Best place(s) to live?

[Volant]

If you could live/relocate anywhere, where would you go and why?

[dd74]

In the U.S., Ojai, CA - great climate, not a lot of people, good places to ride a bicycle.

Outside the U.S. - Lucca, Italy - great climate, not a lot of people, rich cycling culture. Tuscany mountains.

I'd put in a consolation for Kauai, Hawaii because it's to me the most gorgeous and calm of the five Hawaiian islands.

Malibu, CA is also nice, though very overbuilt now.

[R2D2]

Well I'm partial to North Carolina. Year round riding with multiple varied terrains.
Active race community as well as very active Rando community.
And good BBQ if you like pulled smoke pork.
I'm staying put.

[victoryfactory]

Moab
Too hot in the summer
too cold in the winter
perfect

[Ralph]

I live in Central Florida. Year around riding and year around outdoor sports. It's hard to beat 7-8 months of the year. On the North and West side of the area, almost perfect riding terrain....rolling hills, etc. Terrific 150 mile paved 14' wide trail system to either use or to get you out to the country for good riding.

Drawbacks....3-4 months of year....it's hot and humid...so do my riding early in AM....but still ride year around.

Either visit NC foothills or Colorado front range to get away during hot months.

[AngryScientist]

in the US - Southern California
worldwide - Southern France or Italy

honorable mentioned : somewhere in NZ

[m.skeen]

Well I'm partial to North Carolina. Year round riding with multiple varied terrains.
Active race community as well as very active Rando community.
And good BBQ if you like pulled smoke pork.
I'm staying put.

I have to agree. Although I'm bias, NC is great year round. Cost of living isn't too bad either.

[thwart]

The area around Madison WI isn't too bad.

Lots of varied terrain for cycling, great food choices, reasonable prices for everything, generally friendly folks.

If only we could get rid of the season of that white stuff... :rolleyes:

[maximus]

Charleston, SC for the water and the thought of starting a family and buying a home.

San Francisco, for NorCal cycling and the buzz.

I'm at a truce with DC right now - wonder how long it will hold?

[endosch2]

I need mountains, winter and summer sports - Seattle was pretty close in that when I lived there you could do a road ride in the AM and then drive up to Ski Acres and nordic ski for the afternoon.

I live in NH and it is pretty good with the exception of the shoulder seasons where you cant ride or ski necessarily. Also the unpredictability of snow is bad. The riding is outstanding, I am not sure of where else I could live and have as many choices of any distance you pick, with small hills, major climbs, or flats, and not a traffic light or strip mall or suburban sprawl in sight anywhere..... The only problem is that the riding season is essentially Mid March through Mid October.

[jlyon]

in the US - Southern California
worldwide - Southern France or Italy

honorable mentioned : somewhere in NZ


So Cal around Del Mar if you can afford it if not inland near Temecula.

Southern France almost anywhere but the closer to the ferry to Corsica would be great.

New Zealand - the south is beautiful but the further north you go the warmer more tropical feel is where I would love to be.

[SEABREEZE]

The OP'S question is very subjectve. Climate, cost of living, culture, biking, other outdoor activities, hustle busel (crowed) , slower pace (less people) US or international, age. Many varibles.


If you are a notherner, warmer climates in the winter.
If you are southerner cooler climates in the summer.

Best of both worlds, my vote is San Diego or Hawaii.


If you can swing it monaterly speaking, then where its quiet, not so many people, but close enough to the action, if you want it. In warmer climates in the winter, and cooler climates in the summer.

Personally I like my skiing in the winter, so that would have to be factored in as well.

Each individual will have there prefrences.

Out of the country, It would be Italy for me. Then again there are so many wonderful places around the world.

Someone had a post not to long ago about if they won 100K , what would they do.If I hit the lottery, the above questions would be answered first, fine the ideal living location or locations.... It certainly would have to be hitting he mother load of lotteries, because 100K would not put a dent into the matter.

[Volant]

We've been discussing trying a new part of the globe (US or abroad). Rather than biasing the discussion, I'd just like to know where others have found enjoyable and why. I can then use that to add/delete or narrow our list. We've got family in San Diego (La Jolla) and we like the weather for sure; so that's on the list. I've been wanting to check out Bozeman. And we have some good friends in the south of France who have a vacant home we can use for a while. Of course, it needs to be a place where road and mtb'ing opportunities abound. But, we're really interested in total quality of life (for children too). Thanks!

[OtayBW]

~Asheville, NC (out of town a ways) - beautiful area; great riding; interesting, progressive community; pretty gurls.

~Port Townsend, WA - in the lee/rainshadow of the Olympics; beautiful area; easy access to great sea kayaking; proximity to Seattle; progressive community; pretty gurls.

Hermosilla, MX - great food; pretty gurls.

Tucumcari, NM - pretty gurls.

