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Post by Linda on Jul 30, 2023 13:39:31 GMT
I’m on the other side of the state and the atmosphere here is pretty progressive for FL Hate the governor with a passion tho. I think that Florida, like Texas and probably like California also, is big enough and diverse enough that different areas are very different from each other. Even driving into Gainesville, I see a noticable difference politically from where I am and that's just less than an hour from here.
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SweetieBsMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,599
Jun 25, 2014 19:55:12 GMT
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Jul 30, 2023 13:46:26 GMT
I live in MA, have always lived in MA, and will always live in MA. At one point I thought about moving to NH but I need to be close to Boston due to this stupid autoimmune disease. Yeah, depending where I went in NH, I could drive to Boston but some weeks I'm in/out of the city 2-3 times. That would wear me down. Hell, it wears me down from where I live now and I'm in MA
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MaryMary
Pearl Clutcher
Lazy
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Jun 25, 2014 21:56:13 GMT
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Post by MaryMary on Jul 30, 2023 13:48:24 GMT
I love it so effing much, it almost doesn’t feel like real life.
I have lived in CA, UT, PA, ID, and (most unfortunately) Yakima, WA in my life. I moved to the Oregon coast 2 years ago and I will never leave this magical place… (unless it’s to leave the country to Scotland or something. Easier said than done.) It is gorgeous here, everything is green… even in the winter. The beach is minutes away. I live in the country with barely any neighbors… It’s glorious. I still can’t believe my luck.
ETA and Covid taught me that I will never live in a red state again.
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iluvpink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,278
Location: Michigan
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Jul 13, 2014 12:40:31 GMT
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Post by iluvpink on Jul 30, 2023 14:01:33 GMT
Well it's all I know. But overall, yes, I'm pretty happy with living in Michigan. My husband is not though and hates the cold and winters and wants to retire in the south. Which I have mixed feelings about.
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Post by librarylady on Jul 30, 2023 14:04:40 GMT
I used to but Governor Abbott ruined it for me. I will be here until I die though.
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iluvpink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,278
Location: Michigan
Member is Online
Jul 13, 2014 12:40:31 GMT
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Post by iluvpink on Jul 30, 2023 14:04:41 GMT
I live in Scotland, and there is nowhere else in the world I would rather be. We have a temperate climate (mostly) and no extreme events like hurricanes or earthquakes. We have stunning scenery, fabulous culture, and our capital is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We have free healthcare including prescriptions, free higher education at world-class universities for people who live here, a progressive government chosen by proportional representation (the Scottish parliament, not the UK one), and some of the friendliest, funniest people you will ever meet. Of course there are problems like there are everywhere, but I am hugely proud to live here. 😊 That sounds lovely! I've always wanted to visit Scotland and it sounds lovely to live there. Though I'm not sure my body could handle the weather (isn't it on the chilly damp side?). That's my only gripe about MI, when it's cold and snowing/raining, my body hurts so much.
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Post by paulao on Jul 30, 2023 14:09:17 GMT
I’m in Illinois. While I don’t love it, it’s a perfectly nice state. The governor recently signed a ban on banning books. Your institution gets no state money if it bans books. I really like the governor and feel he is doing an exceptional job. I like the 4 seasons. I like there is nothing truly dangerous here as far as climate and wildlife. The cost of living is reasonable. There is enough here that I don’t get bored. I always thought I’d move to Kentucky after I retired (horses) but that is south of the Mason Dixon line.
If I could live anywhere, it would be in Scotland.
