What's the best safe or affordable city to live or visit in the southwest? (SoCal, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma)

We live in pdx right now, we’ve been here 7 & 10 years respectively and we love it however we want a house & while we can afford to own one here we aren’t willing to give up other parts of our life (travel, going out, etc.) just to pay a 4K mortgage + any other bills we have.

We are heavily considering mpls because it still has tons of nature (just a little different), houses are gorgeous & affordable & we have some family there. We’ve visited a lot, I grew up going to Wisconsin every summer & some winters so the weather isn’t a shock to me & we luckily can work from anywhere.

I’ve been on this forum for a good year & many others just reading whatever daily posts pop up. I basically already know the answers I will get but I still have to ask for myself haha.

My question is, has anyone made this exact move (or PNW to mpls) & lasted / thrived in mpls compared to the pnw ? I do love mpls but I’m scared of making the wrong decision because it’s completely uprooting our life.

I used to never care about this stuff, like owning a house & now in my 30’s I find myself craving that & a little slower pace of life while still having amenities. Fuck me, life choices are tough 🫠🤦🏽‍♀️

While most people would say almost anywhere is better than New Mexico, I am curious to hear people’s reasonings and suggestions. Me and my partner have about a combined income of 120k (not the best I know). Though I do have about 150k in savings if that matters. I currently live about 30 mins out from Albuquerque (the main city in New Mexico) as I like the idea of being relatively close to the city but not in the actual city. No kids. Early 20’s. I work remote and my partner has a job they could transfer to almost anywhere. Looking for places that are fun and the people are friendly. Welcome to answer any additional questions

1. Voting is denied unless for the leaders.
2. Hyperinflation
3. Legal immigrants are deported

(Not talking about the 11M illegals presently living in the US) although that’s a sign that things are getting really bad. 4. You have to declare your allegiance to the “state” as a fascist nation. 5. 2025 becomes law?

Have you thought about a place to go? If so where? Are these break points? Do these seem possible?

I’m asking because I’m trying to get my head around my fear, some kind of understanding.

Haha does such a place exist? Maybe somewhere in the Bay Area or coastal CA? I've lived in Seattle before and loved the grey weather, it's only the cold that was hard. (And I know I know, it's not even that cold!) Could probably survive with that but am trying to see if there's a place for me that's at least slightly warmer in the winter.

Late 20s, thinking of relocating from NYC to Seattle after 2 years. Spent several years in DC prior. I’m single, could switch to a remote role (or change and find a company out there since there is industry opportunity for me there).

Earning ~$150k. Single, no pets, never had a car but I would be willing to get one.

What appeals to me/reality check I need:

• nature out west is insane, I’ve spent a couple months this year in various parts of Washington (not Seattle property) and fell in love
• still has some things going on, but appears a little less wild than NYC or at least less overwhelming
• different culture than the east coast: I’m not totally sure if this is good/bad and I’ve heard of the Seattle freeze, but I don’t know much else
• I don’t really have responsibilities tying me to anything here, which could change if I ever find someone and get married / have a family but who knows
• I have lots of food allergies so don’t really care about food scene since I prefer to cook for myself

Cons:

• I don’t really know anyone out there, whereas I have close friends in NYC
• still an expensive place to be and seems like an expensive move
• less sun than what I am used to
• I’m getting older and worried it’s less cute to make major moves

I read through a lot of threads so far and know this comes up all the time, so I appreciate any thoughts you all have!

I moved to Los Angeles after college from a rust belt town in Iowa where I would never be able to find a job related to my degree. I just drove out there without a job lined up.

I lived there for over two and a half years and the whole time my family was clamoring at me to “come back home”, even when things eventually started going my way and I found a job paying a decent wage.

And when they visited, from Iowa, they would be like “this is only strip malls! Why do you want to live in such a car oriented place!” Oh the irony

And then when I started having issues again even distant relatives would call me and say “you need to live where there are four seasons and it is affordable! And not far from family!” One of the main reasons I moved out there was to get away from my suffocating family. My mom basically kicked me out after college when I couldn’t find any sort of work in my small Rust Belt hometown. Oh the irony…

I have the opportunity to make almost double my wages in Central Oregon through promotion.

Being closer to family and some friends on the west coast would be a benefit. But I am not sure I could handle the long cold winters and the prolific homeless population. I have had a couple bad experiences out there in the past.

Would you shrug off the negatives and take the opportunity?

DINK (MF) Currently in Florida.

My income is currently 60K. Raise would be an additional 40K (before Oregon taxes COL etc etc).

“I’m looking for somewhere walkable, close to nature with good schools that’s affordable.”

Affordable and reasonable very subjective. I live on the Bay Area. A house for 800k would affordable here, so you get the idea. Please post your housing budget when asking for suggestions. Do you have 200k? A million? Help us help you.

