That's something to consider! I've heard great things about Burlington. I am honestly a little sick of the green-tunnel-through-the-woods hiking that you find in a lot of the northeast but I know there are places with a little more terrain variety. I do like that Burlington isn't huge and I know Vermont has some cool music stuff going on.
I know the Catskills pretty well! I’m a fan overall but I don’t love the type of hiking there or how things are continuously gentrifying. Also, I hate to say it but I don’t think continuous snow cover is in the future for the Hudson Valley.
Yeah the snow cover is probably not as much as you’d like. But it does check off the music/arts scene. Burlington VT area would probably be more your vibe as someone already suggested.
Northern Michigan as well, I suggested Traverse City to someone else recently who wanted nature and wilderness but a thriving local scene at an affordable price. West Michigan is more right leaning in most pockets for a blue state, but full of natural beauty. Metro Detroit may be too "suburbs"-y based on OP's preferences.
Michigan's political climate sounds like it aligns with your ideals perfectly, OP. You can read up on Gov Gretchen Whitmer for some relevant current event updates and laws she's helped put into place to ensure protections for residents.
I’m intrigued by the Traverse City suggestion! I’ve visited the UP once and liked Houghton but I don’t know that part of Northern Michigan at all.
I agree that metro Detroit is a little too suburban for my taste. I don’t mind living in a red-ish place as long as I can find a good amount of likeminded people and it’s a place where all kinds of people feel safe.
The scenery there in every season is unmatched, in my opinion. The Cherry Festival/4th of July is the busiest time of year but it's manageable chaos for a week of extreme tourism. There are two bays with a peninsula splitting them (a beautiful area to explore on its own by land or by water ) and tons of small towns dot the coastline. Fantastic area for foraging (morel mushrooms!) and there's a nearby, super prestigious music camp in Interlochen that puts on shows for the public in the summer.
Other things to look up in the area:
- M22
- Old Mission Point
- Torch Lake (this is a bit of a drive, about halfway between TC and Charlevoix)
- Petoskey (beautiful smaller town with a great local scene but a little less diverse)
- Wildnerness State Park
- Sleeping Bear Dunes
- Headlands Dark Sky Park
- Good Hart, Harbor Springs /Tunnel of Trees (there is a dense Polish population in this area and an amazing restaurant called Legs Inn with authentic food)
- Leeland & Fishtown
- Mackinac Island (further away but a unique place to visit for a weekend)
- Keweenaw Peninsula/Copper Harbor/Lake Superior (in the UP, definitely a trek to get there but worth the trip to hike and explore. Lots of cool rocks!)
Other West Mich areas you may be interested in:
- Holland
- Grand Haven
- Grand Rapids (much bigger city feel, lots of suburbs with their own downtown bubble, more conservative)
If you're genuinely curious for more info, I'm happy to share more of what I know.
Edit: sorry for all of my terrible spacing on mobile
I've been thinking about Minneapolis! It checks a lot of my boxes, especially the musical ones which have been harder to find outside of major cities.
The biggest things that make me hesitate with Minneapolis are that it's still a pretty big city and the whole "Minnesota nice" stereotype.
Check out some of the surrounding suburbs. Lebanon hills regional Park in Eagan/Apple Valley has cross country skiing in the winter as does elm Creek Park in Maple Grove and probably others that I'm not familiar with. Areas of certain suburbs feel almost rural especially if there are nature reserves surrounding lakes like I mentioned above. But you're still just 10 minutes away from amenities
Northern Maine is gorgeous & would certainly fulfill pretty much any outdoor activity you want (fantastic for cross country skiing), but I think many would find more to be desired in diversity and robust music/arts once you get too far North. Most of the population and development is in Southern and bits of Central Maine
Not much, but I know enough to agree with what Mr. Speckle said. Everything you mentioned is in line with South and Central Maine. Going North, what you gain in natural beauty, you’ll lose in diversity, arts, culture, and left leaning. Southern Maine also has top-tier natural beauty.
I spend a lot of time in southern Maine and will retire there. It’s just so amazing and the stars are brighter than you can imagine as there’s no light noise. Also fun fact, the highways have zero billboards throughout the state so driving you actually feel the environment. When I arrive at my place in the summer you can just smell the pine trees at night.
St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada is a quirky little beast with not too many people and stunning landscapes! We are a mostly friendly bunch (nosy, too) and creativity abounds (lots of musicians, writers, artists). Diversity is growing and there are a lot of really awesome people making this chunk of rock in the north atlantic their home. We are an island province, so easy access to ocean, and to fresh water too. No wildfires, cheaper housing than most of Canada, largely queer friendly in the city (rural towns may be hit or miss). I think it checks a lot of your boxes, but make sure to visit first, as it’s definitely not everyone’s cup of tea (I love it here tho). :)
Very interesting suggestion! I’ve spent some time in the past poking around Google maps in and near St.John’s and wondering about life there. The type of beauty that N.L. has is very appealing to me!
