Where would you move?

[cormacmacguardhe]

Having lived on both sides of Washington state, I will say that either side is quite pleasant. I currently live in the foothills of the Washington Cascades, about half way between Bellingham and Mt Baker. I also think that anywhere north of San Fransisco along the coast is very beautiful. I did live in south Florida for several years, never again. Moved here because I was born in this area, my wife is also from here, so we moved back 12 years ago.

[Laird_M]

Personally I'd either move to Scotland for the food and culture or to Sri Lanka, again for the food and the culture and also the weather.

Both places I feel that I could really fit in.

[denmcdough]

I'd love to retire to the Adirondack Mountains of NY....specifically, Lake Placid region.

[creagdhubh]

I am originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and love what the city has to offer there. Not only is there a plethora of things to do for all tastes, but it is also a great place to start and raise a family. St. Louis is also central to an abundancy of other interesting cities such as Chicago, Memphis, and Kansas City. There is also a strong Scottish community there that is very active. The weather in St. Louis is typical for a midwestern state. All four seasons do exist and it can get very cold and snowy in the winter, and very not and humid in the summer. Fall and spring are just superb in St. Louis.

I have also lived in eastern North Carolina (whilst serving in the USMC), right on the coast of the Atlantic ocean (Jacksonville, Sneads Ferry, Morehead City, Emerald Isle, Wilmington, Swansboro, New Bern, etc), and absolutely enjoyed my time there. There is so much to do and the people are very friendly. It is somewhat of a 'beach' lifestyle, but far different from California types. Eastern North Carolina is rich in history, traditions, and culture. The weather is typical coastal weather with a good amount of rain and storms during the winter and spring months and into summer as well, when hurricane season approaches. It can get hot and humid during the summer, and I have even seen a bit of light snow in the winter!

And last, but certainly not least, is Scotland. Specifically the central Highlands (near Thistledown and not far from Jock Scot) near the towns of Kingussie, Kincraig, Inverness, Aviemore, Grantown-on-Spey, Laggan, Dalwhinnie, Newtonmore, etc. This area is called Inverness-shire, and is such a beautiful and somewhat remote part of Scotland, but not a far cry from larger cities such as Perth in nearby Perthshire, Dundee, and Edinburgh. I have family that lives in Kingussie, and have visited them many times - it's always a real treat being in that part of Scotland. It is so quiet, scenic, lots to do, and the people (a lot of whom are indeed Macphersons) are extremely hospitable, friendly, and warm. The weather in central Scotland is your typical Scottish Highland weather - virtually unpredictable - which I love.

Looks like you have many options, but first, find a good job!

Cheers and best of luck!

[Frank McGrath]

I was born and raised in Montgomery County, Md. MoCo borders DC (the best museums in the world) The Potomac river(fishing and boating and hiking) Frederick County and Prince Georges County. 18 years ago, My wife and I decided to leave the comfort of Montgomery County and move 60 miles north to Carroll County, land of My mother's family.
I would not leave Maryland. We have the best of all worlds. To the west, the Blue Ridge Mountains. To the east, Ocean and the beaches. Of course, we are still close to DC, but Baltimore has its pros and cons. 3 hours to Philly, 5 to New York. We have the Northeast Corridor for travel North and south by rail. Housing prices are low now and there are plenty available. We are close to govt contractors and with BARC, Fort Meade are is growing.

Be it ever so Humble, there's now place like Home. Maryland Is Home.



But if I win the lottery tomorrow, I'm moving to Austria.

[Nick the DSM]

North Carolina!

[Joshua]

My wife and I have been discussing this for quite some time.

I grew up in Western North Carolina, living in Haywood County for most of my pre-teen years and moving to Asheville when I was 12 years old...

I moved here to Florida when I was 19.

6 years or so later, I brought my new wife to Western North Carolina and I was angry at all the changes. The real estate was insane, the downtown area was extremely trendy and not at all like the hometown I had loved, and I was completely bent out of shape about it.

In may of last year, I flew up solo, to visit my high school friend's band who had just got signed and were having a record release party. I realized that my angst about the changing town was "much ado about nothing", it was still "home" to me.

My wife and I have looked at New Hampshire, Colorado, Arizona, and even for a brief time (when I had a job opportunity), Northeastern UK for places to settle and live. I don't particularly care for Florida, and frankly, have been looking for these past 14 years the most graceful way to exit this state...

And it was just last night, when watching a special about North Carolina that my wife had DVR'ed for me, that I realized I can't really live anywhere else. The same out-of-place feelings I harbor here in Florida, I would probably harbor anywhere else. I don't like the idea of not seeing mountains out of my window, and not hearing southern accents around the town... on top of that, Asheville is Southern through-and-through, but is still unique and edgy... which I hope is a way others would describe me when my back is turned.

So absolutely, Asheville would be my home if I were to move. High taxes and tourists be damned. I'll deal with it, as long as I can look out my window and not feel the persistent longing I've felt ever since I was dumb enough to leave.

If I were to obtain some sort of independent wealth, I'd also probably keep a home in Scotland, just to have a place to frequently go.

[SeumasA]

Joshua, I know the way you feel. I've lived in Utah for 25 years, but I feel at home in northern California. I don't know if I'll go back, but I definitely don't feel that I have to stay in Utah forever.
If money wasn't an issue I love the west coast of Scotland, especially the area around Loch Shiel and Loch Moidart.

[sevenoaks]

If I wanted to move from Vancouver, Canada I would move to the Island.. To Sydney. Good climate, Oceans, sea food, friendly people, multicultural, close to Victoria, mountains, green all year round, flowers and color in embarrassing abundance, rugged coast lines, miles of sandy beaches, the smell of cedars, sea gulls screaming and soaring over wind whipped waves, coffee, fog snagging and being torn to shreds by tall cedars, people who accept who you are, wild salmon swimming up crystal clear mountain streams, waterfalls, lakes, tidal pools, miles and miles of forest trails, bicycle paths, fishing boats, sail boats, cargo ships, ocean liners, fantastic native art, hand knit sweaters that are perfect for west coast rains and foggy days, skiing in the mountains, fly fishing, a Wizard of a kilt maker, young people, vibrant older people, small villages crowded on the shore line with hundreds quaint stores selling almost everything, theaters, art galleries, public libraries, health care, museums, old and new architecture etc.
Now it's on with me kilt and a stroll along the seawall in Vancouver then stopping for some calamari and a wee dram at quaint The Sylvia Hotel.
I love the West Coast of Canada. Maybe I didn't need to add that remark

[warrior]

That one is real simple for this highlander and the plans are already in order. My sept retains a very strong tie to the land. As much as Dunvegan still calls out in our memory even more so a small tract on the eastern edge of McLeod's Beat in rural Clarke county, Alabama is my home. Though I was raised west of Birmingham a couple hours to the north I shall fulfill my father's lifelong desire to return to the place of his birth. It may not be until I am past a working age but return I shall and then to rest alongside my father and grandfathers of six generations.
Of course before that time comes I would like to have the opportunity to visit Skye of course.