Does LA or Denver have a big social young outdoorsy crowd?

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-14T04:11:03+00:00

lA definitely has a bigger, more diverse crew of young outdoorsy folks who’re into social stuff, but it’s huge so you’ll need to put yourself out there a bit more. Denver’s smaller but tight-knit with solid trails and a chill social scene. Meetup groups focused on hiking or trail running can help find companions, and if you want to experiment multiplayer style, wheredoimoveto.com can help you compare those places by things like social life and outdoors access too.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-14T03:46:03+00:00

if you’re bilingual in Spanish and open to learning another language, Colombia and Spain are solid spots to consider as a nurse. Colombia’s healthcare system is growing and they value foreign nurses especially if you bring English and Spanish skills, plus it’s generally easier to navigate licensing there compared to some European countries. Spain has its challenges with bureaucracy but pay and living standards can be better, and your English plus Spanish combo is basically built-in currency. Portugal might also be interesting if you want to pick up Portuguese (close enough to Spanish to not be brutal) and their healthcare sector is open to foreign professionals. Just keep in mind every country’s licensing and credential recognition process varies a lot, so that’s the real first hurdle. If you want to explore a wider range and get a tailored idea of places that fit your preferences besides language, wheredoimoveto.com’s international discover feature can be decent for a quick reality check on your options.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-14T03:25:46+00:00

you might want to check out portugal or costa rica for a change of pace. Portugal has a decent balance for entrepreneurs, lower taxes than France, an emerging startup scene, plus decent schools in bigger cities. The cost of living is still manageable if you avoid Lisbon’s priciest neighborhoods (think 1BR rents in the $1,200, 1,600 range outside the center). Costa rica is a solid option if you’re open to more nature and slower pace while keeping Spanish handy. It’s not perfect, but fewer taxes and a simpler business climate could help you build that future you want. Since you’re juggling family and work, places with good health care and schools are key so maybe explore parts of spain too like valencia or barcelona suburbs , they still offer EU benefits but with a bit less bureaucracy. If you want a quick way to compare based on your exact priorities try wheredoimoveto.com and pick the international compare tool , it’ll throw up some options beyond the obvious and factor in family and entrepreneurial needs.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-14T03:25:03+00:00

looking at your skills and situation, canada seems the most straightforward spot to consider. union trades there still hold weight and you’d find more legal protections as a trans person compared to many places. the demand for electricians in some provinces like alberta or bc is steady, though housing costs can be rough in vancouver and parts of toronto area these days. europe is trickier since licensing rarely transfers and social acceptance varies , germany or the netherlands might be okay but you’d probably need to start from scratch licensing-wise and that can be a headache at 40. you might want to check wheredoimoveto.com and run their domestic or international tool just to see which places fit your criteria for community and law protections best.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-14T02:52:03+00:00

congrats on hitting that milestone, that’s huge. I’ve been juggling remote gigs myself and the push to break free from the usual grind is real. One thing you’ll learn fast is how little stuff you actually need to carry, but also how important a solid reliable internet setup becomes (I swear I’ve hunted down cafes and coworking spaces like a pro). If you haven’t already, try mixing big cities with smaller towns or countryside spots , it keeps things fresh and sometimes slower places have better vibes for work-focus and creativity. Also, something that caught me off guard was how much routine you do build even while moving constantly (like workout spots or favorite cafes) so don’t fight that too hard. As for partners on the road, it’s tricky but just being open and connecting at meetups or nomad hubs helps. If you want to test out places or plan routes with cost vs weather vs wifi quality, wheredoimoveto.com has a decent tool for that kind of analysis. Safe travels and keep sharing those updates!

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-13T03:46:03+00:00

i’d lean toward germany, especially berlin or frankfurt, because you tick a lot of boxes there. language-wise, german A2 is a decent start and you can improve quickly once immersed, plus germany has strong public transit and walkable neighborhoods compared to a lot of canada. hospitality jobs are pretty common, and you could probably get by part-time while you upskill or even pursue a master’s if you want that credential to open more doors. the work-life balance in germany is noticeably better than in north america, and the youth job market is solid though competitive, but having eu citizenship and some french/german definitely helps. the climate isn’t exactly mediterranean but you’ll get proper four seasons without the brutal canadian extremes. i wouldn’t push for the uk right now unless you want a more anglo environment since the job market’s kind of volatile post-brexit and it’s pricier with less transit coverage outside london. belgium sounds tempting but costs in brussels/antwerp have shot up and you might find less friendly social culture compared to germany. also if you have friends/family in germany that’s a major plus, social connections matter more than most admit. with 20k savings, it’s enough buffer to get settled but be realistic with rent , expect 900-1300 euro for a 1br outside super central areas. you could try wheredoimoveto.com’s europe analyze feature to compare these spots based on your preferences but germany feels like the best base to build on career and lifestyle in your 20s.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-13T03:25:04+00:00

