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Post by ~summer~ on Aug 21, 2020 1:46:55 GMT
I’m super intrigued by Montana I just bought a guide book and am planning a toad trip there next summer. I hear great things about Bozeman (Boise, ID too). Surprisingly a lot of people from Bay Area are moving out there. It’s only about an hour and a half to Yellowstone and even closer to Big Sky! My only caveat with MT and ID are that most of the people are quite conservative, if that is an important factor for you. thats a big concern of mine as well. I think Bozeman is a liberal pocket though and has the state university right there of course. |
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Aug 21, 2020 1:51:03 GMT
I want to play! I’m ready to move, too, but I don’t want to be on the West Coast I lived in Colorado Springs and it was an incredible place to live. Definitely on the conservative side, but you cannot beat it for fabulous outdoor activities. I believe it has 250 days of sunshine a year and the nights are fresh and there’s very low humidity. No mosquitoes! I highly recommend. I think it fulfills nearly all your requirements. Yes. This. I would live in the Garden of the Gods if I could. That is my favorite place on earth. |
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Post by Really Red on Aug 21, 2020 2:00:45 GMT
I want to play! I’m ready to move, too, but I don’t want to be on the West Coast I lived in Colorado Springs and it was an incredible place to live. Definitely on the conservative side, but you cannot beat it for fabulous outdoor activities. I believe it has 250 days of sunshine a year and the nights are fresh and there’s very low humidity. No mosquitoes! I highly recommend. I think it fulfills nearly all your requirements. Yes. This. I would live in the Garden of the Gods if I could. That is my favorite place on earth. I lived a mile away from the Garden of the Gods. I went there all the time with my kids. |
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peasquared
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,176 
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Post by peasquared on Aug 21, 2020 2:09:25 GMT
I’m super intrigued by Montana I just bought a guide book and am planning a toad trip there next summer. I hear great things about Bozeman (Boise, ID too). Surprisingly a lot of people from Bay Area are moving out there. You will love it! It’s just beautiful. Wherever you chose, I hope it quickly feels like home! |
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 21, 2020 2:49:11 GMT
The number one selling zip code in the US right now is 80911. It meets most of your want list. Must haves: - scenic outdoor recreation — access to national parks is a big plus
- lots of hiking trails and water near by
- a cute or interesting town (big or small) It's got some cute towns next to it.
- fairly liberal and open minded people
- no hot and humid summers Nice to haves: - cold winters but not brutally so
- large healthcare employer in the area
- semi tourist destination since if I might want to use as Vrbo
- reasonably good airport within an hour distance (90 minutes) This zip in right next to the army base Ft Carson, not bad, but I personally would prefer 80906 or one up further north like 80918, 80919 or 80920. Those are closer to the USAFA.
I think it is number one because of the cost of the housing. I worked in that area for 30 years and it was decent. Lots of new construction. They are building an enormous Amazon warehouse there too. Housing costs will go up quickly. One of my kids lives in that zip code. I love 80906. Driving home is like driving into a picture every day. We are pretty close to the zoo. I think the north area of town is nice, but it is so expensive. |
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 21, 2020 2:50:44 GMT
Yes. This. I would live in the Garden of the Gods if I could. That is my favorite place on earth. I lived a mile away from the Garden of the Gods. I went there all the time with my kids. Heading there tomorrow if it doesn't get too hot. |
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Post by ~summer~ on Aug 21, 2020 2:54:23 GMT
In WA state - Bainbridge Island Sequim Gig Harbor Camano Island Whidbey Island ( Langley, Coopville, Oak Harbor) Anacortes thank you for this list. When I was first started thinking of moving up there a few years ago Bainbridge Island was the first place I looked. Off to check out the other islands |
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Post by Linda on Aug 21, 2020 2:55:52 GMT
my sister used to live in Vermont and really loved it there. Loads of outdoor opportunities - she was 30 minutes from Canada and about an hour from Burlington International Airport. Lots of cute small towns in the area. She found the locals very welcoming. Summer there was beautiful (I visited in July and Nov) - winters do have snow/cold but they aren't brutal. Vermont is popular yearround for tourists (skiing in teh winter)
Not sure about large healthcare employers - that might be the negative.