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anaterra
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,827
Location: Texas
Jun 29, 2014 3:04:02 GMT
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Post by anaterra on Jul 30, 2023 14:12:28 GMT
I live in Texas and would love to leave... i already have 25 years in my employment.. i can't retire until 55.. and then ill have 30 years... id like for us to move then... but there is no telling what the world will look like in a few more years.... how much it will cost to start over... or what we can do on pension n social security.. Sidenote... its good to see you MaryMary
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Post by Bridget in MD on Jul 30, 2023 14:16:47 GMT
I'm in MD. I said I loved it here, but thats a strong word. We have the 4 seasons (sometimes all in one day) and MD has beaches, mountains, cities, tons of history... but I've never really lived anywhere else (just 4 yrs in college in VA). I am not sure we will retire here tho - I dont think it is a good place for retirees.
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purplebee
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,726
Jun 27, 2014 20:37:34 GMT
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Post by purplebee on Jul 30, 2023 14:46:42 GMT
Born and raised in NY. Lived in Utah for 10 years (Dh family there), then moved to Arkansas 39 years ago. Prior to 2016, I would have said I loved Arkansas and the area we live in, and would be happy to live here forever. Then trump’s election and its horrifying aftermath made me do a complete turnaround. I still love the relatively rural aspects of my area but would be very tempted to move to a blue state if that were at all possible. I am truly a blue dot in a sea of red.
trump and his rotten cult members, including our grifting, dishonest “Christian” Governor, have changed sooooo much for me, including how I feel about many friends/neighbors/acquaintances - and honestly, how they feel about me.
I am sickened by the changes brought about by pure greed and hatred. Walking down my dirt road early one morning this summer, I was passed by a black truck with a large window decal that said “Fu*k Joe Biden.” I long for the days when I didn’t have to start my day with rage and the urge to pick up a large rock to throw….and when people would never have the word fu*k displayed for any and all to see.
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Post by compeateropeator on Jul 30, 2023 14:48:07 GMT
I’ve enjoyed reading all of the responses so far and have been impressed with the number of people who are happy and content where they live. And as I said before, understandably there are always issues, problems, good and bad, etc - that is everywhere and to be expected.
I love my state (Vermont) and have lived here all of my life other than a few small stints of trying other places (Florida and California) and was so happy to move back home. We have our share of problems but, IMO, are a small but mighty state. I don’t foresee ever moving away. I may spend a month or two in others places after I retire but it will always be my home and home base.
I love that we are mostly rural but (by car) can be at the coast or in Boston in 3 hours and NYC in 6 hours. I can be in Montreal in under 2 hours. 15 minutes to a lake, 20 minutes to a ski area. 15 minutes to hiking, etc. I love the 4 seasons. I love that we are relatively isolated from major disasters of hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires…however we are getting our butts kicked from a devastating flood right now, but we are Vermont Strong and will persevere.
We have a good medical center. Our politics are liberal and conservative. Our Republican Governor has been ranked the most popular governor in the US with a 78% approval rating and in a State with Bernie Sanders as our Senator. 😆. I know my state is not for everyone but I have determined it is right for me.
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lindas
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Posts: 4,146
Jun 26, 2014 5:46:37 GMT
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Post by lindas on Jul 30, 2023 14:54:26 GMT
I’m perfectly content in my little town although it’s no longer as rural as it was when we moved here 15 yrs ago. The number of new housing developments has exploded just within a 5 mile radius but it still beats where I used to live in MD. I’m here to stay.
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Post by tuva42 on Jul 30, 2023 15:19:27 GMT
I do love where I live most of the time. I live in Kentucky, in a blue city, in the middle of a red state. I love that we have affordable housing, good schools in our town, low crime rates, decent climate. We don't get hurricanes or earthquakes. While parts of our state get flooding and/or forest fires, my area does not. We do get the occasional tornado, but not as bad as other areas of the country. Summer can get hot, but not like Arizona or Florida. Winter just doesn't get all that bad. We get snow, but not a lot.
What I hate is that we have very poor education in many areas of the state. I hate that our very conservative legislators propose idiotic bills and some get passed. I hate that we have extreme poverty in certain areas of the state. I hate that racism is alive and well in our state.
