Or do you just want "hits"?

We genuinely don't know where we want to go, but it IS time to leave here.

We are spending too much energy to maintain a house that we don't fully live in. The weather seems to be making it harder for me to function. Nature is very important to us both. We both like to take photos. We have discussed costal, out west, Memphis area, Lexington KY area, and we tend to be a little quirky, so someplace unusual and not on the beaten path really appeals. Is that of any help?

Probably love to have you down here in Austin, though you look more like Bastop/ Smithville folks
or maybe Spicewood Springs. ( small towns surrounding area). What type of work is being sought?

We work online, and Bill is a great carpenter, so work is usually not our primary factor in making a choice.
My background is in the arts, bill programs and works in virtual communities online when not hammering things.

...after responding to the picture, then read the thread. I got Austin strongest.

There is definitely an affinity for me there, not surprised it clicked with you. ♥

Feels right to me in this vicinity for you, but I think there are also other good choices out there for you.

After you narrow it down, pm me your vital stats and I will do an astrological match thing for you on my computer.

We will be selling a house here, so some of this will be in other peoples hands, for a while anyway.

There are lots of 'transients' and new transplants there. So they are a welcoming community for new comers. The citizen morale in Austin is unsurpassed. I've never lived anywhere so wonderful. I felt good just about living there! The natural water attractions are almost limitless and FUN! There are drum circles on the Lamar Street pedestrian bridge every Friday and Saturday nights. Hanging with the chill group. I can't wait until I can go back.


** eta: I used the word, "transients", but not in a bad way. They don't call you that there. Leave that to LAS VEGAS. If you move there, be prepared to face discrimination in any type of workplace situation. That is the only place where I was openly referred to as a TRANSIENT, even though I lived in my previous home for eight years. After about six months or so, you are considered a permanent resident. And if you live there, do not trust anyone and hang on to your purse. Never lay it down somewhere. And I wouldn't suggest it as a place to raise teenagers.

some that live there would say for the worse. Come to Houston instead!

Houston is a strong supporter of the arts, too. Where else will you see this annual event:





We're also one of the most (if not the most) international cities in the state (yeah, it's a link to restaurants ) Use that site (The Houston Press) to discover more about our fine city

It was a long time ago, but it was cool being so close to Houston!

in the pine trees and such

I am more familiar with the south-east, west and inner-loop portions of Houston. However, I do believe DUer ScreamingMeemie lives in Spring, so not that far off.

Of course, Houston has the big problem of sprawl, with the outer areas being the most conservative. Anything inside the Beltway is pretty much purple these days for politics. Not to mention, having the nation's first openly lesbian mayor

If you ever visit, you have to at least see the giant Sam Houston statue along I-45 north of Houston. It's a hoot!

why don't you think about coming up to Austin for Eeyore's this year? That would be fun! The Birthday Party was the first event I attended as a new transplant there in 2005.

It was and is a wonderfull place, very liberal, but not the cheapest place in the world. We left the left coast for two reasons; the dampness, and to be by family. The area is close to so much, the ocean ofcourse, snow is a few hours away, San Francisco was a few hours another way, and not last or least it was part of the Emerald Triangle, if you like that sort of thing. Actually, most of the area's economy is supported by pot, fishing is almost gone, (you could see the Japanese factory ships) logging disappeared long ago,(thank you Koch Bros., ie Georgia Pacific). There was when we left, about 7 years ago, a fair amount of residential construction work, I kept very busy with painting and hammering.
Rereading your post, I see that you like photography, I also did a LOT of that, the area is VERY artistic. Hope this helps.

I grew up in Souther California but never ventured to the upper part of the state. Bill is a Florida boy, and we both like costal living, but want to avoid anyplace too touristy. We live in a mountain tourist area now and never venture out to play because of the crowds.

I have no desire to live in southern California again, but the northern part of the state could be very interesting! Thank you for the info about the Mendocino area!

I have a friend in Belieze that will be interested to see the two listings for that country!

It's not really easy to envision a specific place, because I am always pretty happy where I am, and doing what I am doing. There is no emotional pull that places me in a specific spot, right now anyway.

I'll know it when I get there, but in the meantime, I'm browsing through suggestions, if that makes any sense at all.

in $, but there are no crowds. And again, the art scene is very active, many famous people coming in to teach seminars.
And, I think very important, from looking at your photos you would fit right in!