Many, many more, all with at least one thing in common...

[shorelocal]

Hermosilla, MX - great food; pretty gurls.

I visited there once a few years back ... and it was for a gurl .. haha. Can't say the city itself was anything special though.

I'd love to live the easy life in Costa Rica, but the riding would likely be replaced with surfing.

[fourflys]

well, being military I've loved in just about every part of the country except the Northeast and HI... I'm currently in San Diego and this is by FAR the best for cycling and just in general... BTW- I've spent a lot of time on the Orange Co/LA area the last four years and IMHO San Diego wins hands down... I think the central coast of CA (San Luis Obispo/etc is pretty awesome for riding as well)

BTW- other places I've loved are Alaska, New Orleans, Southern Virginia, Indiana and spent a lot of time in Florida...

Outside of the US? I'd love to try Switzerland... not sure why, just sounds awesome...

[54ny77]

I love Manhattan. The people are friendly, terrific weather all year round, the roads are great, and living is very affordable. :p

[alancw3]

which manhatten is that?

[54ny77]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wb8bAl1P-N0/TIovvH-TiSI/AAAAAAAAQi4/XoiDFpER-pU/s1600/dog+tt.jpeg

which manhatten is that?

[Louis]

Interesting search tool: Find Your Spot . Com (http://www.findyourspot.com/)

[Idris Icabod]

1. Boulder, CO with a second home in the moutains, perhaps Vail
2. San Diego, CA

Is this thread linked to the one asking what we would do with an a$$ load of money? Did you find the cash?

[BillG]

I'd love to live the easy life in Costa Rica, but the riding would likely be replaced with surfing.

And MTB riding!

[johnnymossville]

in a van down by the river.

[kong79]

Somewhere around Dillon CO. I don't ski, but the summer is beautiful up there, and all the riding you can handle.

[dimsy]

I was born in and my family is from a small country on the coast of the adriatic sea called Montenegro. When my dad passed away he left me and my brothers a home and a bunch of land out there. I've visited a few times (raised in nyc since i was 2 years old), and I love the place. Ultimately I plan to retire there. I'm planning a cycling trip there for next summer.

Why?

Beautiful coastline and majestic mountains. I think that says it all. :)

http://www.fun2fly.com/Blog%20photos/montenegro%20coast.jpg
http://www.budvarealestate.com/images/stories/montenegro_coast.jpg
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/5539/montenegrokotorbay.jpg

[dimsy]

I love Manhattan. The people are friendly, terrific weather all year round, the roads are great, and living is very affordable. :p

I see what you did there. :)

[johnnymossville]

I was born in and my family is from a small country on the coast of the adriatic sea called Montenegro. When my dad passed away he left me and my brothers a home and a bunch of land out there. I've visited a few times (raised in nyc since i was 2 years old), and I love the place. Ultimately I plan to retire there. I'm planning a cycling trip there for next summer.

Why?

Beautiful coastline and majestic mountains. I think that says it all. :)

http://www.fun2fly.com/Blog%20photos/montenegro%20coast.jpg
http://www.budvarealestate.com/images/stories/montenegro_coast.jpg
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/5539/montenegrokotorbay.jpg

Dimsy, it sure looks beautiful from those pics. Let us know how your cycling trip goes.

[dimsy]

Dimsy, it sure looks beautiful from those pics. Let us know how your cycling trip goes.

Johnny,

I definitely will. Next year will be 10 years since I last visited and since Montenegro's independence in 06 there has been somewhat of an economic boom with foreign investment and tourism.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4csuA41-g7U&feature=player_embedded

that's a video about the area from which my family came. The area near Lake Skader close to the Albanian border.

Below are some pics from my last visit.

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/6518/n16303568302289825078.jpg
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/1213/n16303568302893264312.jpg
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/6788/n16303568302893274592.jpg
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/4663/n16303568302893284804.jpg
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/1816/n16303568302893295055.jpg
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/4502/n16303568302893305286.jpg
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/9946/n16303568302893315493.jpg


I can hardly wait!

p.s. still working on that tummy!

[bob the nailer]

Im going to cheat a little and say if i had enough money to relocate anywhere I want then I would likely have enough money to have two places, so Evergreen CO if I only had one, but Big Island of Hawaii if I could afford two. I love Kauai but it is not at all bike friendly, the Big I is the bicycling place to be in the islands. Evergreen from April or may to october the hawaii for the winter.

[Pete Serotta]

Im going to cheat a little and say if i had enough money to relocate anywhere I want then I would likely have enough money to have two places, so Evergreen CO if I only had one, but Big Island of Hawaii if I could afford two. I love Kauai but it is not at all bike friendly, the Big I is the bicycling place to be in the islands. Evergreen from April or may to october the hawaii for the winter.