I wish we had more museums and theater, though the theater opportunities are growing yearly. I wish that our school systems would let go of this idea that every child is college bound and spend more time finding ways to help some kids be career ready at the end of high school.
When our kids were young, I would have been willing to move had my husband's job asked us to. But these days I try to think of a state I'd be willing to move to and its hard to find one that doesn't have either the same problems my state has or much worse ones. Or its really hot in the summer or super cold in the winter.
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Post by freecharlie on Jul 30, 2023 15:23:23 GMT
For the most part I do love living in Colorado. I've traveled to almost all 50 states and each one has a unique quality, but some have a few more not so desirable things about it, so they would not be places I would ever live.
Colorado has some beautiful country side, but many other states do as well. Colorado could be more progressive and we lack in the entertainment arena big time. Seems we have tons of shopping and restaurants, but we need things like theater, concerts, amusement parks and tour type activities.
Its kind of gotten expesnive here compared to income levels. Cost of living increase a whole lot faster than most incomes, but that has happened in a lot of areas since the pandemic.
I also live in Colorado and don't find us lacking too much in these areas. The weather is pretty good and I love that we have four distinct seasons (I will complain about snow and cold, but I'd complain if we didn't have it). Denver has most of our things to do, but there are some great local venues for concerts and theatre. We just went to Shakespeare in Boulder, they do it every year. We've got lots of sports, which I love. We don't have giant insects because they die in the winter. And you can drink good tasting tap water right from the sink in most areas.
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Post by FrozenPea on Jul 30, 2023 15:33:27 GMT
I put sometimes, as we are moving in August from Alaska (after 42 years!) to the PNW. It's beautiful here but I am over the cold & snow. I just physically and mentally can't do it anymore. Also our 2 girls live in Oregon & British Columbia. Only our son will be here and will move down eventually.
We want to travel in our travel trailer around the US and visit family. My husband's job is 100% remote to that makes it even easier for us.
I will miss the amazing mountains and long summer nights but I am so ready for a change.
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scrappyesq
Pearl Clutcher
You have always been a part of the heist. You're only mad now because you don't like your cut.
Posts: 4,029
Jun 26, 2014 19:29:07 GMT
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Post by scrappyesq on Jul 30, 2023 15:52:16 GMT
I love New York. I'll never leave. I live in the city and as expensive as it is I think it's worth it, especially with today's political climate. When the hustle and bustle gets to be too much there are so many places upstate within a 1-2 hour drive that can make you forget you're in the city. Retail therapy with no clothing tax is a quick drive to New Jersey. I can wander the streets and find a million things to do, or chill in my own quiet neighborhood which is exactly what I'm doing today.
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Post by ~summer~ on Jul 30, 2023 15:54:10 GMT
I’m in San Francisco and of course there are things to complain about but it seems no where else really compares. The natural beauty, the weather, the people, the energy, the activities…I’ll take it lol.
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Post by littlemama on Jul 30, 2023 16:15:41 GMT
I will always live in Minnesota. For as much as I hate the winters here, I’m staying too. I’m willing to put up with higher taxes in exchange for decent roads, really good schools, support for women’s rights and more progressive politics. Not to mention if all hell does break loose, we’re not that far from Canada, LOL, provided it doesn’t totally burn to the ground from wildfires. I can be in Canada in less than 45 minutes if I go south or east. Longer if I go North. It is comforting with the way our country is headed.
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artbabe
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Posts: 3,032
Jun 26, 2014 1:59:10 GMT
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Post by artbabe on Jul 30, 2023 16:19:07 GMT
I love everything about Ohio except for the weather and lack of an ocean beach. If I could move anywhere in the US I would probably move to an East Coast beach area but my family is in Ohio, so in Ohio I stay.