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Post by ~summer~ on Aug 21, 2020 3:03:04 GMT
I am going to go with the Burlington, Vermont area/Chittenden county (Surprise surprise that is always my answer hahaha) Close to a lot of outdoor activites, hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking, etc. Within 20 to 30 minutes (or closer)/to places of great beauty but still close enough to bigger cities. Some Pros: Lake Champlain - large enough lake for sailing and such many lakes and ponds, hiking trails, ski trails, biking trails,etc Burlington International Airport - big enough to get to various hubs but also have options like Manchester, Boston, Albany, and Montreal. within a couple of hours to Montreal a little over 3 hours to Boston or the NH/Maine seacoast. Close to Cape Cod. a Good medical center with a level 1 trauma center 4 seasons a lot of emphasis On Farm to table, sustainable living, environmental issues Some Cons: Expensive might have more winter than your really want. we loved Burlington! We visited UVM with my 18yo last year (had delicious ramen at Gaku Ramen) and it was the *only* school in the east coast that my kid liked enough to apply to! (He is super particular) - I do think the winters might be too cold and long and it seems a little remote but super neat area. |
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Post by SallyPA on Aug 21, 2020 3:16:40 GMT
Jackson and Bozeman will be very similar weather wise. Both long, cold, snowy winters. *I* would definitely pick that weather over California weather. Both are beautiful. Bozeman IS terribly $$.
As far as Jackson goes, many people live in Driggs, ID or Victor, ID, but work and recreate in Jackson. They are often called “Jackson’s bedroom” because it keeps costs of living down. You will however find Wyoming’s property taxes extremely affordable; I can’t imagine costs of living in the Jackson to be nearly as high as the Bay Area. It is a small town, too, with little shopping, and Salt Lake it’s closest big city. And....it is a liberal spot in an overwhelmingly conservative state.
What about Boise? Or a Denver suburb?
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Post by ntsf on Aug 21, 2020 3:32:20 GMT
my husband and I just got a condo in sun valley idaho... and spilled hay off a truck was a lead news story... idaho is very conservative outside sun valley and parts of boise. and its winters are cold.
whidbey island, the san juans and sequim are all in the rainshadow of the olympics.. so it rains lessr there. grey skies but less rain.
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zztop11
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,573
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Post by zztop11 on Aug 21, 2020 3:40:57 GMT
Minneapolis. We have been here a year now and LOVE it. It checks iff lots of your boxes. Progressive, nice people, parks in every corner. Voyagers National Park. Great medical care. So much to do and see
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snyder
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,493
Location: Colorado
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Post by snyder on Aug 21, 2020 4:22:20 GMT
This zip in right next to the army base Ft Carson, not bad, but I personally would prefer 80906 or one up further north like 80918, 80919 or 80920. Those are closer to the USAFA.
I think it is number one because of the cost of the housing. I worked in that area for 30 years and it was decent. Lots of new construction. They are building an enormous Amazon warehouse there too. Housing costs will go up quickly. One of my kids lives in that zip code. I love 80906. Driving home is like driving into a picture every day. We are pretty close to the zoo. I think the north area of town is nice, but it is so expensive. That is funny you would mention the Amazon Warehouse. We passed that today and wonder what it was going to be because we heard it was going to be up north so that it could utilize both Colorado Springs airport and Denver's.
I believe you are 100% spot on because the housing is a wee bit cheaper in that area. It is a lot different that it was when I was a kid, as you said, lots of new growth with lots more resources. 80906 is really gorgeous in the fall with all the scrub oak along the mountain foothills. I know I couldn't really afford up north, but figured the op was coming from Calif, so it may appear cheap. ha!
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Post by busy on Aug 21, 2020 4:27:27 GMT
Honestly, anything on the Kitsap Peninsula would be relatively affordable and close to both nature and the Seattle airport. As much as I love the northeast, I worry the winters are too cold for your criteria (since you said Cannon Beach was too cold). It’s not liberal, but Salt Lake City could be a decent contender for proximity to the outdoors and affordability. There’s the whole conservative Mormon contingent, but also a huge population of outdoorsy people that I know are more liberal. the reason I said Cannon Beach is too cold because it seems it is fairly cold year round. I mean San Francisco is also cool year round but I was thinking Cannon Beach has even fewer warm days but maybe I’m wrong. Cannon Beach is a lot more than an hour from the airport. I love CB but it really doesn’t match what you’re looking for. I also love Bend and it matches a lot of what you’re looking for, but you have to be ok with most flights having to go through Portland first. I think Portland is the best match for what you’re looking for. I’m on my phone now so don’t want to type exhaustively, but will come back and explain more later  |
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Post by lavawalker on Aug 21, 2020 4:46:59 GMT
I’ve been to Bend a few times and we’d love to live there!
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Post by shelby on Aug 21, 2020 5:07:29 GMT
I've lived in Boise for over 30 years. Many don't know what a jewel it is. It is called the city of trees for a good reason. They are everywhere. the winters really aren't all that bad. Last year we only had a couple of snow storms, neither of them at all bad. Simmers can have a few weeks whee it is hot but the low humidity keeps it livable. The trendy downtown with it's little shops, outdoor dining etc . is a favorite. Beautiful parks, greenbelt along the Boise river and foothill hiking are very popular. A ski resort is less than an hour away.The one problem for some is the fact that there isn't any mass transportation so the traffic is bad with everyone needing a car to get around. This is where I plan to stay the rest of my life.
