Where would you live?

[Philly_]

I’ve lived all over. WI, OH, CA, AL, CO, MN, VT, MN and WI a couple more times. While I loved a lot of them, San Diego, CA probably one of the most, I just wish I could live back in my former favorite city…Minneapolis, MN. After living there during Covid, Rioting, almost getting car jacked and shot towards, and so many other things, I’ve cut my losses a few years ago and moved to a suburb of MPLS. Now, if I could move back to anywhere, it would have to be La Crosse, WI. I’ll always love the Coulee and Driftless region of the US.

Wow you've almost hit every state in the Midwest! I've recently begun contemplating Minnesota or Wisconsin as well, mostly because of the midwest culture and proximity to family back in Michigan, while still getting a taste of something new. Haven't done any research yet, though.

And yeah, it's too bad a lot of cities have changed dramatically and/or struggled during/post covid. I've heard NYC is dramatically different, but I wouldn't know having only been here about a year, and my first time visiting was shortly before that.

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[Obviousbicycleco]

Wow you've almost hit every state in the Midwest! I've recently begun contemplating Minnesota or Wisconsin as well, mostly because of the midwest culture and proximity to family back in Michigan, while still getting a taste of something new. Haven't done any research yet, though.

And yeah, it's too bad a lot of cities have changed dramatically and/or struggled during/post covid. I've heard NYC is dramatically different, but I wouldn't know having only been here about a year, and my first time visiting was shortly before that.

I totally forgot to mention I lived in IA too. I wouldn’t suggest that one though. You should definitely visit the Coulee region of WI though. Super hilly, lots of trees, good people.

 

[roaniecowpony]

Wife and I retired a few years ago. We are fortunate to have saved enough to live about anywhere. My preference is to live close to the coast, for the sea breeze, along the southwest coast of California. Oh, I do. But I want that huge garage. ?‍

 

[Tank the Jeep]

Where do I want to live? Alone. Deep in the woods. With no one around for many miles. Except my dog, he can stay.

 

[longfiredragon]

I have been in like 40 of the lower 48 states. Not lived in all of them, but just been through some states, but also lived in quite a few.

Recently the wife and I have been traveling all around the the US in an RV, flat towing the jeep. Took off from FL and went all the way across to Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington State, northern California, southern California, north Carolina, south Carolina, Tennessee. You get the point. We also went off road in every single state we visited.

I think for each person it's different. As much as I love most of the western states, I don't want to live in any of them. For me, I love the lush forest of Tennessee, blue ridge area. Winters aren't to, to bad. Most years they have a beautiful four seasons.

For me I have to consider everything about a state, like laws, taxes etc. Not political at all, just common sense.

 

[bthomp]

Not sure if you're being sarcastic, but it's not actually as hard as you might think.

I could even move to Knoxville, TN and be near an airport and only about an hour from skiing. It's not an international airport and I can't imagine Tennessee skiing being the best, but I do like the area!

I'm mostly asking to hear everyone's opinions and see if there's somewhere I didn't think of or haven't found yet. All of my wants for the perfect location are definitely just that, wants. I don't have to have all or really any of them, but it sure would be nice if I did!

Knoxville and Central TN are definitely on my short list.

 

[Philly_]

I have been in like 40 of the lower 48 states. Not lived in all of them, but just been through some states, but also lived in quite a few.

Recently the wife and I have been traveling all around the the US in an RV, flat towing the jeep. Took off from FL and went all the way across to Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington State, northern California, southern California, north Carolina, south Carolina, Tennessee. You get the point. We also went off road in every single state we visited.

I think for each person it's different. As much as I love most of the western states, I don't want to live in any of them. For me, I love the lush forest of Tennessee, blue ridge area. Winters aren't to, to bad. Most years they have a beautiful four seasons.

For me I have to consider everything about a state, like laws, taxes etc. Not political at all, just common sense.

Knoxville and Central TN are definitely on my short list.

Yup, the landscape is one of the reasons I like Tennessee so much. Reminds me of Michigan (which I love) with more texture and more centrally located for Jeep trips and other travel around the US.

And yeah, taxes and cost of living in any state I’m considering are definitely a factor for me as well. I miss Texas’ lack of state income tax every time I get my paycheck and NY’s taxes on commission are soul crushing. Depending on how your comp plan is set up, they can tax commission and bonuses up to 50%! ?

As far as other laws, my biggest gripe with some states is all the automotive inspection nonsense. I get it, it’s for emissions, and making sure the vehicles on the road are safe, and all that jazz, but Michigan has absolutely none of that, and it’s quite nice… and Pennsylvania really needs to let those guys drive doorless!

 

[CDRMidnight]

Well, I have become smitten by Hawaii of all places, which is somewhat shocking given past adventures. I was pretty set on heading to the PNW after retiring from the military, but Life decided otherwise.