Things I love in Ohio: -I live in the Central Ohio area and I have close access to a city: museums, live entertainment, restaurants, breweries, the zoo, the water park, all kinds of shopping. I'm a city girl. -There are two other big cities (Cleveland and Cincinnati) within a couple hour drive. We have two large amusement parks in Ohio, too. -Lake Erie and the islands Put-In-Bay and Kelleys. So fun to drive up for the weekend. -Hocking Hills and all of the beautiful caves and waterfalls. It is so wonderful to hike around there. People forget that Appalachia is also in Ohio. Such a different world so close to home. -The Ohio River. -Lots of lovely farm land. A drive in the country is a pleasure. I love seeing cornfields, cows, pigs, bison, goats, etc. I like getting my produce from roadside stands. -We get all four seasons and the summers are very warm. I can do without winter but a lot of people here like winter sports, so it has something for everyone. -Lots of major league sports teams: Columbus Blue Jackets (hockey), Columbus Crew (soccer), Cincinnati Bengals (football) and Reds (baseball), Cleveland Cavaliers (basketball) Guardians (baseball) and Browns (football). And don't forget Ohio State football, which is pretty much a religion where I live. Lots of stuff for sports fans. -Lots of Universities. We have 14 public universities and over 50 private ones.
I know a lot of people that say "there is nothing to do here" and they are full of it. If you can't find something to do in Ohio, you aren't looking.
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,496
Jun 30, 2014 12:52:45 GMT
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Post by ellen on Jul 30, 2023 16:48:43 GMT
I'm happy here in Minnesota. If I was handed a beach house on either coast, I'd leave for that! Last winter was brutal. I’d probably take the beach house, but if it meant I couldn’t have my cabin I’d be a hard no.
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Post by quinlove on Jul 30, 2023 16:54:39 GMT
I grew up in Michigan and lived there 35 years. I lived right on Lake Huron and it was perfect. Absolutely perfect. We all loved it and never thought of leaving. My town was not too big, just big enough. I even loved the winters. But my dh at the time, got a huge job offer in Arizona, so we and and our 3 grade school children moved to a suburb of Phoenix.
What a complete, huge change that was for our family. We all got very comfortable there and made it our home. Although, I can’t count how many cross country trips me and the kids made from AZ to Michigan. To see family and friends, and just our home town.
After 5 years there, my dh got another huge job opportunity in Texas, and we are still here.
PS - in between AZ and Texas, we lived in a suburb of Pittsburgh for one year. While we loved the area, his job did not work out. And then we went to Texas. So 4 completely different states.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jul 30, 2023 18:38:54 GMT
Generally, yes. I don’t really like winter but also wouldn’t want to live somewhere that is hotter in the summer. I would love to live in a place/country/world where there aren’t as many MAGA type people but overall my state is doing good things.
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,594
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Jul 30, 2023 18:58:39 GMT
Yes - I live in CT and really like the proximity to my favorite cities but still living in the "country." It's safe, clean and blessedly BLUE. I'm very grateful for it.
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Post by birukitty on Jul 30, 2023 21:20:53 GMT
I've lived in 23 different places in my life and this is the first time a place has felt like home. I moved to Annapolis, MD after my divorce from my ex for a fresh start. I moved here because I loved sailing and because it was close enough to my ex who lived in Arlington, Va to pick up DS for visitation. I hated Arlington, Va where we'd lived for 6 years-it felt like concrete city to me. I've now lived in Annapolis for the past 29 years.
This is why I love where I live: The trees-it's very green here.
The Chesapeake Bay and all of the water sports including the sailing
The history
The size of the small city-it has everything but it's not a huge city
The location-within 45 minutes you can be in either Washington DC or Baltimore
Access to many airports
The incredible public library
But, and this is a big but I don't see myself living here forever. The state of our country greatly concerns me. I now qualify for dual citizenship with Germany (since they finally changed the law that said if your Mom is German and your father is American you don't get dual citizenship, but if it's the other way you automatically do when you are born) and am seriously considering moving to Germany if things really go south. It'd be a huge change for both DH and I and there are a ton of things that would factor into it, but I'm thrilled that I finally have a legal "out" if things really do go south (like if Desantis gets elected president).