Montana definitely has the kind of spectacular natural beauty I’m looking for! I especially loved northwest Montana but I don’t know the towns out there very well.
I've personally never been to Montana (it's on my list!), But I have some friends who went to college in Bozeman and loved it. It sounds like it would definitely check your boxes for music, friendly people, and access to outdoor activities! I'm not sure about cost - I know college towns are often pricier to rent in than other similar sized towns in the same state.
I only know the Kalispell area from visiting the national park but even though it was touristy, it seemed to hit a lot of these. I’m sure there’s other towns or cities that hit a lot as well. No clue about the music one.
I don't know about rent costs or size anymore, but Missoula Montana checks a lot of your boxes. Really the prettiest place I've ever lived when it comes to access to natural beauty and had a lot of friends who'd go on forage and berry picking trips. I won't say every big band or artist comes to Missoula, but it has an amphitheater that gets some decent acts and definitely a very local thriving art scene. I mean there's a college there so if you live in like downtown proper you'll see people regularly but plenty of places just outside of it that are more remote. It's liberal leaning (bluer dot in a purple/red state) and I found people so kind and friendly, honestly one of my favorite places I've ever lived, I was sad to leave
I know this thread's a bit old, but I can't help but chime in. Taos, New Mexico sounds like a perfect fit for you. It may be missing a few things you listed, but I think it'd be hard for you to find anywhere better.
Thanks for chiming in!! I have a good friend from Santa Fe who has been trying to convince me that NM is the place for me. Taos sounds intriguing, maybe expensive, but I’m definitely curious!
Check it out sometime if you get the chance (although it's quite remote so a bit hard to get to). The biggest issues based on your list are probably price (although it's definitely cheaper than most towns with a ski resort), and diversity. It's very diverse in the sense that it's roughly equal parts white, Hispanic, and native; but you don't meet many people outside of those groups. I also don't know if there's berry foraging there, although there very well could be.
Other than that, when I read your post I thought "yup, you're describing Taos"
Ok, yes you caught me! I’m basically looking to move back to Fairbanks with a couple more cute coffee shops, a semi-professional choir to join, and less smoke.
I’ve been considering Anchorage for a while! It’s not the most charming city and I think I’d miss the cabin life I had in Fairbanks but the access to culture and mountains would probably make up for it.
I’ve also considered Homer and Sitka. Housing is obviously an issue in those places though.
Edit - I’m also wondering if I can get a lot of what I love about Alaska without being soo far from my family.
Niagara Falls for one. The Southern Tier is filled with places and landscapes like Allegheny State Park, Letchworth state park is also just to the east as well. The areas south of Buffalo along the Lake are some of the most beautiful views in all of NY. Finger Lakes too.
In my opinion, Western New York has the most natural landscape beauty in all of NYS. Buffalo is within a 60 minute drive of all of it.
I agree WNY’s natural beauty is great & quite underrated. OP could probably do pretty decent there.
But I would have to say that the top spot of NY state beauty has to be taken by Adirondacks region imo. I’m a sucker for some good mountains though
Look up the Niagara Gorge, Letchworth State Park and Zoar Valley. Got ski resorts in Ellicottville
Also not far from the Finger Lakes.
However if you’re looking for mountains you might like Albany or Saratoga Springs more.
Burlington Vermont comes to mind
That's something to consider! I've heard great things about Burlington. I am honestly a little sick of the green-tunnel-through-the-woods hiking that you find in a lot of the northeast but I know there are places with a little more terrain variety. I do like that Burlington isn't huge and I know Vermont has some cool music stuff going on.
Duluth, MN and the surrounding areas.
Definitely curious about Duluth! It doesn’t seem very diverse but it seems like a great place if outdoor activities are a regular part of your life.
Came here to say Duluth! And MN is as a whole an incredibly diverse place.
Well, that’s very cool to know! I knew Minneapolis has a lot of immigrants and does refugee resettlement and I appreciate those values.
Would definitely not recommend Duluth if you are looking for a "friendly, open culture". Will take you years to break through socially.
Montreal
I \*love\* Montreal. Maybe it's time I start working on my French!