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Gennifer
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,444
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Post by Gennifer on Aug 21, 2020 5:42:55 GMT
It’s not liberal, but Salt Lake City could be a decent contender for proximity to the outdoors and affordability. There’s the whole conservative Mormon contingent, but also a huge population of outdoorsy people that I know are more liberal. Salt Lake City itself is actually quite liberal, but if you get into the suburbs or rural areas, it’s definitely very conservative. Park City ticks off all of the things on your list. |
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ComplicatedLady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,182
Location: Valley of the Sun
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Post by ComplicatedLady on Aug 21, 2020 6:47:08 GMT
Must haves: - scenic outdoor recreation — access to national parks is a big plus - lots of hiking trails and water near by - a cute or interesting town (big or small) - fairly liberal and open minded people - no hot and humid summers Nice to haves: - cold winters but not brutally so - large healthcare employer in the area - semi tourist destination since if I might want to use as Vrbo - reasonably good airport within an hour distance On my list right now: - Portland, OR - Bend, OR - Cannon Beach,OR I considered but I think it is too cold year round and quiet - Bozeman, MT which is shockingly expensive and probably too cold for me but I’m super intrigued by Montana - Jackson seems great but likely too expensive Would love to hear your ideas Except for it being hotter than Hades here in summer, I would suggest looking at Phoenix and/or nearby areas in Arizona. There are some neat towns north of Phoenix and even in northern Arizona near Flagstaff. Phoenix is in the valley of the sun, but Flagstaff is only a few hours north and is around 5000-6000 ft elevation. In between, there are a lot of neat places like Sedona, Oak Creek, Jerome, Cottonwood, and Prescott. All are within a reasonable commute to Phoenix or nearby airports. I live in Phoenix and moved here from the Midwest. The summers are hot, but it’s a couple months and it beats Midwest summers and winters. We get a week or two of freezing temps and a couple months of hot (but no humidity.) There are so many hiking trails, nature preserves, and national parks near here that it’s hard to get bored. We joke that we can drive to any season we want —winter snow in Flagstaff, summer beaches in California, and mountains nearby in Tucson, Phoenix, or Flagstaff. Pretty much any season, we are just a drive away. Plus, Phoenix has so much cool stuff to do in the city—restaurants, museums, the zoo, the desert botanical garden, day hikes, etc. Any questions, let me know. I’ve been here for over ten years. I’ve raised a couple kids who are now adults and I have an 8yo who is into action and adventure. |
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maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,948
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
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Post by maryannscraps on Aug 21, 2020 10:08:07 GMT
In New England, I'd recommend Newburyport, MA. It's such a lovely town, on the commuter rail to Boston.
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miyooper2b
Full Member
Posts: 334
Location: Central Indiana
Jun 27, 2014 15:38:05 GMT
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Post by miyooper2b on Aug 21, 2020 12:29:13 GMT
I'm going to throw out Grand Rapids, MI. Great mid-size town with lots to do. There are all sorts of hiking/biking/cross country skiing trails nearby. While there are not any national parks near Grand Rapids, MI has a lot of state parks that offer lots of great recreation. It had a nice airport and Lake Michigan is about 1/2 away (love me some Great Lakes!). While it maybe more conservative than you want, it does have a number of liberals in the community. The summers and winters are reasonable. My BIL and SIL have lived there for years and love it.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:01:14 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2020 12:35:31 GMT
Vancouver Island, BC
Friends from U.S. are moving there soon and joining other friends who also live there.
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luckyjune
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,788
Location: In the rainy, rainy WA
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Post by luckyjune on Aug 21, 2020 14:49:58 GMT
In WA state - Bainbridge Island Sequim Gig Harbor Camano Island Whidbey Island ( Langley, Coopville, Oak Harbor) Anacortes thank you for this list. When I was first started thinking of moving up there a few years ago Bainbridge Island was the first place I looked. Off to check out the other islands Bainbridge is a beautiful island, but a bit pricey. A lot of people retire to Sequim for the weather. I don't think I've ever been to Gig Harbor! Camano is beautiful, but traffic becomes an issue with one lane on to/one lane off the island. I love Whidbey. We have a place there, mid island, not far from Fort Casey. You can take the ferry there or you can drive on/off the island up north. My parents live in Anacortes and love it. The weather is a little milder there and they tend to get little snow. My parents could walk from their house to the San Juan Island ferry terminal. Gorgeous views! |
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Post by auntkelly on Aug 21, 2020 15:17:00 GMT
Santa Fe, NM would be high on my list of ideal places to retire.