Throughout the year from you for those are my top favorites,although BOB LONGS trip in the spring in south of San Jose by about 2 hours is way up there also (except late summer)

If you need renters let me know,,,,,PETE

[JBone]

I'm fortunate to call San Diego my home, but other places I would like to stay:

Kauai
Lake Como (Northern Italy), probably the best place I've ever visited

[iffyjoe]

I love Manhattan. The people are friendly, terrific weather all year round, the roads are great, and living is very affordable. :p
And apparently the drugs are free.

[sean]

I'd have a hard time leaving SF, but would move to Amsterdam in a minute. I love that place (and no, not because of the red light dist).

[Jeff N.]

To me, there's just San Diego and it's surrounding wasteland. As usual, I wish my Chargers were off to a better start. :crap: Jeff N.

[whforrest]

I grew up in san diego (east county Lakeside) man the riding is/was great in the back country of san diego. (before casino development.) raced with san diego bike club from 1983 to 1990.

lived in chicago for a few years and that was a disaster. cars want to run you over.

lived in east bay sf near mt diablo, overall great riding, a little busy

now we just moved to el dorado hills, ca (30 miles east of sac) off the 50. WOW, WOW...............great riding, many trails, great hills, mountains, thousands of cyclists out here......................rivals san diego without the traffic. now i know why Lemond used to train out here.

Been going to charger games since the 70's, damn they are already killing me.

happy cycling, bill

[dancinkozmo]

..im somewhat surprised, shocked even, that no one has mentioned Flint MI yet.

http://www.flintexpats.com/

[Zoomie80]

I've lived in:
- San Pedro, CA
- Kingsville, TX
- Waipahu and Pearl Harbor, HI
- Alameda and Vacaville, CA
- Belleville, IL (approx 30 mins from St Louis)
- Bellevue, WA
- C-Springs, CO
- Alexandria and Fairfax Station, VA
- Wichita, KS

I'm currently living in Fairfax County. Looking out the aircraft window as we approach for landing at Dulles IAP, it just "feels right" to be here. The only other place I've had that feeling is flying into SeaTac so I would relocate to the Seattle and Eastside area in a heartbeat. Fairfax County or Seattle area, both have trees, close proximity to bodies of water, numerous parks and recreational venues, moderate winters, and good riding!

Cheers,
Zoomie

[2LeftCleats]

I'm liking Bloomington, IN. Lots of culture with Indiana U the huge draw. Great music and music school. Terrific for runners and cyclists. Even short rides are challenging here with barely any flat miles and some strenuous, if not terribly long hills. Active cycling community with many serious racers emerging. The city is very bike-aware. Progressive politically. 5 miles is a long commute. Virtually any ethnic food choice within several blocks. Second home of the Dalai Lama. Very affordable housing. Large lake several miles south. Yeah, I know, it snows here. And the summers can be sauna-like. And there's a few rednecks. Those just make the cycling and running more interesting. Anyone can enjoy life in SoCal. Takes a real man to enjoy it here.

[tribuddha]

I live in yountville,ca ( the middle of the Napa valley) great weather most of the year.. ride the coast, the mountains or rollers.. beautiful scenery and great eats.. what else is there??

[slowandsteady]

I live in yountville,ca ( the middle of the Napa valley) great weather most of the year.. ride the coast, the mountains or rollers.. beautiful scenery and great eats.. what else is there??

I was in Napa in May for a 4 day wknd wedding. What an incredible place. I totally fell in love with the peacefullness and beauty of the area. Friends moved there 6 years ago and will never move again. How long have you lived there? Can you tell us a bit more about what living/riding there is like...how about proximity to the ocean and surfing etc.

[swithouski]

Live in San Francisco.
Have lived in: San Diego & Boulder. Absolutely love all three cities. Where to next?

Anybody live in or around Palo Alto? I work down there and commute from SF. Thinking about just moving....

[tribuddha]

I was in Napa in May for a 4 day wknd wedding. What an incredible place. I totally fell in love with the peacefullness and beauty of the area. Friends moved there 6 years ago and will never move again. How long have you lived there? Can you tell us a bit more about what living/riding there is like...how about proximity to the ocean and surfing etc.

slow and steady,I have lived here in yountville for over 20 years and I grew up a bit further south . living here is almost perfect ( prices are insane) with healthy living and farm fresh food a major part of the lifestyle as you experienced it is a mostly quite area with lots of vineyards and some rolling hills and some nice climbs. Lots of athletes around which makes for a great community for riding, running etc.. ( amgen comes through every year here) once you get off the main roads the rides are great with light traffic. One of the best parts is Sonoma county is right next door. This provides access to the coast and while a bike ride to the coat form here is a long ride it is doable. Surfing on the north coast is for the very hardy ( I am not a surfer) but maverics is about 2 hours south as is santa cruz and some lenegndary locations like steamer lane etc.. coome on out and ridehttp://forums.thepaceline.net/newreply.php#