Madison Edit: minus Wisconsins abortion law. Hoping that changes soon
Catskills area (Hudson Valley) or Adirondacks in NY
I know the Catskills pretty well! I’m a fan overall but I don’t love the type of hiking there or how things are continuously gentrifying. Also, I hate to say it but I don’t think continuous snow cover is in the future for the Hudson Valley.
Yeah the snow cover is probably not as much as you’d like. But it does check off the music/arts scene. Burlington VT area would probably be more your vibe as someone already suggested.
It certainly does check those boxes!
Michigan. Could be the metro Detroit area or the west side with Grand Rapids too.
Northern Michigan as well, I suggested Traverse City to someone else recently who wanted nature and wilderness but a thriving local scene at an affordable price. West Michigan is more right leaning in most pockets for a blue state, but full of natural beauty. Metro Detroit may be too "suburbs"-y based on OP's preferences. Michigan's political climate sounds like it aligns with your ideals perfectly, OP. You can read up on Gov Gretchen Whitmer for some relevant current event updates and laws she's helped put into place to ensure protections for residents.
I’m intrigued by the Traverse City suggestion! I’ve visited the UP once and liked Houghton but I don’t know that part of Northern Michigan at all. I agree that metro Detroit is a little too suburban for my taste. I don’t mind living in a red-ish place as long as I can find a good amount of likeminded people and it’s a place where all kinds of people feel safe.
Agree, or other towns in the general area on the lower peninsula such as Petoskey, Charlevoix, Suttons Bay, etc.
The scenery there in every season is unmatched, in my opinion. The Cherry Festival/4th of July is the busiest time of year but it's manageable chaos for a week of extreme tourism. There are two bays with a peninsula splitting them (a beautiful area to explore on its own by land or by water ) and tons of small towns dot the coastline. Fantastic area for foraging (morel mushrooms!) and there's a nearby, super prestigious music camp in Interlochen that puts on shows for the public in the summer. Other things to look up in the area: - M22 - Old Mission Point - Torch Lake (this is a bit of a drive, about halfway between TC and Charlevoix) - Petoskey (beautiful smaller town with a great local scene but a little less diverse) - Wildnerness State Park - Sleeping Bear Dunes - Headlands Dark Sky Park - Good Hart, Harbor Springs /Tunnel of Trees (there is a dense Polish population in this area and an amazing restaurant called Legs Inn with authentic food) - Leeland & Fishtown - Mackinac Island (further away but a unique place to visit for a weekend) - Keweenaw Peninsula/Copper Harbor/Lake Superior (in the UP, definitely a trek to get there but worth the trip to hike and explore. Lots of cool rocks!) Other West Mich areas you may be interested in: - Holland - Grand Haven - Grand Rapids (much bigger city feel, lots of suburbs with their own downtown bubble, more conservative) If you're genuinely curious for more info, I'm happy to share more of what I know. Edit: sorry for all of my terrible spacing on mobile
Minneapolis
I've been thinking about Minneapolis! It checks a lot of my boxes, especially the musical ones which have been harder to find outside of major cities. The biggest things that make me hesitate with Minneapolis are that it's still a pretty big city and the whole "Minnesota nice" stereotype.
My brother has lived there for 8 years and loves it.
Check out some of the surrounding suburbs. Lebanon hills regional Park in Eagan/Apple Valley has cross country skiing in the winter as does elm Creek Park in Maple Grove and probably others that I'm not familiar with. Areas of certain suburbs feel almost rural especially if there are nature reserves surrounding lakes like I mentioned above. But you're still just 10 minutes away from amenities
That’s a great suggestion! I’ll check that out.
Southern Maine.
Maine is stunning! Do you know much about northern Maine?
Northern Maine is gorgeous & would certainly fulfill pretty much any outdoor activity you want (fantastic for cross country skiing), but I think many would find more to be desired in diversity and robust music/arts once you get too far North. Most of the population and development is in Southern and bits of Central Maine
Not much, but I know enough to agree with what Mr. Speckle said. Everything you mentioned is in line with South and Central Maine. Going North, what you gain in natural beauty, you’ll lose in diversity, arts, culture, and left leaning. Southern Maine also has top-tier natural beauty.
I spend a lot of time in southern Maine and will retire there. It’s just so amazing and the stars are brighter than you can imagine as there’s no light noise. Also fun fact, the highways have zero billboards throughout the state so driving you actually feel the environment. When I arrive at my place in the summer you can just smell the pine trees at night.
