[kdm31091]

Based on the following criteria, can anyone recommend a state?

*4 seasons climate, with a good deal of snow but not overly too much
*Not hugely crowded, semi-rural or medium sized, but near shopping and jobs, etc
*Gay friendly
*Low crime
*Not huge tax burden overall

Those 5 are the basics. Let's see what I get. :)

[a1m1700]

kdm31091 said:

Based on the following criteria, can anyone recommend a state?

*4 seasons climate, with a good deal of snow but not overly too much
*Not hugely crowded, semi-rural or medium sized, but near shopping and jobs, etc
*Gay friendly
*Low crime
*Not huge tax burden overall

Those 5 are the basics. Let's see what I get. :)

New Paltz New York.

[RodFarlee]

Boulder/Ft. Collins CO might be the best fit?

Madison WI, Ithaca NY and Ann Arbor MI have higher taxes and harsher winters, tho' they are highly attractive in many ways.

There are some spots along the Sierra foothills, such as Grass Valley CA, that you might find pleasant, too?

[cleozmom]

I was actually thinking pretty much the Grass Valley/Susanville/Applegate area in CA myself and Rodfarlee even mentioned Grass Valley

[kdm31091]

But California really isn't affordable. I see Susanville is very northern Cali. I hate to be a snotty snob but if I'm gonna be in Cali, I'd rather be in a gay friendly area near San Fran or Disneyland or SOMETHING.

However I know those areas will not be getting less expensive anytime soon, at least not substantially.

[cleozmom]

kdm31091 said:

But California really isn't affordable. I see Susanville is very northern Cali. I hate to be a snotty snob but if I'm gonna be in Cali, I'd rather be in a gay friendly area near San Fran or Disneyland or SOMETHING.

However I know those areas will not be getting less expensive anytime soon, at least not substantially.

There's not many places in CA that aren't gay friendly.

Sheesh, my own cousin surprised me about Idaho when he was planning on coming for a visit. He pointed gay hangouts that I never knew existed Surprises around every corner on some days.

[NHYRNUT]

Concord NH meets all the critaria.

[MyAzi]

kdm31091 said:

Based on the following criteria, can anyone recommend a state?

*4 seasons climate, with a good deal of snow but not overly too much
*Not hugely crowded, semi-rural or medium sized, but near shopping and jobs, etc
*Gay friendly
*Low crime
*Not huge tax burden overall

Those 5 are the basics. Let's see what I get. :)

You can get that here where I live in Western WA... taxes are a bit more here in King County but just outside this county it is much better.

[kdm31091]

Cool! Any more suggestions? I love you guys - you're so nice and helpful. Not a hint of citycaca mentality here...

[kdm31091]

Any more ideas, guys? A few cities I've found that maybe you could comment:

Rochester NY - major issue being not a lot of jobs

Astoria OR - don't know if it's liberal, but it looks really nice

I do prefer a rainier/snowier climate rather then sunny. I don't know why, rain is cool and snow rocks.

[RodFarlee]

kdm31091 said:

Any more ideas, guys? A few cities I've found that maybe you could comment:

Rochester NY - major issue being not a lot of jobs

Astoria OR - don't know if it's liberal, but it looks really nice

I do prefer a rainier/snowier climate rather then sunny. I don't know why, rain is cool and snow rocks.

May I suggest Syracuse over Rochester? Both have several universities, but Syracuse seems a bit closer fit to the atmosphere you seek, and if anything even more affordable (due to the jobs issue)? Better lakes, too. (I haven't lived there, so these are only vague feelings, others would know better than I.)

Astoria OR you'd find very comfortable re lifestyle; no snow through! And it is a tad pricy nowadays, near suburban Portland prices I'd guess. It's a mix of new and old, mill and shore, liberal and family-oriented. Has a niche for everyone.

[kdm31091]

Here I go being fickle. I know I'm considering Florida but just for fun, what are some cities safe from most natural disasters (quakes, tornadoes, hurricanes) but also get some snow? Just want some ideas. I know nowhere is 100% safe, but with a lower chance maybe?

[MyAzi]

kdm31091 said:

Here I go being fickle. I know I'm considering Florida but just for fun, what are some cities safe from most natural disasters (quakes, tornadoes, hurricanes) but also get some snow? Just want some ideas. I know nowhere is 100% safe, but with a lower chance maybe?

if one place had it all and were perfect then we would all live there and it would be so overpriced...

hmmm snow in Fla I would be curious to see what area gets that down there. I have heard of areas getting that freak snow storm but don't know of any area that gets it seasonally...

[Sekretgardengal]

How about the Pensacola area of Florida? They sometimes get snow but there could also be hurricanes.

[Wyody]

kdm31091 said:

Based on the following criteria, can anyone recommend a state?

*4 seasons climate, with a good deal of snow but not overly too much
*Not hugely crowded, semi-rural or medium sized, but near shopping and jobs, etc
*Gay friendly
*Low crime
*Not huge tax burden overall

Those 5 are the basics. Let's see what I get. :)

www.findyourspot.com

[popeyeralph]

If you do relocate to the Flathead Valley, Kalispell, Montana and surrounding area I would definitely look at foreclosures. I have been following some in the Daily Inter Lake where they are published and there are some real bargains to be had. I've attended some auctions at the courthouse. Some real bargains and even when there were no bidders have seen others approach the
leinholder and negotiate to take over the mortgage. Could be a sweet deal.

[Hoosierland King]

I know this is way late to post a response but the Indianapolis,IN metropolitan area fits the specified criteria to a T.