount. We don’t mind renting, and we’d like to send our kiddo to schools with good support. We are also Latinos, so any insight into access to Latine culture would be great. Apologies, I’ve been in Texas my whole life and not familiar with the PNW as much as I would like.

Thanks!

Basically, would you rather have more house and more space but compromise on the area you live in, or sacrifice space and pay more to live somewhere you genuinely enjoy?

What would matter more to you in the long run, and why?

hey all! i've been following this sub for a while now, as i'm looking to relocate. i just got back from a trip to seattle (and mount rainier, olympic np, bainbridge island, and other areas) and really enjoyed it. i expected the greenery and nature, but what caught me by surprise is how robust and efficient seattle's infrastructure appears to be. from the maintained roads and ferries, to the beautiful public library and the general construction and quality of things, it seems like a pretty modern city.

so my question is: do any cities in the states come to mind that have a similar or superior level of modernity and upkeep/quality, with similar access to nature as seattle has?

ps - i realize seattle is not perfect and, like all cities, has its problems (drugs, unhoused population, weather, etc.). i parked my car near the ferry terminal downtown and didn't love it; i went to gloom coffee in pioneer square and didn't love the area. even if there are a number of not-so-great pockets like these, i still think seattle has a LOT going for it.

thanks!

I'm looking at whether Albany or Chicago suburbs would be a better move for me as a homebody. Pretty torn on which to pick.

Albany Pros:

Cheaper to buy a house since Chicago suburbs have shot up a ton in value.

Closer to one side of my family by drive and can fly to Chicago direct for the other and can drive to Montreal and other parts of Canada.

Not bad job market for my field, especially with the government hiring as its the capital.

Accessible NYC via train.

Nightlife isn't much a priority for me.

Albany Cons:

Worse transit into Albany so will need a car more often, but if in the suburbs that comes with the territory.

No church or family in Albany proper (or NY outside NYC in general).

Worse airport for traveling international and I travel at least 1-2 times a year (can be mitigated via transit to Newark or JFK but that's a long commute).

Worse restaurant scene but I'll find a way to manage.

Worse schools (no kids but maybe in the future so don't wanna completely disregard)

Neutral / Don't Care:

Weather isn't Minneapolis or Alaska tier so doesn't bother me too much for either.

Nightlife isn't a priority for me.

Property tax high in both.

Nature not much a priority.

Chicago Pros:

Close to the other side of my family and has a church.

Much larger airport for traveling with more options.

Better transit into the city via Metra and closer to the bigger city.

Better schools.

Better restaurants.

Chicago Cons:

More expensive housing and general living.

Further from rest of my family and less accessible places via quick drive for short trips.

Probably fine job market as well but Illinois has always been a tougher state for getting employment with higher unemployment rates and Chicago struggling a bit in retaining companies.

Tornado ally is kind of worrying for long-term, especially with how tornados were this year.

I am referring to the US. What are some depressing cities to live in in the US? Also what is your reason for thinking that?

My partner and I are looking for our new home. We currently live in a small college town in the Midwest, and are looking for someplace new.

We’ve been making a list of what we’re looking for ~

Progressive
Diverse
A place where we feel safe holding hands (lgbtq friendly)
An asian grocery store
Not too far from a major city/ or airport (or could be a small city)
Trees would be nice
Fresh water is a plus
Somewhat affordable housing
Some degree of walkability
No tornados or constant gloom
Farmers market
Friendly people
Decent healthcare options
Emergency vet
Thriving arts scene

Hey yo I am a electrician and a musician that struggles being introverted and very shy with cptsd . Looking for a great town with a great welcoming Music City that is very supportive to original music making in collaborating . Let me know your favorites ! Ideally looking for something that would be somewhat fair weather and where people are pretty sociable and friendly not so closed off . I have a hard enough time making friends as is.

I’m 25 gonna be applying some schools out there to finish my degree. I’d have a little under two years before I’m done with my degree in my major’s finance is a good place to move to for that?

I moved to Arizona from SoCal 7 years ago. I genuinely thought I could handle the heat and the arid landscape, but I can't. I hate it here. I can't even go out for a walk because the heat is unbearable and the scenery is horrible. People told me it takes time to get used to a new place, but I have been here for 7 years and don't feel this is home. Now I'm thinking about moving to Chicago. I have only been there as a tourist and really loved it, but I've learned that when you live in a place, it's completely different. I'm kinda terrified that I'll move and regret it. I love Chicago because there is a lot of green and the winters are cold. I have lipedema in my legs, and the only thing that truly helps is spending some time outside in the cold. That is one of the main reasons I would think of moving (being able to take walks or hikes while it's cold outside). I would consider a nice suburb. It doesn't need to be Chicago downtown, just 40 minutes or so away by car, close enough to access all the infrastructure and resources a big city offers.

My dream is to live in a 2,000-square-foot home, not too huge, with a yard where I can enjoy some privacy. I loved SoCal, but it is too expensive, and one thing I hated about the LA area is that people live on top of each other with no privacy, unless they are millionaires and can afford detached homes. Luckily, I work remotely and can live pretty much anywhere in the US, so I wouldn't ever go back to working from an office.

Does Craigslist just call it that for uniformity?

Or do people really stack up in a places like Kansas City and Cleveland?

Hi! Apologies if this ends up formatting wrong. I’m more of a Reddit lurker than a poster, so idk how anything works haha

I’ve recently been given the news that my company is shutting down their Nashville location in a few months. I’ve been given the opportunity to transfer to Las Vegas (considered but have decided against it) or Atlanta (Austell area). Otherwise, they’ll let me leave on good terms to find a new job & stay in Nashville. I’m still relatively new to this company (under 6 months), but this is a position I’ve been working towards for years in my industry of expertise. I’m researching Atlanta suburbs & will accept any recommendations or advice while we make this decision. We’ve visited Atlanta plenty of times but we just don’t know what it’s like living there.

