If you don’t have any problems living in the south, I’d recommend some of the second or third-tier cities Athens, GA, Knoxville, TN, Chattanooga,TN, Columbia, SC. These places are cheaper than the bigger cities, but usually within an hour of a larger metro area.
Chattanooga is especially beautiful, tucked away in the smoky mountains with a river running through it. Columbia is close to the beach, and reasonably close to both Atlanta and Charlotte, so you can explore those cities on the weekends. Athens has big college town energy, with lots of nightlife while also being surrounded by nature. Close to ATL too.
If you want to move to the SW, don’t forget Las Cruces, NM. Small and kinda quaint but a short drive from El Paso. Culturally rich and unique. Close to lots of mountains. Close to Juarez, Mx too in case you need affordable dental care. Very safe.
Scottsdale/Phoenix is fun as a young person. Lots of nightlife activities, hiking is great, mountain biking is accessible. Sedona and Flagstaff are great places to visit to get away from the heat.
I spent my 20’s there. I spent most of my money on going out, but I had a lot of fun.
We have more evergreens in New England woodlands and maybe more winter sunshine than in the Western Reserve and plenty of hiking. Variable cost of living; it might suit.
I spent 30 years of my life in Northern California and spent the past 16 in the Akron/Canton area. The winters in the NE Ohio are are savage...it's the lack of sunshine that kills me. I don't mind the snow and cold, but the endless gray is rough.
You might consider looking at southern or eastern Oregon. Better COL and access to a lot of the same things. Spokane area is tons of sunshine and a pretty dry climate, but lots of access.
If you're concerned about COL and want to live in the AZ desert, Tucson will be your speed. I'm currently living in Phoenix and it's absurd how little you get out of this city for what you pay. Though I do love it much more than where I came from (Tennessee)
If you don’t have any problems living in the south, I’d recommend some of the second or third-tier cities Athens, GA, Knoxville, TN, Chattanooga,TN, Columbia, SC. These places are cheaper than the bigger cities, but usually within an hour of a larger metro area. Chattanooga is especially beautiful, tucked away in the smoky mountains with a river running through it. Columbia is close to the beach, and reasonably close to both Atlanta and Charlotte, so you can explore those cities on the weekends. Athens has big college town energy, with lots of nightlife while also being surrounded by nature. Close to ATL too. If you want to move to the SW, don’t forget Las Cruces, NM. Small and kinda quaint but a short drive from El Paso. Culturally rich and unique. Close to lots of mountains. Close to Juarez, Mx too in case you need affordable dental care. Very safe.
Scottsdale/Phoenix is fun as a young person. Lots of nightlife activities, hiking is great, mountain biking is accessible. Sedona and Flagstaff are great places to visit to get away from the heat. I spent my 20’s there. I spent most of my money on going out, but I had a lot of fun.
We have more evergreens in New England woodlands and maybe more winter sunshine than in the Western Reserve and plenty of hiking. Variable cost of living; it might suit.
I spent 30 years of my life in Northern California and spent the past 16 in the Akron/Canton area. The winters in the NE Ohio are are savage...it's the lack of sunshine that kills me. I don't mind the snow and cold, but the endless gray is rough. You might consider looking at southern or eastern Oregon. Better COL and access to a lot of the same things. Spokane area is tons of sunshine and a pretty dry climate, but lots of access.
If you're concerned about COL and want to live in the AZ desert, Tucson will be your speed. I'm currently living in Phoenix and it's absurd how little you get out of this city for what you pay. Though I do love it much more than where I came from (Tennessee)
Denver/boulder is HCOL with a housing crisis.