Out On the Limb

With the potential of a big move looming over me, I find myself perusing “Top Cities” lists and trying to find the perfect fit for me. A few have either stuck out recently or have always been on my list. Here’s the current list:

1. Portland, OR - This is probably my most recent city of hopeful inhabitation. Portland happens to be any numerous “Top Cities” lists, including Top Cities for Young Professionals (# 8), America’s 50 Greenest Cities (#1), and America’s Most Pet-Friendly Cities (#2), the 2009 Best Cities for Job Growth (#55 over NYC, Chicago, San Fran, and Nashville) Over a quarter of it’s workforce bike, carpool, or use public transportation to get to work. You’re only a short drive to the Pacific and National Parks. The cost of living is very affordable, culture is good in the city, and the scenery is freakin’ gorgeous. The weather in the summer months seems quite pleasing… averages a high of 80 degrees in the hot months and lows in the 30′s in the winter months. My only gripe? Rain. Lots of winter month rain. About 40% of the days in the year have measureable rain. But hey, I look cute in galoshes. Oh, and snow-capped mountains in the distance? Yeah, I’m okay with that.
2. San Francisco, CA – This gem of a city has always been on my list of places to live. San Fran (as I’ve learned only non-residents call it, but whatever) tops many lists, including Top Cities for Young Professionals (# 1) and The World’s Most Inventive Cities (#1). The main draw to to this west coast staple is the culture, history and thefact that it is a techy hot-bed home to Apple, Google, HP, and many more forward-thinking companies. And with that comes a price with it’s very expensive cost of living… Housing is 264% more expensive than here in Nashville (even 31% more than NYC!), and even though the average income is much higher, all that extra cash would be thrown into rent or mortgage. But is the pleasant weather, culture, stature of such a cool city worth the plunge? That is to be determined.
3. New York, NY – What isn’t there to say about NYC? It’s on everyone’s list of cities to give a try. After seeing it for the first time in March, I truly fell in love with parts of the city. From riding the subway, walking the crowded streets, being enveloped by giant metal mountains, and experiencing the vast amount of culture breathing from each crack, New York would be a fantastic place to call home. It’s a change of pace that this little southern-bred woman would definitely have to get used to. But all that has to be worth it. Downsides are the high cost of living, slight intimidation, and convincing myself that I need to sell my car to pay the security deposit on a tiny studio apartment that I’d share with Mallory, Oscar, Ellie, and Jolie. But being found somewhere in that legendary skyline? Totally worth it.
4. Boston, MA – I’ve heard a lot about Boston. Unfortunately, I’ve never been there… actually, my little uncultured-self has never been to New England at all. But being a twenty-something in Boston would probably be quite fun since it’s such a college town, rightedly so, since it is ranked as one of the Top Cities For College Grads to Find Jobs (#8), and according to the same list has a higher average annual income that it’s fellow Top Ten cities ($53,680). A similar list, Top Cities for Young Professionals, ranks Boston at number 2. So, they must be doing something right since everyone speaks so highly of them. In addition, I’d have no problem supporting their athletic teams… I’ve got a BoSox shirt or two, but the hardest to overcome will be learning to like Pats.



5. Asheville, NC – This quaint, southern, yet hip and artsy mid-sized town is home to the headquarters of my beloved Sigma Alpha Iota, among its other attributes. Apparently, others feel the same way since it’s been ranked consistently as one of America’s Best Place to Live. Just walking the streets of Asheville’s downtown can make anyone feel at home. Nestled amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains, there would always be a surplus of beautiful scenery and outdoor activity. In a way, I like to think of it as Nashville, but prettier.

When it comes down to it, I’m pretty sure I’d be happy in hundreds of places. But I’ll be sure to send a postcard when I get there.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 at 1:36 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.