No crowds, active artisan community sounds good!

I have some friends there and it's a nice place... or at least they have liked it well enough to have been there for 30+ years.

Thankie for the suggestion! Will be googling it soon.

While it isn't quite as kwel as Austin, it is an interesting area. In Tarrant County in which I live we are trying extremely hard to turn Fort Worth Blue, but we'll take Purple. So, I'd to have you close by. Fort Worth has a wonderful cultural arts district, lots of bicycle trails, and fun places to visit and see.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Worth,_Texas

We have the historic Water Gardens, which was in a scene in Logan's Run.




Then there is Bass Hall. The Hall is able to house symphony, ballet, opera, stage, musicals, and rock concerts.






Of course I agree with anywhere on the West Coast, however, it is too rich for my poor earnings. Maybe some day, but for now I will continue to live here unless a miracle happened

Keep us posted wherever you end up, as it will be interesting to find out which cool places you decide upon.

I lived in Texas for a year or so, several years ago. It was in the suburbs of Houston.

Interesting that you should mention the Dallas area...I have been following a couple of arts groups online (performance oriented) in Dallas that are just starting out, and I love the energy that they have.

Spent most of my life in the area. Have left a couple times vowing to never return. The only positive thing I have to say, is there is a lot of variety in living conditions to choose from! And no fun.

The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth usually has extremely great exhibits. The Japanese Gardens is also a great place to soak in the beauty of the inner city.

Dallas also has wonderful museums, arboretum.

Could you send the info about the arts groups? I don't get over to Dallas much since the price of gas going up.

We do have however, the Trinity Express train, that connects Fort Worth and Dallas. Fun little trip. There are also several lakes in the area that are fun to hang out and take pics. Wildlife Nature reserve is a pretty neat place as well.

If you get the chance to check it out be sure to contact me and I'd be more than happy to show you around

2. Asheville, NC

3. Hot Springs, Arkansas

Maybe Alabama. I have this feeling they would appreciate the sense of community those locations offer.

Other thoughts: I had a flickering sense they might be able to enjoy California...North State? San Jose? It would have to be a place that offered a friendly atmosphere.

Yes, I know many of these places are not exactly having an easy time in the new economy. I feel that this couple will be able to manage anyway, and that the atmosphere of their city will be more important than the financial challenges of living in it.

I haven't been there to visit since they moved, but they like it a lot! We have talked about southern costal states with cities off the beaten path, and about Northern California as well. So you are right in tune with what we have discussed.

Is just about the most beautiful state I've ever seen. I lived just south of Memphis for a very short time in 1994. The people are friendly. The mosquitoes are as big as basketballs.

I have never lived in Alabama and only spent a few months in Mississippi, so it is very possible that bright red color on election days and the statistics about education and income do not provide an accurate image of the people in those states. Not to mention the bible belt and teen pregnancy. Though on the bright side I've heard they havent lynched any one there in......Weeks!

...came to me too, but Austin came stonger. I also got a little Lawrence, Kansas.

It's got a lot of that bohemian vibe I like, and is surrounded by great mountains. I like the TN side of the Smokys better, but it's really nice "over the hill"

How about Eueka Springs AR? Not thattourist and a nice eclectic group of people there. Someone here lives there.

If you want the gulf coast there are places north of Tampa where the high rises don't reign supreme.

I meant Eureka Springs, but all I could think of early was "Hot Springs."

That was part of the reason for the post, to give us places to explore online and later in person.

My sister looooves Eureka Springs, and would love to live there herself. I never visited, when I lived in Arkansas.
Bill isn't crazy about returning to Florida, unless we could live in the keys. But the Gulf might have something appealing to him!

So, I will just put it out there and stop trying to analyze it which is what I always do. I got New Mexico - specifically, either in or surrounding Santa Fe.

I plan to retire there up near Taos or maybe Santa Fe. Even Angel Fire is nice.

I'm not an intuitive, but that's the first place I thought of. New Mexico.

Always have. I don't know Taos or Angel Fire though. I'll look at them!

It's always held some magic for me. Bill has not been, yet!

Portland Oregon is a beautiful city too. Thats where Mr Howler and I would go if we could.

Thank you for the suggestions!