If things stabilize in this country I can see myself retiring here, maybe even staying in the same house. Certainly staying in the same neighborhood and trading in this house for a rancher.
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Ren
Full Member
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Feb 11, 2017 23:49:08 GMT
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Post by Ren on Jul 30, 2023 21:44:25 GMT
I live in Australia in the state Victoria and don’t think I’d move interstate. Reading about the US states has been interesting. I haven’t visited them all, but my favourites are VT, NY, CT, and NH. I love that area. The west side was lovely too but I felt at home in New England.
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Post by Merge on Jul 30, 2023 21:52:58 GMT
I love the city of Houston. I would like to pick it up and remove it from the state of Texas.
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luckyjune
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,685
Location: In the rainy, rainy WA
Jul 22, 2017 4:59:41 GMT
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Post by luckyjune on Jul 30, 2023 22:48:43 GMT
I've always lived in WA (except for the first 6 months of my life, when I lived in OR) so I really don't know anything else. I do know that when we travel, I have yet to find a place that makes me say, "I'd rather live here than WA." For the past two years I've lived in an idyllic place (an article I read called it "The Nantucket of the West." I'm not sure I'd go that far...) but I don't love going to the mainland and dealing with traffic. Roads were built when no one could fathom people actually moving here. We are late to the game with public transportation. I heard that the PNW would be referred to as a "Climate Respite" in future global warming living conditions. To me, that says more people will try to move here. However, it is very expensive to live in WA, even in rural, far-from-the-city places, so that will have some impact on numbers.
Despite all of that, I look out my front windows and see Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. You can't get much better than that!
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Post by librarylady on Jul 30, 2023 22:50:46 GMT
I hate what Greg Abbott and his cronies have done to our state.
I love my home because in the front yard, I have the city and all its conveniences (grocery, retail, medical). In my back yard, one would think we were out in a rural area. We are alongside a creek and no one lives on the other side of the creek (for 3 acres worth of space). Our 2 story home blocks out most of the traffic noise. I think it is an ideal location. For the most part we have good neighbors.
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Post by denda on Jul 30, 2023 22:59:02 GMT
Yes! Texan born and raised. I never want to leave.
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Post by maryland on Jul 30, 2023 23:45:56 GMT
I've lived in 23 different places in my life and this is the first time a place has felt like home. I moved to Annapolis, MD after my divorce from my ex for a fresh start. I moved here because I loved sailing and because it was close enough to my ex who lived in Arlington, Va to pick up DS for visitation. I hated Arlington, Va where we'd lived for 6 years-it felt like concrete city to me. I've now lived in Annapolis for the past 29 years. This is why I love where I live: The trees-it's very green here. The Chesapeake Bay and all of the water sports including the sailing The history The size of the small city-it has everything but it's not a huge city The location-within 45 minutes you can be in either Washington DC or Baltimore Access to many airports The incredible public library But, and this is a big but I don't see myself living here forever. The state of our country greatly concerns me. I now qualify for dual citizenship with Germany (since they finally changed the law that said if your Mom is German and your father is American you don't get dual citizenship, but if it's the other way you automatically do when you are born) and am seriously considering moving to Germany if things really go south. It'd be a huge change for both DH and I and there are a ton of things that would factor into it, but I'm thrilled that I finally have a legal "out" if things really do go south (like if Desantis gets elected president). If things stabilize in this country I can see myself retiring here, maybe even staying in the same house. Certainly staying in the same neighborhood and trading in this house for a rancher. I had no idea about the double standard with German citizenship (whether the mom or dad was German). My best friend's husband did have dual citizenship I think. His mom was German and his dad American. But he was born in Germany and lived there a few years. I will have to ask! I am glad they finally recognize dual citizenship with both German mothers and fathers. I don't blame you for worrying about staying in the US.
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