Now that I’m here, I really don’t want to leave. Well, let me correct that — there will be one more move in about 6-8 years, but that will only involve going from Oahu to the Big Island once this project/job I’m on is complete.

Too many idiots, posers, and ‘Tourons’ on Oahu for my taste. Big Island is more my style, lots of scenery (even snow and a green sand beach), and the laid back vibe is just right.

Cheers,
-CM-

 

[bthomp]

Yup, the landscape is one of the reasons I like Tennessee so much. Reminds me of Michigan (which I love) with more texture and more centrally located for Jeep trips and other travel around the US.

And yeah, taxes and cost of living in any state I’m considering are definitely a factor for me as well. I miss Texas’ lack of state income tax every time I get my paycheck and NY’s taxes on commission are soul crushing. Depending on how your comp plan is set up, they can tax commission and bonuses up to 50%! ?

As far as other laws, my biggest gripe with some states is all the automotive inspection nonsense. I get it, it’s for emissions, and making sure the vehicles on the road are safe, and all that jazz, but Michigan has absolutely none of that, and it’s quite nice… and Pennsylvania really needs to let those guys drive doorless!

If cost of living is a key decision factor for you, then Colorado is out. Expensive housing, and high costs on everything. The only thing that has been "cheap" here historically has been property taxes, but thankfully (sarc) our recent election managed to fix that problem....

 

[Philly_]

If cost of living is a key decision factor for you, then Colorado is out. Expensive housing, and high costs on everything. The only thing that has been "cheap" here historically has been property taxes, but thankfully (sarc) our recent election managed to fix that problem....

Well... I currently live in Manhattan, which is the most expensive borough, in the most expensive city, in the United States, so I feel like the cost of living anywhere else will be better than here. ?

But, despite the inflated cost, it is a really cool city with tons to offer. I'm glad I had the opportunity to check it out, and I would consider staying a bit longer if the beautiful upstate New York were a little bit easier to get to. Trains are really nice and great for making travel more accessible, but it's still not nearly as convenient as hopping in the Jeep and taking off.

 

[Philly_]

Well, I have become smitten by Hawaii of all places, which is somewhat shocking given past adventures. I was pretty set on heading to the PNW after retiring from the military, but Life decided otherwise.

Now that I’m here, I really don’t want to leave. Well, let me correct that — there will be one more move in about 6-8 years, but that will only involve going from Oahu to the Big Island once this project/job I’m on is complete.

Too many idiots, posers, and ‘Tourons’ on Oahu for my taste. Big Island is more my style, lots of scenery (even snow and a green sand beach), and the laid back vibe is just right.

Cheers,
-CM-

I would love to explore Hawaii! Not sure I could support a lifestyle there with my current job, as so much of it is travel all over the US (would make for some pretty long flights!), but I've heard nothing but good things.

A couple of friends I made back in college were born and raised on the big island, and promptly returned after getting their degrees. At the very least, I plan to visit at some point.

 

[CDRMidnight]

I would love to explore Hawaii! Not sure I could support a lifestyle there with my current job, as so much of it is travel all over the US (would make for some pretty long flights!), but I've heard nothing but good things.

A couple of friends I made back in college were born and raised on the big island, and promptly returned after getting their degrees. At the very least, I plan to visit at some point.

Yes, the flight situation is a bit nuts, but it’s a small sacrifice for Paradise, good temps and, uhh, ‘scenery’. *ahem*

If that visit ever materializes, let me know!

Cheers,
-CM-

 

[UTME]

I like Texas a lot! Within Dallas city limits (Uptown) wasn't right for us at the time, but I did enjoy working in Plano (Legacy West) and how easy it was to travel to basically anywhere by car or plane! I spent about 18 months in Dallas, just long enough to get used to the heat before heading back to Michigan.

I think Fort Worth was a bit more my speed, and I loved the Marble Falls area when I visited Hidden Falls Adventure Park. Never made it to San Antonio, but I've heard nothing but good things.

Another vote for Hidden Falls. It was nice today.

 

[Philly_]

Another vote for Hidden Falls. It was nice today.

It’s probably one of my favorite places I’ve taken my JL off road so far. Met up with some forum members and was able to really push it and see what the stock Rubicon can do! I would definitely go back.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

We stumbled into a great place in the foothills of the Blue Ridge western NC. It was a small older log home originally purchased as a vacation getaway. The place needed a lot of work and the more time I spent here the more I loved it. Very rural area but central enough to several larger cities. Liked it so much we sold our 40 acre place on Kerr Lake in Virginia and settled here. The view says it all. Best of all I don't spend 2 days out of every week on a tractor cutting grass.

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