Are some of the most beautiful places I've ever been. It has Beaches, Sand dunes , Mountains,Big trees. The people are just as beautiful too lots of artists and spiritual communities.You can literally feel the magic in the land Esp. when over by the sea lion caves. My Husband is from Bandon and everytime We go to visit I cry like a baby when we have to leave the ocean. I still have dreams about being there and its been ten years.
Lucinda If you ever go You won't want to leave either.

right after he graduated, and he told me I would love it. I haven't been yet!

...officially homeless unless you count my girlfriend's truck. We drove around the country, camping, hiking. In New Orleans, we spent almost all the rest of our money going out to eat. I had $50 left. My friend had a little more than that. She was headed back to Sedona to get her old job back. I asked her to drop me in Austin. I had a couple friends there and heard it was easy living. She left me in the middle of the city with $50, one suitcase, one guitar case and a teddy bear - everything I owned. In 2 days I had a job. In one week I had an apartment. My friends were welcoming and helpful, but total strangers drove me around to apply for jobs and look for a place to live. Some folks even broke in to my empty apartment while I was at work and left a futon, flatware and filled my cabinets and fridge with food.

Moving to New York City a year later was a much different experience.

runs through it. Lots of history, cultural happenings, great downtown. Not too far from where you are now. Very accessible, but still not a huge metropolitan area. If I were 40 yrs. younger, that's where I'd go. Abingdon, VA is another place I'd think about, or Charleston, WVA. Anywhere in the Southern Appalachians with a college or university would be a good choice for me.

Edit to add: I really liked the high country of NC where we lived for 25 years, though it was starting to become too touristy when I left there 8 yrs ago. You can still find nice rural places like Burnsville or Spruce Pine. I lived in Asheville from 1980 to 1987 and it's a lovely place, but it was getting a bit too uptown for my tastes when we moved away.

If you want the beach and east coast, I think Wilmington, NC, or one of the areas like New Bern might be nice.

Good luck in choosing a place. You've gotten lots of good suggestions. Just get out your pendulum, a map, and let 'er rip!

It feels ancient here.
The dark sides of the mountains are cool and really powerful, even in the hottest part of the summer. And I love the early American history in the area, and the connection with the Cherokee.

I haven't been to Chattanooga yet, though it's not too far away.
And I agree with you about college towns, they are really good for us both.

Thanks for the town suggestion for the Virginias and NC!

It is not the same town as then, when it was the city w/the worst air pollution in the nation. It has really cleaned up its act since those days......thankfully. It began to realize that their biggest asset was the beauty of the area & capitalize on that w/tourism, instead of polluting industries.

However, it is still not as open-minded as some of the other towns suggested here. Still quite a bit of racism exists & that Southern Conservatism is still very strong. VW just put in a big plant, so perhaps things will turn around a bit w/the influx of Europeans.

I left there when I graduated from HS because of the narrow-mindedness, only returning in the summers for work. I never intended on returning, even tho most of my family still lives there. I must admit that I have found it at least more acceptable the last few years when I visit. Still don't think I'd move back unless it became MUCH more open minded. I've lived in the Nashville area for the last 35 yrs. I find it much more accepting of outsiders, probably because of the music biz.

I didn't catch where you are currently living. Is it in the Knoxville area? If so, Chatt is similar, but seems to have a slower pace. Not quite as much tourism that the Smokies attract to Knoxville area, but still some tourism is there.

Hope this helps. Good luck w/your search. I'm sure you'll end up in the correct place.

mountains and water. Rural but not hicksville; a place where you can create community; looks like artistic stimulation would be necessary.

Where are you now? What is too cold? Austin is a swamp with all the lakes and the roaches are big enough to carry you away; but a cool city scene.

Do you need the ocean?

We love our new little community. There are a lot of tourists in season and they are all a bit stupid on the roads, but we just say, "Oh, they're tourists" and slow down for them. We live out of town, so we can avoid are join in as we feel like it.

Good luck in finding Home

Less people, no smog, and one hour to the ocean or the mountains.
But that's not gonna happen.

Landscape is crazy important to me.
As is some form of moving water.
I MISS the ocean a lot, but a visit might fix that. I haven't been in several years.

because I HAVE to be by the ocean. I thought anyplace by the water would do but this humid oven is where my spirit is happiest.

to move to the keys. We loved Key West, but we'd be trading one expensive tourist town for another.
I even like the area by St Augustine, but I haven't traveled the west side of the state yet.

with mountains and water being so essential for my mind's ease, I'll tell you where we moved if you want. We transplanted from northern California about 2/3 yrs ago and I think it is another version of paradise.

