I've been wanting to go to NYC so bad, oooh all the shopping :D! My husband has been there, but I never have. But I'm not sure I could handle living there because it's more expensive.

It's expensive, you're right but you live in Cali and ive heard cali is expensive too, tho ive never been there so idk, but i figure it's similar price wise. But yes theres a lot of shopping if you have patience also for crowds, etc lol

CA is definitely expensive, that's one of the things I am trying to get away from, at least here, because I think it's too expensive for what it is compared to some of the other states I have been to.

I've lived in the same town in the south east of England all my life...it's very central to everything really which I like. We're surrounded by lovely countryside, about 20mins drive to the coast and about an hour's drive from London. But as with most of England the weather's pretty crap! :rolleyes:xxx xxx

I live in Miami and I absolutely love the city, it is somewhat of a different world from the rest of the United States, basically 90% of the population is Hispanic and there is pretty much always something to do. We have nice weather year round (the lowest it will go is 60) and we can pretty much go to the beach or swimming whenever we want. The food is awesome with high diversity of Latin American food everywhere, but there also plenty of other ethnic places around. I am such a Sushi lover and there are so many great sushi places around. I love living in Miami because it had such a different feel from the rest of the states, if you like clubbing you will find some of the best clubs around here. Also, house prices are relatively low right now, so it is definitely a time to buy around here. If you are looking to live with people that are completely different Miami is definitely the place...If you like shopping there are over 10 huge shopping malls within a 15 mile radius, two of them being within half a mile apart. Miami is also very casual most people just hang around all year in shorts tank tops and flip flops and its pretty much acceptable everywhere. There are a lot of bargain shops if you know where to look. Also Miami is relatively safe, it is a big city and crimes do occur but most of the time if you mind to yourself no one will really mess with you.

Cons... it is a big city lifestyle so most of the time you have no clue who your neighbors are, people can be rude, when you go to most places you will probably encounter people that don't speak English, and you definitely need a car, there is always the possibility of a hurricane, but our last major storm was Andrew in 1992, humidity can get high in the summer, and it is a very fast paced lifestyle.

I love Miami, I have traveled and would like to travel more but I really know in my heart that I will always come back to Miami. I just can't imagine myself living anywhere in the world...

This is an interesting article. #7 is Round Rock, a suburb of Austin. And #9 is Overland Park, where my brother and his family lives. OP is an AMAZING city for raising a family and living the "American Dream".

Best Places to Live 2008 - from Money Magazine

Good thread. I see someone is really pushing for Austin;) I've heard its a really awesome place. My sister lived in seattle and loved it there. You have the mountains and its a friendly city. not too cold, not a lot of snow. She can't wait to move back. I grew up in NY. Not the city (i've actually never been there.) It is amazing beautiful open fields, hills, trees. You get all four seasons. But its getting more and more expensive and they've recently added taxes on non diet soda. I wish you luck in your searches though. :)

For those of you that live in those year round warm climates...I am very jealous!! I was born here in Canada to American parents and I lived in Florida and New Mexico when I was younger. Now I live on the Canadian / USA border (across from Detroit, Michigan)..and I will alway long for year round warmth!!

I was born and raised in New York State, and moved to Florida when I was 23
Had both of my kids in Florida. I think the winters in New York are just beautiful, but just had to be where the weather is warm, and no snow to shovel. :thumbup:

I lived in Fort Hood, TX (Killeen) for 4 years when I was a teenager. I lived with my mom who was in the army. The rest of my life before and after, I lived in Illinois. I miss Texas so much. And Austin really was one of my favorite towns to visit since there was so much to do.

Eventually, I would like to move back in that area.

I live in Florida. It took me 11 years to get use to the heat. It's so sad here. There are no jobs, and houses are being forclosed on all the time.

I love where I live!!
 

I live in Naples, Florida. We moved here 4 1/2 years ago from southern Maine. Before that we lived in Massachusetts about 30 miles north of Boston.
There was one winter in Maine that for two weeks my husband and I were waking up to 6 inches of snow. Every freaking morning he was out there with the snowblower. So we just decided, screw it. We couldn't take it anymore. I don't miss the snow or cold at all! Christmas I am sitting out on my lanai enjoying a glass of wine, and my little furbaby just loves laying on the lounge chair in the sun.

By the way, my baby, Bella, has her own website, (thanks to my husband, the person who didn't want a dog). It's <title>Bella Life - Home

You can sign her guest book and view her gallery

Beautiful North Carolina where I'm only 4 hours from both the coast and the Smokey mountains. Besides the mild winters I think I'm most appreciative of the cost of living here. Even though wages are lower than a lot of our states it all balances out in the long run. After all, the more you make, the more it takes.

MN
 

We are from a suburb of The Twin Cities in Minnesota. It is nice to be so close to a major city but still be able to enjoy everyday life at a slower pace. We have a lot of "arts" in the area and there is always something to do. We also have had a lot of political interest in the past which is fun.

Most people think the snow/cold is a reason to never live in MN. However, we just like people to think that! :p Our summers are amazing and spring and fall are pretty nice too.

Raindrop and I signed Bella's guestbook! :D