CarrieMpls said:

There were at least 5 orgers who complained about winter last year, and everyone of them was north of the Mason-Dixon line.



I believe on the day you posted your complaint I went jogging along our citie's waterfront in shorts!

Imago said:

Yes, but it's not the snow. It's the bitter cold that gets you.



Besides, the only great thing about florida is the weather in the winter.

It all depends on what you like...warm weather? Cold Weather? Seasons? You should also research the availability of jobs in the area as well...it's tough out there right now! If you have children then schools will be an issue as well. I'd suggest visiting a few places before you make the big move.

A lot of people are moving to the Carolina's these days. The weather is nice for the most part and you can get lots of land for a reasonable price. I hear it's expected to go up because everyone is moving there. It's gorgeous but I'm afraid of tree snakes

I want to check out Austin, I hear it's a great city...but again...snakes and tarantulas scare me! I think I might just stay in good ol' New England!

Shorty I was in Thorton, NH last weekend at my friend's condo and it was GORGEOUS. I couldn't live there because there's nothing to do, but the people were sooo nice and the views were breath taking!

CarrieMpls said:

We gave you Justin, Britney, Christina, and Creed!

CarrieLee said:

Yeah...it's prettier the further north you go, but there's less and less to do the further up you go. There's not a whole lot to do anyway but southern NH as a few small cities so..there's some stuff to do.

I think the Seattle area.
Beautiful surroundings, climate is good, city is good.

Tremolina said:

ooh!

Seattle is third on my list.

I wonder which is better Seattle or Portland?

shanti0608 said:

Portland has a higher concentration of hippies.

bleh.

CarrieMpls said:

Oh dear.... I get called a tree hugger by my other half...

I hope I am not bleh.

shanti0608 said:

oh, tree huggers are fine!!

I'm thinking dirty, smelly, pot-smoking hippies. The kind that don't believe in soap and think smoking pot expands their minds and makes them better people.

stupid double post.

CarrieMpls said:

Oh lawd, are we talking the hairy armpit type?

Imago said:

Hairy armpits don't bother me, actually. I think we're crazy about body hair these days. It's all a conspiracy by the waxing industry.

CarrieMpls said:

Oh ok, I love to shower and smell clean, I don't smoke pot, I do not burn Patchouli incense.

I do love to hug trees though.

shanti0608 said:

I've hugged a tree or two in my day as well.

CarrieMpls said:

Of the thirty somethin states and cities I been to mpls is one of the nicest places....Atlanta....Pittsburg is alright...San Diego is cool, and Denver Colorado.

CarrieMpls said:

I like the look of astoria oregan because of the goonies.

I live in Beaverton, Oregon -- just outside of Portland. If you're open for places to live, I can HIGHLY recommend this area of the country (Washington County - no tax as opposed to Multnomah County). There is no sales tax in Oregon (which is a HUGE deal regarding large purchases like homes or cars). I live about 1.5 hours from the ocean, 1.5 hours from the mountains. It is beautifully green all year, fresh air, not too hot, not too cold. The waterfalls!!! Lots of outdoorsy things to do. NO MOSQUITOES!!! It does rain in the winter but probably not worse than you experience in England. And you don't have to shovel rain. In fact, the climate may be similar, except that the summers are glorious -- no humidity! Spring and autumn are spectacular. People here are very into their gardens, flowers, trees. The neighborhoods (especially on my side of town) are beautiful; all full of hills and views.

Great wine, beer and coffee! The largest independent bookstore in the world is here in Portland - Powell's Books ( http://www.powells.com/ - with a steaming cuppa and leisurely places to read, it's a great way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon!) People are very nice, environmentally concerned. EXCELLENT public transit system. The diversity in people is tremendous here; my congregation has 14 countries worth of people in it! The school districts here are nationally acclaimed (should you be interested ). Homes can be rather expensive, rentals are not so much. Although, compared to what you're paying, you could have a beautiful home here -- AND NO SALES TAX!

This region is BOUNTIFUL with local produce, vineyards everywhere (one - Ponzi Vineyards ( http://www.ponziwines.com/) - is just 3 miles from my house). It's simply gorgeous. I was born and raised in the Chicago area but I'm so glad I moved here. Check it out!

http://portland.craigslist.org/

http://www.portland-or-lifestyle.info/

http://www.movetoportland...index.html

http://portlandor.about.com/

http://portland.citysearc...tlife.html

So, uhmmmmm -- Have I made a case for Portland, OR yet? The Pacific Northwest is simply a lovely part of the US. Diverse, liberal, yet very down-to-earth. I can't ever see myself moving back to Chicago.

And it's a close, beautiful drive to Astoria!

Uhope said:

Any place called Beaverton is a place i wanna visit

Ah'm sayin', tho . . .

Uhope said:

That sounds amazing
I will check it out.
Thanks

CarrieMpls said:

Florida is gross. The entire state smells of mildew.

Also shoulda mentioned that there is a great music scene here; indie, jazz, classical, opera as well as other culture like dance, art, spoken word. It's not as extensive as Chicago's ( ) but if you're REALLY jonesin' for a tour that isn't coming thru, Seattle is only 3 hours away.

However, I did see Prince here. Also Earth, Wind and Fire a month ago and "Carmen" last fall. I've been rather broke lately so my entertainment's been limited. But it's there for those who've got it like that. Thankfully, there are also lots of free events and concerts and there is a beautiful zoo, Japanese and Chinese Gardens, the International Rose Test Garden (free and gorgeous in May/June) and plenty of theatres that you can drink beer and wine while watching your film!

It's a groovy little place I think you should seriously consider.

Uhope said:

Will do! I was looking briefly last night. We must find some place that my other half can fulfill his hobbies as well.
Diving being a major one.

shanti0608 said:

Scuba obviously, the other type is taken care of thanks

Hmmm. Diving.

Well, the ocean is close but the water is COLD!!! People surf with wetsuits. It's not a hot sunny beach like So. Cali or Florida. But Phil could dive if he wanted to . . .

I'm guessing you're looking for someplace southern, then. Personally, I think the benefits of here outweigh the negatives -- I couldn't live in the South; TOO hot, certain attitudes . . . and California catches on fire every single year. Plus expensive.

One thing about this area, there is no scary weather i.e. tornadoes, earthquakes, violent storms, hurricanes. There is Mt. St Helens and Mt Hood is a dormant volcano. But they're so pretty! I can see Mt. Hood from my bedroom and I live 75 miles away. And it's about the only place in the country where there's year-round skiing.

A last link: http://www.movingtoportla...verton.htm
[Edited 7/31/08 7:46am]

Uhope said:

He learned to dive in England... he is used to cold water. Besides..they make wet suits for cold water....right?