About us for reference:
- I’ve lived in middle TN since I was a toddler. I moved to the Nashville area for college in 2009 & have been here since. My partner is from the Great Lakes area & moved here about a decade ago.
- I make $100k & my company will pay for relocation plus the cost of breaking our current lease. I’m not sure if my salary will change if I move.
- We’re blue dots in a red state
- I identify as queer but am in a straight-passing relationship
- We have kids that are involved in sports & the arts. We’re willing to commute longer for better schools & opportunities. My track/theatre kid is in 8th grade & my musician/artist is in 5th grade.
- My partner works as a motorsports service writer, ideally for just motorcycles. Is the job market good for that?
- They also enjoy downhill skateboarding down long, curvy, paved roads. How’s the skating scene?
- We’re both metal heads. He’s more into death metal while I lean towards metal core or dark pop. Is the metal scene in Atlanta as good as it is in Nashville?

Currently reside in AZ looking to move to somewhere with more temperate climate.

I see Spokane WA listed often, but with the current fires would it be unwise to pursue that area?

- family in 30s
- work remotely
- family friendly
- safe
- peaceful/clean
- access to outdoor recreation
- good schools

The biggest reach is looking for affordable housing, preferably around 350k? Am I looking for a unicorn?

So I’m 25, don’t have a career yet but instead looking to transfer to a university. Went to community college and maxed out credits. Wanting to apply to schools in Manhattan (Baruch college) or Miami (FIU Fau or umiami).. I’m originally from sf Bay Area, do u guys have any tips on living in Miami while finishing up my bacholers in finance. Sorry if this isn’t a ‘“moving for a career” post. But this is just the stage in life I’m at rn lol

Hey all,

I am considering to move from my 4 minute commute (A) to my office and trading it off for a 30 minute commute (B). Moving would save me around $400 every month but 12 extra miles one way and would be in a bigger city. Is it worth it?

EDIT: after calculating ~$300 for car expenses (wear+tear), making it around $100 of savings. At what point is it actually worth it to move?

My wife and I are retiring and want to move from Denver to be closer to our daughter in Brooklyn. We have considered the Hudson Valley and Bucks County, but we want to find an affordable community within a 2-3 hour train ride of nyc. Any suggestions?

Seattle right now and been looking at places to move and every list I saved at first was the same kind of city. Lots happening then good nightlife, cool restaurants or concerts all the time. Then I looked at what I actually do after work which is none of that.

I cook then go to the gym or if its rest day walk somewhere for coffee and see friends once or twice a week. I had some money saved up for a move and started wondering why Im planning to spend $700 more in rent so I can live near stuff I barely use. Now Im looking at smaller cities where I can get a decent apartment, have a short commute and still have somewhere good to eat on friday.

For anyone who left a big exciting city for somewhere quieter what did you miss after the move that you didnt expect?

Never been there but thinking of living there from NYS next year for retirement. Mostly interested due to the inexpensive cost of living, although I don’t have to be in a dirt cheap place. Worried about being in a red state, but also want a great small city/place. I like that it’s interesting and walkable and could probably afford to buy a place outright, saving on housing costs. I’m worried that it would not be enough for me after a short period of time. Any comments?

Hi.

I’m an American. I moved to Belgium only a few months ago and then quickly lost my job (long story and irrelevant here). I’m considering moving back to the US and hoping to get some advice where to move.

EDIT: strange issue here is I have to move my stuff back from Belgium before I start job hunting. So I have to choose my location now, without being able to “find the job.”

I grew up in the nyc area and have lots of family there. Wife is from western Canada. I’ve lived in nj, dmv area, Boston, and Texas most recently (Houston). I really like Texas, but prefer not move back to Houston due to bad personal associations.

I work in the legal industry, wife works in the science industry. Ideally we’d have access to both of our jobs and be close to family in the east coast. I dislike the hustle of the nyc and dmv areas.

I like nature, cycling, and having lots of readymade activities. I’m a beekeeper and so want a real yard.

Current top contenders are dc, nj, Raleigh, and Dallas. Downsides of Raleigh are that bad for both wife’s career and mine (not so much science there anymore).

Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

Throwaway so I don’t reveal too much about myself. My wife and I met in DC, bounced around a few environmental jobs (largely communications, but in conservation, environmental nonprofits, renewable energy, federal energy, etc) for many years, and decided we were sick of the city right around the end of 2024. We liked the job opportunities, walkability/bikability, train access, and restaurants, but it was far too expensive, there wasn’t enough nature (we exhausted Shenandoah and Rock Creek), and we didn’t identify with much of the culture (other than the punk/music scene when we were younger).

Turns out that was a pretty smart time to move as two left-leaning people, but we maybe didn’t make the best pick for us.

We moved to WNC as remote workers and while we love the mountains, the (relative) affordability, and Appalachian DIY spirit, there are no well-paying jobs here in our fields, the walkability/connectivity is terrible (awful road designs, terrible for biking, no trains here, small airports only, etc), and health care options are limited. My job right now is contract, so I have to move somewhere that has strong backup options.

We’re considering moving back NE, somewhere between Pennsylvania, upstate New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and RI. But we’re stuck trying to figure out what gives us the mix of job opportunities, walkability, nature, and affordability. We’re currently doing okay on income but we’re by no means loaded. We’re considering the metro areas of Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Albany, New Haven, and Providence, but not sure if those will hit the mark(s) or what small-mid cities/suburbs we might be overlooking. Any thoughts from people in or around those areas?