I just moved to Chicago because I've been here before and I can afford it. But the job is eh, the apartment is ok, but I should of stayed where I was until I figured out where I really want to live. Is it crazy to have driven 2000 miles and now want to go back because I feel nature helps me feel better and I want to stay on the west coast. I chose coming here because it was easy.

Living in SoCal we're used to the norm that a lot of people don't have kids or have them very late. As a middle class couple in our 30s with 2 kids we feel like unicorns sometimes.

I wonder if it would be better to live somewhere with more families where people can afford to buy houses and host kids parties and let the kids run around outside with other kids. Anywhere live somewhere like this that is relatively close to a large diverse city?

I'm in my mid-twenties with a job that will make about 70-75k most anywhere I go coming out of school, but student loans subtract 10k from that yearly. I'm transgender and looking for a place that has a strong night life, a state government that isn't going out of its way to attack trans people, and won't force me to be working so much that there's absolutely no time to enjoy it. Looking for a place with different scenes and people with a diverse range of interests. Basically, I want to move to LA or Chicago lol, but with those being so expensive wonder which cities would be the best consolation prize for similar assets. Not concerned about homeownership.

I(25m) am a traveling nurse I was raised in Texas, I’ve almost completed my first contract here in Seattle I’ve made tons of friends here and people I’d consider family, but I’m towards the end of my contract and trying to figure out my next chapter.

About me: I’m extremely spontaneous I love trying things I’ve never done before like hiking, pinball bars, going to random basement bar bands or venues to artists I’ve never heard of. I’m twenty-five I’ve dated around here,girls here aren’t really my scene, I hate to say I have more of a blonde hair, blue eyed type.

Key factors: I need the sun at least every few days (ya know to photosynthesis) Community is a big deal to me Crave adventure and like minded people who are open to everything Dating: to find a life long partner is a priority

Which city do you think I should travel too, also if there are other cities you think are better for me let me know :)

Thank you again

Hello. Just wanted to get some insight from those who already live or are familiar with the state of NC. This state seems like a good place to raise a family and actually be able to buy a home. The fact it also has both mountains and beaches is a plus.

I know there are quite a number of cities but we have narrowed it down to either Greensboro, Salem-Winston or just outside the Charlotte metro, maybe around Kannapolis. I work as a pest control technician and this being the humid south, I'm not looking to change fields. My fiance works from home so it won't matter much to her.

Budget wise, we're pretty flexible as long as it doesn't come close to California level of rent prices. We're looking for a 2 bedroom apartment. So anywhere between $1,600 to $2,100 is fine.

We're not picky about schools for our son, as long as it's not incredibly underfunded or poorly run. We just want a decent city with opportunity to work and save and buy a home. I would appreciate all advice. Thank you!

Looking to move out west next summer from Indiana. Im 24 and my main hobbies are hiking, golfing, snowboarding and riding my motorcycle. The two states I’m most interested in currently are Oregon and Colorado. Leaning more towards Oregon because of the less harsh winters from what I’ve gathered. Also the PNW has always been attractive to me. Anyone have any other suggestions or recommendations/opinions for places within these states or other states that are accessible to all of these activities. Politics don’t concern me much. Affordability and access to these activities are my main concern.

What are chill cities close to the outdoors that are still affordable? Looking mainly at places like Fresno, Tucson, Albuquerque. What are the thoughts?

Hello! I am a 25 y/o architect looking for a coastal city to move to that has potential for architectural career growth and is close to a coast (I like to surf, kiteboard, swim) I know Savannah isn’t technically coastal but it has tuber that’s 20 minutes away and the architecture scene is positive with the SCAD in the city offering potential to teach. It also seems like a hipish young city with fun for someone my age. Is there anywhere else that might be better and closer to a coast that’s still affordable. My family is all on the east coast so I don’t want to go to Cali.

I have a date set, 49 days to go. Anyone else? What are you looking forward to the most?

I’m looking forward to speaking English again. Living abroad was cool, but I really miss not feeling like an outsider.

I want to move out the state, the good seasons are too short and it’s nearly impossible to buy a home. I want to go somewhere where it’s the opposite. Nice weather and affordable housing. Somewhere in the southeast maybe. Any suggestions??

I’m currently 22M - I graduated college in May and I’m looking for somewhere to move. I’m from Colorado, born and raised. I went to school in Boulder, and I love everything that Colorado has to offer, but while I’m young I’d like to move around a bit before I settle down.

I have a remote job with a comfortable salary. I can’t afford anywhere too expensive, but I’ve got a decent budget that includes most places.

I’m pretty open to anywhere, but here’s my wishlist:

• Cold winters (snow preferred), mild summers
• Not a huge city. If it’s a bigger city I would prefer somewhere with a west coast vibe (Seattle). So somewhere like New York or Chicago is probably out
• Decent population of people in their 20s and activities where I can make friends and do things
• Access to outdoor activities preferred

With all that being said, I’m pretty open to anywhere suggestions. I don’t want to live in the South, and would prefer somewhere where it still gets cold and snows in the winter. All without being in a megalopolis.

