Best Place To Live In The USA

[Partial]

What do you guys think is the best city to live in in the country in terms of weather, economy, job opportunities, education system, and if you are going to raise a family?

Just curious as to what you all think!

[digitaldean]

For the full-time profession I am in (printing-related business), the Fox Valley (area between Green Bay and Oshkosh) is probably one of the best in the country. Highest concentration of printers are within a 250-mile radius of Chicago.

Job opportunities are pretty decent (even though some firms are downsizing). Pay for the most part is pretty good for the more technical printing careers. Cost of living could be a little better, but overall I can't complain.

Though there may not be as many entertainment opportunities as some of the areas of the country, the Fox Valley does have quite a bit to offer.

The crime rate has gone up somewhat, but nowhere near any of the metro areas. I don't have to worry as much about violent crime. Life here may be a little sheltered vs. the rest of the nation, but that's not all bad. In raising a family, kids grow up too quick anyway.

[MJZiggy]

Well, considering you are in computers, you might want to think about Northern Virginia as there are jobs to be had (especially with the Fed close by); the weather is fairly temperate and though you do still have winter, it's not like Wis.; The educational system is about the best in the country and there is history and open land not too far away. You can say most of the same things about Maryland which actually has more open space than NV and is packed less densely. The downsides are that traffic is a bitch (especially in NoVa) and the cost of living is high.

[Freak Out]

The west is the best.

[digitaldean]

The west is the best.

Been to Denver several times.

If I had to pick a metropolitan area to live, that would be it.

Downtown is pretty cool (Larimer Square and area by Coors Field is a blast), mountains aren't far away for some fun, too.

I'd just have to see that @^&*()!?/ Super Bowl XXXII champions banner flying at Mile High!

[Scott Campbell]

The west is the best.

Been to Denver several times.

If I had to pick a metropolitan area to live, that would be it.

Downtown is pretty cool (Larimer Square and area by Coors Field is a blast), mountains aren't far away for some fun, too.

I'd just have to see that @^&*()!?/ Super Bowl XXXII champions banner flying at Mile High!

I agree with Freak Out. The Intermountain region is my favorite part of the country. If in CO, I'd much rather be off the front range and up in the mountains.

[digitaldean]

I agree with Freak Out. The Intermountain region is my favorite part of the country. If in CO, I'd much rather be off the front range and up in the mountains.

Some friends of mine recommended cities in the foothills of the Rockies. What are your thoughts?

[HarveyWallbangers]

So, weather is a high priority?

[Scott Campbell]

I agree with Freak Out. The Intermountain region is my favorite part of the country. If in CO, I'd much rather be off the front range and up in the mountains.

Some friends of mine recommended cities in the foothills of the Rockies. What are your thoughts?

Pretty much any of them. You can drive into town anytime you like without having to live there. Evergreen is nice. I'd love to live in any of the ski towns or resort areas - except the ones right on the Interstate like Vail.

[Partial]

So, weather is a high priority?

I guess. I was just curious as to what you guys think. I do enjoy warm climate, though.

[HarveyWallbangers]

The nicest cities I've been to are Nashville, Seattle (if you can handle the rain), Denver, and Charlotte. The job markets in Seattle, Denver, and Charlotte are usually very good.

[MJZiggy]

Charlotte works. I wouldn't be able to handle the twang in Nashville (sorry, LW)

[BallHawk]

Yeah, Charlotte, NC is a great city. Over the last 10 years or so it has undergone a whole transformation. The downtown is very modern and you're only two hours away from the Smokey Mountains, which are a beautiful mountain range. You're also only about an hour from Lake Wiley, which is a great recreational family place. We almost moved there, but my Dad got the job in Richmond, so we're moving to Virginia.

[Partial]

Man, that kinda stinks that your fam is moving when you're in HS. That'd be a difficult time to move and start over.

[GBRulz]

Charlotte works. I wouldn't be able to handle the twang in Nashville (sorry, LW)

twang? What do you mean?

I have friends that live in Nashville and I visit as often as possible. It's one of the best cities I've ever been to for live music. ALL kinds of music. I cannot stand country, which is what alot of people stereotype this city as. They also boast the Nashville Packer Backers Club who are some of the finest group that I've ever partied with!