Where is the best place to live?

There are more cons than pros about Illinois.
Granted, the economy in the Chicago area is not terrible in that there are actually jobs but the State will tax you do death and if you want to even buy a place you're looking at 170,000 for a crappy vintage condo.
So, I advise against IL.

I'm originally from MI, which I loved, but I had to leave because it doesn't have many jobs at the moment.

There is a lot to like in many places. It sounds like you are flexible and open and would fit well in many places. So look at the climate of the programs you are looking into. What will help you reach your goals. Are there other considerations such as nearby airports or other amenity that you will want to factor in? What about recreation and/or professional or social networking?

I knew I wanted to escape the grey Pacific NW winters when I applied to graduate school, so days of sunshine per year was something that I looked at. I also needed to be near a major hospital with cardiac surgeons (for my son) and in an area with a good job market (for my husband) and affordable housing. Those were the biggies on my list. What are the biggies on your list?

Good luck in a very important decision.:flowerforyou:

It sucks! We're having a girls night tomorrow & there is hardly anything to do in this stupid town except to eat, drink & go to a movie. And I was born & raised here! You think I would have run away screaming by now! LOL

"I have always loved my visits to Hotlanta, Gawga."

I have a profound sentimental attachment to Atlanta, seeing that's where my husband was living when we met and where we got married. If it wasn't for the fact that I'd miss my beloved mountains too much and probably wouldn't survive the first summer down there, I'd be willing to live there to be close to the best father and mother (forget that in-law stuff ~ they're FAMILY) in the universe.

Now as far as a place I love to visit but sure wouldn't want to live there..........Memphis (especially Bealle Street ) and New Orleans (except during Mardis Gras :shudder:)

I concur with Denver!!!

I have lived all over in different cities and returned here after college because I love it so much.

All kinds of sports to play and watch, social activities, etc. Plus the winter activities are awesome...and since it is snowing one day and 60 the next, there is no such thing as dirty snow. GORGEOUS!!!

Another north texas vote here! I now live in south texas and miss it soooooooo much! DFW area is supr nice and you can have the smaller city or large city atmosphere. Everything is close, but at far away as you want it and everyone is just generally nice! I love it and I vote for it :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

defenetly denver!
I was born and raised in pa and moved to florida and HATED it - unless you can live on beach it is soo not worth it

denver---lets see cold is not TOO cold and hot is not TOO hot it's perfect 90% of the time - right now the aspen trees are starting to change and the whole moutain range will turn orange and red!

we actually live in broomfield which is just northwest of denver but still only about 10 min to downtown -- It is not very expensive compaired to some states and you can actually find decent work here!

I have lived in Oregon for many years now, and I love it.

I live just a couple of miles from the mighty Columbia River, can see Mt Hood and Mt St Helens most days (unless it's really cloudy), am only about 100 miles from the Pacific Ocean, and less than an hour's drive from the Cascade Mountains. What more could you ask for?

Climate is moderate but with definite changes of season. Maybe a little snow in the winter, but most of it stays on the mountain where it belongs. The rain can be a bit a of a downer sometimes, but it sure keeps things green and beautiful. Summers are wonderful . . . I think we only had maybe 7 days this year that were anywhere near 100. Mostly the summer temps stay right around 80 to 85.

As a native Oregonian I concur that Oregon has a lot to offer. *If* the grey (more than the rain, the grey) did not get me down more and more each winter I would not have left. I lived in a number of places throughout Oregon from a small town of 350 people to Portland (I've also lived in and loved Los Angeles - so I've done little to huge comfortably.) Portland is a welcoming, literate town with a very pedestrian friendly down town. Quite possibly the best bookstore in the country is there, Powell's books. If you like coffee, tea, beer, wine, food, music, or the arts you will enjoy Portland. If you are an activist or active you'll like Portland. There are funky, cool little neighborhoods of all flavors. I felt safe in my neighborhood jogging alone or with my poodle early morning, late night, pretty much anytime. The public transportation is stellar and the city is very bike friendly The grey was just too much for me. There are other Oregon towns such as Eugene or Covallis that might be appealing too.

Me, I'm getting to know Tucson, AZ, as my grad student schedule and budget allows and loving it. Again, good luck in your search. Each of us has different needs and preferences.

San Diego California

Pros
It's beautiful
The weather is perfect almost everyday of the year is between 60 and 80.
Tons of stuff to do, watersports, night life, sporting events
I could go on and on

Cons
Expensive
Expensive
Expensive
I could go on and on

I second this....

We were in San Diego this summer, and I would move there if I could get a visa!!! It is just gorgeous, the people are incredibly friendly and polite, the beaches are amazing, terrific culture, sights, restaurants, etc. It would be expensive to live, but IMHO worth the experience. That would be living!


P.S. That is Mission Bay in my av!