I'd love to have more friends and neighbors in our little community.

Your exact location would be on coast or inland enough for hot summer and where you are on cost and close urban-rural spectrums.

You look like you are in Oregon.

I have spent my entire life (except travel) between San Francisco/Berkeley and Portland/Corvallis west of Interstate 5 (Orleans, Berkeley, Weaverville, Redding, San Rafael, Danville, Corvallis, and Portland)

Lots of rivers and trees and ocean and snow and and universities and culture nearby plus the choice of liberal rural or liberal urban. Probably half the landscape is Federal, mostly National Forests. Good local food and wine too.

Portland is not international like the SF Bay Area but more like the Bay Area of 50 years past as far as congestion.

I was there in the sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties. I hope to go again. Red rock canyon. I fished there, swam there, slid down the rocks, before it was regulated. Just 70 miles south of the Grand Canyon. When people died there 7 years ago in a sweat tent, it got a bad wrape. But a friend of mine, Sharon, and I saw amazing things there in the late 90's. Powerful stuff.

a lot, and I have always loved the southwest.

I wonder what Sedona is like in 2012...

as a native Oregonian, I do not feel this couple would be happy in Portland. At all. That city, which has had its history and its sense of family and community razed out of it this last decade, would not, IMO, be a good place for people who need friendliness and connection with their neighbors. And Lord help them if they have or want to raise children. Very difficult to do in Portland--or anywhere in Oregon right now.

as opposed to now...And I have no rational reason for that feeling. It's interesting to see your comments about the changes to the sense of community.

I have family that is living in Portland, Eugene, Bandon, and all over the state. It is so very beautiful and full of such possitive energy and innovation, I don't know of any of my family or friends that wants to leave.

I have friends in both Washington State and Oregon, and they all have said that I would like both Portland and Seattle.

people that know and love you would know things like that.

It's actually small enough that I continue to meet up with people who know other people between different groups I hang with. It has a very connected feel.

The music and art communities are tight. We have lots of blues and jazz musicians who moved here from New Orleans after Katrina.

We love gardening in our Mediterranenan climate. And if you're looking for progressive, Portland's itsville.

Southerncrone Portland is a very lively and wonderful city!

It gives me places to think about, and explore online! ♥

Have you ever looked into Astrocartography?
I visited Asheville NC and could FEEL the difference in energy there, unfortunately, I would be unable to make a living there.
You don't have that problem.

Perhaps there is a small town north of Wilmington NC that is not too touristy.

Not too far from Chapel Hill is Carrboro NC which is not only blue, it is home to artists, writers, performers and other creative types. http://carrboro.com/overview.html
Not too far from the ocean or mountains!

Happy Hunting!

Carrboro looks really cool, and no too far away to check out via car.

NC in general does have a lot of appeal. Like you say, it's costal and mountains, and affordable in many spots.

n/t

I've found it pretty accurate for the sorts of experiences I've had in particular locations. Astro.com has an option or you could do a google search. I had a chart done years ago that came with a map and the meanings of the lines & crosspoints.

to the coast, the more expensive it can be. There's LOTS OF WATER in this prat of the state and as an earlier poster told you, depending on where you choose to be, you are no more than 4 hours from snow and skiing in the winter and the same distance to the ocean. Tends to be more liberal the closer you get to the ocean. There is everything to choose from, large cities to small REALLY rural towns to flat out wilderness, if that's your 'thing. We have medical marijuana, so if you have a 'condition' that you need it for, hey, more power to you.
I love in the Capital, Sacramento, the river City and although it's somewhat conservative, that's changing, for the better. We have salmon and steelhead, if that's your thang, beautiful red Roosevelt Elk, up north. Believe it or not, pronghorn antelpe and bighorn sheep in the northeast counties, (Lassen and Modoc)...So come to northern California, i think you'll love it here and never regret it. it feels like it'll work for you. Besides , you're also never more than 6 hours, (from coastal counties) from NEVADA and about 6 hours from LA to the south and another 6 hours to the north to Oregon.

Hope to see you here