Where would you like to call home?

[bentstrider]

Okay, to take a break from all my other threads, I've decided to start this one.

I've lived in the California desert since I was 4 (25 now), and enjoy it, but with Los Angeles being re-gentrified and all the scum being chased over to here, I'm seeking out other spots.

Doesn't matter if I miraculously stick to driving, or get a degree/cert of some type, but the small desert towns of Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas are all looking quite appealing to me now.

While driving with Swift, I encountered and stopped in many of these towns while enroute to various destinations and found an otherworldly charm that just beckoned me to want to settle down there.

Aside from being small and relatively peaceful, there also seems to be a decent mix in the age-demographic at the adjacent colleges/universities, not to mention the hot weather I'm accustomed to.

[golfhobo]

An east facing house on the west side hills of either Albuquerque or Las Cruces, New Mexico.

When the sun sets behind you (and not in your eyes,) it lights up the mountains on the east side like they were gold!

During the winter, drive horizontally on I-40 or I-10.... and during the summer, drive north on I-25 into the most beautiful country!

It is my dream, also, to someday live in one of these areas and drive the "Western 11" region.

Hope you find your dream, Strider! Living without one really sux! I KNOW about that.

[Mr. Ford95]

I want the Dakota's or Montana as retirement. If that can't happen, Mississippi isn't too bad around US 45. Only downside is the hot and humid summer's along with tornadoes in the winter time.

[Orangetxguy]

IF I was 25...again...I would want to live in Hermosa Beach. Just off the PCH somewhere. Spend every free moment on the beach, getting to know every girl I could!!

IF I was 35...again.....I would want to live in Southwestern Montana....because I would still be young enough to handle the hard work that comes with ranch life.

IF I was 45....again...I would choose Corpus Christie TX...because I like it down there.

When I'm 55...I will just have to see where it is I am located!! Right now...I like where I am...but there is someone I wouldn't mind have living here too!

[Jimbpard]

I'd love to live in Vermont.
Up until 2 years ago, my uncle used to have a ski resort in a small "town" called Bolton Valley, which is about 30 minutes east of Burlington. He since "retired", moved to New Mexico and bought a chain of gas stations..
Anyway...It is freaking BEAUTIFUL up there!
The mountains up there are amazing.
From the balconys of his in, you could see a huge section of the adirondack mountains. UNBELIEVABLE on a summer night with the stars.
My wife and I actually got married there....In the woods!
I think we may make it back up for one of our anniversaries. Time will tell.
But other than there, I really cant think of another place that I'd LOVE to live.
Good thread by the way.

[Orangetxguy]

I want the Dakota's or Montana as retirement. If that can't happen, Mississippi isn't too bad around US 45. Only downside is the hot and humid summer's along with tornadoes in the winter time.

Two of those states, MT & ND, will tax your retirement income..but you can live there if you want.

[bentstrider]

Hermosa seems cool enough, but as with other areas of Califrownia, over-priced up the Ying-Yang.

Now as far as big cities go, Albuquerque, Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson, and even El Paso seem to suit me just fine.

Of all the people I know in my age group, I'm basically the only person that seems to enjoy anything in the desert.

Looks like No-Cal for everyone else I know.

[Orangetxguy]

I lived in Farmington NM for 4 years, before moving to Long Beach CA. The 4-corners is an excellent place to live..........with plenty of incredible everything. Tucson is ok...if you live EAST of town..out by Benson. (Tombstone)

Living here in Orange TX is great. Small town, no traffic, lot's of good eating places through-out the area...yet only an hour & a quarter from Houston. 3 & 1/2 hours to New Orleans. Plus...fishing out on the gulf is easy!

[GMAN]

I think Corpus Christi, TX would be a great place to live. If you like the high desert and night life coupled with a small town atmosphere then Reno much be to your taste. You always have Las Vegas if you prefer the larger towns. There are many towns of varying sizes throughout the west. The entire western U.S. is a desert. If you plan on staying in this business I suggest you find a place near a major interstate. It will be much easier to get home.

[Mr. Ford95]

Two of those states, MT & ND, will tax your retirement income..but you can live there if you want.

Did not know that Stan. Guess I will rescind that list and make it South Dakota or Miss.

[Snowman7]

I need two homes. For me it would be at the end of a dirt road in the UP and look like this...



But my wife wants something a little warmer on a beach...

[dobry4u]

My semi-retirement dream is to run a rum stand in Jamaica

[Snowman7]

My semi-retirement dream is to run a rum stand in Jamaica

If you need a room mate my wife would go in a heartbeat.

[marcel27208]

The Dalles, Oregon mild summers cold winters

[Syncrosonix]

toledo, oregon: small town nestled within a wooded area with a georgia pacific mill in town. it's about 10 miles east of newport, and us101. there's also a skatepark in town. can't beat that with a stick! it's one of those small towns that you can walk to any local establishment. oh yeah, you can also park a semi at gate 3 of the georgia pacific mill without any trouble.

colorado springs or brighton, co: simply because it's pretty as can be over there. i love going to colorado because it's a very laid back state, and i absolutely love the music scene in denver.

[bentstrider]

I concur with you on Oregon as well as Washington.

I like deserts and all, but both of those states also have their own, unique charm about them.

That and I think it's kind of cool how you could actually see forests from both Seattle and Portland, respectively.

Then again, people always tend to ask me,"If you love the Pacific Northwest, then why do you harbor so much hate for Northern California?"

I always say, "Negative energy in the soil, Bay Area is too bland, Mt Shasta has aliens in it., etc"

I just manage to survive going through there due to cool things on either end of that region

[CaliTrucker]

I lived in Denver for a while right after high school and liked it but I wouldn't want to be downtown, but within a short drive of downtown in case I wanted something to do.

Another option would be Casper, WY or thereabout. I grew up in wyoming and wouldn't mind moving back.

[bentstrider]

I lived in Denver for a while right after high school and liked it but I wouldn't want to be downtown, but within a short drive of downtown in case I wanted something to do.

Another option would be Casper, WY or thereabout. I grew up in wyoming and wouldn't mind moving back.

Wyoming would probably be another ideal place.

The cold would be a whole, 'nother issue though.

[cdswans]

. . but with or without him, I'm going.

[mommee]

I'd love to live in Vermont.
Up until 2 years ago, my uncle used to have a ski resort in a small "town" called Bolton Valley, which is about 30 minutes east of Burlington. He since "retired", moved to New Mexico and bought a chain of gas stations..
Anyway...It is freaking BEAUTIFUL up there!
The mountains up there are amazing.
From the balconys of his in, you could see a huge section of the adirondack mountains. UNBELIEVABLE on a summer night with the stars.
My wife and I actually got married there....In the woods!
I think we may make it back up for one of our anniversaries. Time will tell.
But other than there, I really cant think of another place that I'd LOVE to live.
Good thread by the way.

i'd live in vermont. i would go skiing there every winter up at killington. it is beautiful up there. actually, i'd live to live anywhere i can ski.