It has a mild climate, a huge artist community, a world class opera, mountains, desert, historical sites, restaurants and beautiful streams and rivers.
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Post by marysue63 on Aug 21, 2020 16:25:36 GMT
I would say if you are looking around Portland and Bend that you might want to consider Silverton. Cute down, kinda arty, liberal. Within 60-75 minutes of the Portland airport, very close to lots and lots of hiking (look up Silver Fall State Park), easy drive to the beach. Weather is great during the summers, mild during the winters, maybe 2 or 3 snow days a year. They also have an award winning healthcare hospital in town.
Other places to consider (in Oregon) are Newberg, Dundee, McMinnville (all in wine country,) Corvallis (home to Oregon State University), really any place in the Willamette Valley, all 1 hour to ocean and 1 hour to forest, 1 hour (or so) to Portland airport, but Eugene is a great airport to use too.
Good luck, I love living in Oregon!
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Post by mrsscrapdiva on Aug 21, 2020 17:08:11 GMT
My first thought is you are describing where I live (hi! greendragonlady) Southern NH or even possibly other parts of New England. Everything is driving distance from the area of the Manchester NH airport - Ocean, Mountains, cities, etc. |
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Post by Scrapper100 on Aug 21, 2020 17:14:21 GMT
I’m in So California and feel the same way. DS is graduating this year and I’m just about done with California. I’m certainly done with the heat. I know I can’t do too much cold. The chances of moving any time soon is slim as DH’s job is here snd I’m not sure of transfer locations other than Chicago and I know neither of us would consider that due to weather. I’m trying to plan ahead though.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:01:14 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2020 17:20:59 GMT
Asheville N.C. popped into my head. Though it might be a little hotter than you'd like in the summers.
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 21, 2020 18:10:28 GMT
I think it is number one because of the cost of the housing. I worked in that area for 30 years and it was decent. Lots of new construction. They are building an enormous Amazon warehouse there too. Housing costs will go up quickly. One of my kids lives in that zip code. I love 80906. Driving home is like driving into a picture every day. We are pretty close to the zoo. I think the north area of town is nice, but it is so expensive. That is funny you would mention the Amazon Warehouse. We passed that today and wonder what it was going to be because we heard it was going to be up north so that it could utilize both Colorado Springs airport and Denver's.
I believe you are 100% spot on because the housing is a wee bit cheaper in that area. It is a lot different that it was when I was a kid, as you said, lots of new growth with lots more resources. 80906 is really gorgeous in the fall with all the scrub oak along the mountain foothills. I know I couldn't really afford up north, but figured the op was coming from Calif, so it may appear cheap. ha!
So true. |
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Tearisci
Pearl Clutcher
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Nov 6, 2018 16:34:30 GMT
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Post by Tearisci on Aug 21, 2020 18:31:00 GMT
outside everett wa. (snohomish, monroe, etc).. new little airport at paine field.. whidbey island, good health care, not far to recreation.. port townsend. (a bit far from airport).. or for a real different experience.. my brother's child lives in port roberts wa.. near vancover bc airport or bellingham wa.. commuting distance to bellingham..and they have zero covid. a lovely community. Seconding all of this. I live in one of the towns mentioned and I'd really reccommend Bellingham for the following reasons: 1. Close to mountains for trails and skiing 2. College town with a great arts scene 3. Close to Canada, with a couple of border crossings (when the borders open again) 4. About as liberal as they come (until you head north to Lynden) 5. Airport (I know Alaska flies to Hawaii from there) 6. Awesome old-town downtown. The Food Co-op is one of my favorite places to shop 7. Winters tend to be colder up there. Summers are temperate. 8. Sits on the water 9. Home to the Alaska ferry terminal 10. Has the Fairhaven neighborhood, which houses my favorite bookstore ever (Fairhaven Books) 11. St. Joe's hospital is in the north part of town. DD had to have her gallbladder removed there (emergency) when she was a Sophomore at the university. She got excellent care. I loved that the university records were synched with the hospital records 12. Public transportation is pretty good for a city that size I went to college in Bellingham, as did my husband and two of our three kids. I'd move there in a heartbeat and may do so after retirement. Bellingham is a great city. My DS went to WWU and loved the area. |
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Post by 5peanutsnana on Aug 21, 2020 18:36:08 GMT
My DGS is a 3rd year student at Montana State and my DD just returned from driving with him there. I was surprised to hear her say she could easily retire in Bozeman. She loves it there. It is nearly 1800 miles where she lives now. Hope to make it out there soon. The pictures are gorgeous.
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