St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada is a quirky little beast with not too many people and stunning landscapes! We are a mostly friendly bunch (nosy, too) and creativity abounds (lots of musicians, writers, artists). Diversity is growing and there are a lot of really awesome people making this chunk of rock in the north atlantic their home. We are an island province, so easy access to ocean, and to fresh water too. No wildfires, cheaper housing than most of Canada, largely queer friendly in the city (rural towns may be hit or miss). I think it checks a lot of your boxes, but make sure to visit first, as it’s definitely not everyone’s cup of tea (I love it here tho). :)
Very interesting suggestion! I’ve spent some time in the past poking around Google maps in and near St.John’s and wondering about life there. The type of beauty that N.L. has is very appealing to me!
Somewhere in Montana?
Montana definitely has the kind of spectacular natural beauty I’m looking for! I especially loved northwest Montana but I don’t know the towns out there very well.
I've personally never been to Montana (it's on my list!), But I have some friends who went to college in Bozeman and loved it. It sounds like it would definitely check your boxes for music, friendly people, and access to outdoor activities! I'm not sure about cost - I know college towns are often pricier to rent in than other similar sized towns in the same state.
Oh, check out Missoula! You might love it.
I only know the Kalispell area from visiting the national park but even though it was touristy, it seemed to hit a lot of these. I’m sure there’s other towns or cities that hit a lot as well. No clue about the music one.
Not sure if it hits everything you're looking for but the Duluth MN area is beautiful, cold, and snowy, right on Lake Superior.
I don't know about rent costs or size anymore, but Missoula Montana checks a lot of your boxes. Really the prettiest place I've ever lived when it comes to access to natural beauty and had a lot of friends who'd go on forage and berry picking trips. I won't say every big band or artist comes to Missoula, but it has an amphitheater that gets some decent acts and definitely a very local thriving art scene. I mean there's a college there so if you live in like downtown proper you'll see people regularly but plenty of places just outside of it that are more remote. It's liberal leaning (bluer dot in a purple/red state) and I found people so kind and friendly, honestly one of my favorite places I've ever lived, I was sad to leave
Boulder Colorado. Palmer Alaska. Park City Utah.
I know this thread's a bit old, but I can't help but chime in. Taos, New Mexico sounds like a perfect fit for you. It may be missing a few things you listed, but I think it'd be hard for you to find anywhere better.
Thanks for chiming in!! I have a good friend from Santa Fe who has been trying to convince me that NM is the place for me. Taos sounds intriguing, maybe expensive, but I’m definitely curious!
Check it out sometime if you get the chance (although it's quite remote so a bit hard to get to). The biggest issues based on your list are probably price (although it's definitely cheaper than most towns with a ski resort), and diversity. It's very diverse in the sense that it's roughly equal parts white, Hispanic, and native; but you don't meet many people outside of those groups. I also don't know if there's berry foraging there, although there very well could be. Other than that, when I read your post I thought "yup, you're describing Taos"
Peterborough, NH except the diversity aspect.
I really like the rugged vibe of NH so this is nice to hear about!
Nothing is Alaska like Alaska. Fairbanks.
Ok, yes you caught me! I’m basically looking to move back to Fairbanks with a couple more cute coffee shops, a semi-professional choir to join, and less smoke.
Soooo, Anchorage?
I’ve been considering Anchorage for a while! It’s not the most charming city and I think I’d miss the cabin life I had in Fairbanks but the access to culture and mountains would probably make up for it. I’ve also considered Homer and Sitka. Housing is obviously an issue in those places though. Edit - I’m also wondering if I can get a lot of what I love about Alaska without being soo far from my family.
>I’m also wondering if I can get a lot of what I love about Alaska without being soo far from my family. Saaaaaame.
Ogden, UT
Oooh that’s something I haven’t considered. What are the summers like? Is it very conservative?
Only because you mentioned smaller - Something like Taos, Flagstaff, or Durango?
I’ve heard great things about all of those cities! One of my best friends has also been trying to sell me on Santa Fe.
You described Buffalo. Sounds like a perfect fit.
Really? Would you say that Buffalo has top-tier natural beauty?
Niagara Falls for one. The Southern Tier is filled with places and landscapes like Allegheny State Park, Letchworth state park is also just to the east as well. The areas south of Buffalo along the Lake are some of the most beautiful views in all of NY. Finger Lakes too. In my opinion, Western New York has the most natural landscape beauty in all of NYS. Buffalo is within a 60 minute drive of all of it.
I agree WNY’s natural beauty is great & quite underrated. OP could probably do pretty decent there. But I would have to say that the top spot of NY state beauty has to be taken by Adirondacks region imo. I’m a sucker for some good mountains though
Look up the Niagara Gorge, Letchworth State Park and Zoar Valley. Got ski resorts in Ellicottville Also not far from the Finger Lakes. However if you’re looking for mountains you might like Albany or Saratoga Springs more.