Help me pick a new city to move to! - Page 2

Philly's entertaining, at least for like the first six months. Not sure if it fits your definition of somewhat safe.

My snide ambivalence is probably pretty characteristic of the city itself.

Honestly, these second-tier cities are dull as hell. Bite the bullet on the affordability issue and move to the periphery of NYC.

 

lefty

Eric, can you explain to me why the steam coming up from the bowels of Philly smells like hot dogs? Also, is it bad that I kind of like the smell?

I (used to) live in Society Hill, where we do not put up with indignities like hot dog steam. Seriously, I've never noticed such a smell around town. It's probably the odor of hobos or drunks who have fallen into the pipes and are being steamed.

Vous aimez l'arôme des <<hot dogs>>? Vous êtes americain après tout!

God my French sucks

I think the OP needs to decide how much of the cultural stuff matters versus livability and space. Personally, living on top of each other is not pleasant and I can't stand that aspect of NYC.

In N Virginia, Alexandria/Arlington are not cultural centers in and of themselves. If you want a walking distance lifestyle its probably not going to fly. There is the metro and such but most own a car. I go into the city pretty regularly, I live 3 miles from the border of DC and works well for me.

Downtown DC may be a compromise, but rents are rather expensive. But the city is a bit more spaced out because of the laws around building heights.

Go on a road trip. Richmond to Portland is a 12 hour drive end to end. Take a week and see the cities you are interested in.