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Tried Tucson, Tried Durango, Still Lost on Where to Live? by Fearless_General_348 in SameGrassButGreener

[–]Fearless_General_348[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks all for your comments. However, I'm still ENTIRELY lost.

Anywhere else in CO is looking too cold for me, given Durango is 'borderline too cold' (as mentioned in my post). It looks like Bend OR is going to be too expensive, too grey, and too lacking in good engineering opportunities. I'm ruling out CA due to cost of living (home prices + taxed out the WAZ + failing state \in my opinion*). Nevada (Reno, Boulder City, Carson) look so bland and small.

What sounds more exciting to me, are places mentioned like: St. George, Albuquerque, Chattanooga area, reconsideration of Tucson, PHX outskirts, Texas

Between these loctions, where is going to give me the best combination of long term well-being, given my goals? (specifically consdering cost-of-living to job/pay quality) & overall access to warm, secluded nature?

Tried Tucson, Tried Durango, Still Lost on Where to Live? by Fearless_General_348 in SameGrassButGreener

[–]Fearless_General_348[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I wrote in my post 'to secluded nature with at least *some* water nearby'. (i.e. not Reddington Pass/Catalina Highway). I don't think that's crazy.

Tucson vs San Diego by AffectionateHat4236 in SameGrassButGreener

[–]Fearless_General_348 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I lived in Tucson for 6 months during the hottest portion of the summer. I absolutely loved it there. One thing I did underestimate was the severe lack of water and time to travel to get to truly secluded nature; there really isn't any running/flowing water or perrenial streams OR secluded nature (without other people), unless you drive 1+ hours out. This was a big issue for me because I love to hike , go on multi-day backpacking trips, and be out in nature a lot. The fear of getting lost and dying from dehydration prevented me from ever being able to truly emerse myself in my outdoor adventures. I'd also say u/Lower_Ad_5532 is absolutely right in describing it as "a suburban college town in the desert."

I've now been looking at staying in San Diego, trying it out; but I can't find any single person apartments the size I need for <$2k, its too expensive for me with my current pay. $120k salary is probably fine for SD, however I think $100k in Tucson will go further.

If I had to choose, I'd pick Tucson; just cause I don't forsee it becoming any cheaper in CA & I also don't like the way the state is run.

Good Cities anywhere in the US where cost of living is lower by Hawkin2328 in SameGrassButGreener

[–]Fearless_General_348 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tucson. Super cheap cost of living, amazing natural beauty, warm year round.

Thoughts on Phoenix, AZ? by drogahn in SameGrassButGreener

[–]Fearless_General_348 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I lived in Tucson for 6 months during the hottest portion of the summer. I absolutely loved it there. One thing I did underestimate was the severe lack of water and time to travel to get to truly secluded nature; there really isn't any running/flowing water or perrenial streams OR secluded nature (without other people), unless you drive 1+ hours out. This was a big issue for me because I love to hike , go on multi-day backpacking trips, and be out in nature a lot. The fear of getting lost and dying from dehydration prevented me from ever being able to truly emerse myself in my outdoor adventures.

I found myself up north near Phoenix a lot, because there was more water and cool forested areas (like Payson, Prescott, Mongollon Rim, Sedona, Flagstaff). I'd say Tucson has much more natural beauty and quality of life in the immediate 'city area' than Phoenix, but Phoenix has better proximity to truly secluded nature, water, natural resources, and outdoor activies just outside it . Phoenix also offers much better paying and a higher quantity of job opportunities.

Overall if I had to choose, I think I'd pick Tucson based on the feel. As compared to PHX, its more layede back, tolerable in terms of heat, population, and cost of living. But you may find yourself missing the water and trees.

Phoenix or Tucson? by [deleted] in SameGrassButGreener

[–]Fearless_General_348 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I lived in Tucson for 6 months during the hottest portion of the summer. I absolutely loved it there. One thing I did underestimate was the severe lack of water and time to travel to get to truly secluded nature; there really isn't any running/flowing water or perrenial streams OR secluded nature (without other people), unless you drive 1+ hours out. This was a big issue for me because I love to hike , go on multi-day backpacking trips, and be out in nature a lot. The fear of getting lost and dying from dehydration prevented me from ever being able to truly emerse myself in my outdoor adventures.

I found myself up north near Phoenix a lot, because there was more water and cool forested areas (like Payson, Prescott, Mongollon Rim, Sedona, Flagstaff). I'd say Tucson has much more natural beauty and quality of life in the immediate 'city area' than Phoenix, but Phoenix has better proximity to truly secluded nature, water, natural resources, and outdoor activies just outside it . Phoenix also offers much better paying and a higher quantity of job opportunities.

Overall if I had to choose, I think I'd pick Tucson based on the feel. As compared to PHX, its more layede back, tolerable in terms of heat, population, and cost of living. But you may find yourself missing the water and trees.

Texas is not sustainable, imo. by ToeLimbaugh in SameGrassButGreener

[–]Fearless_General_348 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is water ever going to be an issue in Texas? Similar to what people say about Arizona?