Any suggestions?

Like compare east coast and the south east to the west coast, Colorado and Arizona for example

I've posted a couple of times in here. Live in Colorado, have been here most of my life and looking to move in the next couple years 🤞 At the moment, I have a lot of places on my radar and the plan is to visit as many of these places as possible. I've done as much research as I can but the stats don't always tell the full story as I am finding from talking to people. So out of these cities (and metro area) what are some things I should take into consideration that most people don't think about when considering these places.

• Greensboro, NC
• Grand Rapids, MI
• New Haven, CT
• Syracuse, NY
• Minneapolis, MN
• Pittsburgh, PA

I’m curious if this exists in the Midwest, or at least close to the Midwest. I have family in Chicago and Detroit, so the closer to those areas the better.

Criteria:

Would prefer a major city, but can do mid sized (population >100k)

A variety of strenuous day hikes within 1-2 hrs, great camping/backpacking within 4-5 hrs

Must be a blue/purple state

No strong preference on cold/heat

Obviously the basics like affordability, walkability, transit, crime etc will come in to consideration. But I’d be willing to compromise if I could find a place that meets the other criteria.

Hi everyone!

I am looking to relocate (first temporarily, about for a year) to Colorado or Oregon/Washington to be close to nature and mountains. I love being outdoors and exploring trails/mountains. However, I'm currently taking classes at a community college and would need to take 1-2 classes at the local college of the town I would be in. I also would want to hold a part-time job, but it can be as light as being a retail worker.

Things I do NOT want: big city, lots of people, expensive.

Things I WANT: nature, low cost of living, local community college, access to at least some good restaurants and somewhat of an existing job market.

I know my question is a bit vague but any recommendation will be greatly appreciated.

I plan to make a list to visit this winter and summer to make a decision before I move.

Noticed an uptick in trans families looking to move, sharing that a high school for LGTBQ+ kids is opening in Western Mass. Seems like it might be a good destination to consider. https://www.jsbryantschool.org/

Hello all. Looking for access to a network of parks/bike trails, cultural events, and some kind of alternative or private school that offers need based scholarships or a non-religious homeschooling community. We are both artists, my partner is a landscaper and we would like to grow flowers and herbs. Places we are considering: San Juan islands, near Taos or Santa Fe, Western Mass (though fear of ticks is real)… looking for states with more protections for our family than currently exist where we live along with good medical care. More sunshine would be preferred but also not believing we can find that combination easily. I am expecting that any of these places will be expensive to live but it is a necessity to move. Thoughts on these places I’ve mentioned? Other suggestions and why?

Anyone have examples of a ranking system they have used to compare different options? We're in the Midwest and surrounded by decent family/friends group, but interested in making a move out west. Main motivators are things to do (hiking / free healthy outdoor activities), weather, culture/politics, etc.

Our things now that we're considering are:

Cost, Weather, Things to do (city), Things to do (free/outdoor), Politics, and People we know.

All with a 1-10 ranking. Is there anything else that others have used to help compare and quantify in order to justify a move? If it helps, we're in our early/mid 30's and expecting our first child next spring. However family won't likely be all that helpful or impactful in raising the baby, so we're still interested in planning to move sometime in 2026. Also the places we're considering are non-stop flights to our home state and we have some social network.

So if anyone has a way to quantify these or suggest other major factors that influenced your life decisions we would appreciate hearing them!

Hi, i posted earlier about Florence, SC. Turns out the crime rate is a bit, uhm...leaves a bit to be desired. So, here's what I'm ultimately looking for:

• affordability in housing
• good job market (education, linguistics, etc)
• crime isn't too too bad (it's bad everywhere, I know!)
• family friendly

It can be anywhere. Just need more suggestions since my list dried up. Personal experiences welcome.

(PS, please not NC. I already live there.)

I’m a 31 year old lesbian looking to relocate from Baltimore. Minneapolis seems to check a lot of my boxes, but I’m hoping to hear other perspectives.

I’m looking for: Walkable downtown areas with things to do LGBT friendly Blue state LCOL for a city (under $1400 for one bedroom) Good arts scene (my career is in art) Colder than Maryland Generally safe from natural disasters

Outside of my art career, I also work restaurant jobs during the slow seasons, so would need some type of industry there.

I’d be moving by myself so somewhere with a good dating scene or easy ish to make friends would be nice. I’m an extrovert if that helps.

Other cities I’ve considered: Providence RI (seems expensive) Philly and Richmond VA (heat, red states)

Open to other suggestions that aren’t Milwaukee or Chicago (personal reasons - nothing against the cities themselves!)