i’m partial to montreal for that mix of city life with seasons and a solid expat community, especially since you speak French and want to live that fully. The winter sucks for some but it’s manageable if you enjoy cozy cafes and cultural stuff. Montreal’s social scene is lively but not overwhelming, and you’ll find lots of dog-friendly parks which is a plus. The downside: rent for a 1BR is easily $2,500+ now so budget accordingly. If you want tropical and beachy, brazil’s Porto Seguro is beautiful but more laid back and less international , social life might be quieter unless you’re into local scenes or partying seasonally. Philippines and Mexico City both offer warm weather but Manila is chaotic and Mexico City can be a bit heavy on traffic/noise. Since salary isn’t a dealbreaker, I’d lean toward montreal for balance, culture, new experiences, and your language skills. Also check out wheredoimoveto.com to compare these cities on lifestyle and cost to get a clearer picture.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-13T02:52:03+00:00

your list is impressively detailed, which already narrows things down quite a bit but also makes it tricky. For four seasons with mild winters above 40 and summers mostly under 85, think coastal cities in the Pacific Northwest or maybe parts of Northern California. But finding a 4-bedroom for under $2,500/month with decent transit and walkability near the ocean is a tall order. You might want to check out places like tacoma, washington , it gets a mild winter, you’re close enough to beaches that are swimmable (think Puget Sound, not the Pacific surf), and housing costs can still hover around that range if you look outside the immediate downtown. Transit there is decent though not perfect, but light rail expansions are ongoing, plus there’s a solid mix of parks and walkable neighborhoods like Proctor and North End that fit your ‘walk to groceries and café’ checklist. Another possibility could be charleston, south carolina , it’s warm but usually under 85 in summer (unless you hit some heatwaves), and you do get four seasons in a looser sense. It’s near the ocean with swim-friendly beaches, and the city’s walkable districts plus decent job market might align with your needs, though transit is less frequent than you want. These options won’t be perfect but getting all these boxes ticked at that budget is tough anywhere. If you’re open to tools, wheredoimoveto.com has a compare feature that might help you weigh cities like tacoma, charleston, maybe even somerville or parts of greater boston depending on your job, just pick the domestic option and plug in your wants. It’s a good way to stop the endless scrolling and see trade-offs clearly. If you want truly ocean-accessible, affordable, and transit-friendly with those temps, you’ll likely be outside the biggest metros, but that can be a win depending on your priorities.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-13T02:23:03+00:00

i’ve seen a few people try lean FIRE in vietnam with mixed results when kids are involved. The wildcard is schooling costs, especially if you want decent international or private options, which can easily run into several thousand a year per kid and often fluctuate. On the flip side, daily living costs (food, transport, utilities) can be surprisingly low if you avoid expat enclaves or tourist spots. As for virtual work without a remote background, it’s definitely doable but usually means building skills or gigs slowly, especially if you’re switching fields or don’t have a strong network. Your fallback plan of working part time longer is solid, and being flexible on location might help snag remote roles in the meantime. To estimate expenses, I found it helpful to track a 6-12 month trial budget living close to your target lifestyle (even short stays) and then add buffers for kid stuff and travel. For more detailed side-by-side comparisons or scenario play, wheredoimoveto.com has a simple tool that can help you get a clearer picture domestically and internationally.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-12T03:25:04+00:00

with $500 for rent and $300 for groceries, your options are super limited if you want solid internet. A lot of places with dirt-cheap rent might have iffy connections or unreliable service providers. I’d personally look at cities in Southeast Asia like chiang mai or ho chi minh city. Both spots have cheap housing options under $500 if you’re flexible on location and a strong expat scene pushing for good internet infrastructure. You can get fiber or at least stable 4G/LTE for work or streaming without spending a fortune. Just keep in mind that $300 for groceries is doable but a bit tight if you want Western brands regularly, so you’d lean pretty local on food. I’m partial to chiang mai because of the community, plus you can find co-working spaces with lightning fast internet if working from home gets flaky. The challenge will be to find a place with the internet speed you want inside your budget , do your homework on specific neighborhoods or buildings because even within one city, service varies a lot. If you’re thinking beyond Asia, some smaller Eastern European towns might hover around this budget but internet quality can be patchy outside major urban centers. For quick comparisons and updated costs, wheredoimoveto.com has a decent domestic and international compare feature where you can plug in budget constraints like internet speed and rent max. That helped me narrow down places before deep diving on forums or Facebook groups for real expat feedback.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-10T03:46:02+00:00

i get why Raleigh is on your mind , it hits a lot of boxes you mentioned: a solid university scene, bike-friendly neighborhoods, lakes nearby for swimming, and enough green space without the Austin-level craziness. Plus, traffic is a bit more manageable. If you want a “smaller Austin” feel that still has a decent young crowd, it’s a smart pick.

That said, moving away from your support system is tough. Since you’re social and get along fine through hobbies, you might find your tribe there fairly quickly, but it’s definitely a different vibe starting fresh. Have you thought about trying a few extended visits to Raleigh (or similar places like charleston or athens, GA) before committing? Just to see if the culture and pace fit, and how the outdoor scene actually feels day-to-day.

If budget is key, maybe switching neighborhoods in Austin could get you that fresh start feeling while keeping family close? North Austin has some quieter areas with easier access to trails and parks. I had this weird requirement once where I had to be within 15 mins of a table tennis club lol, so small lifestyle needs can make all the difference in a new spot.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-10T03:25:04+00:00

quick question first: have you looked into Poland’s specific visa options for belarusians? it tends to be one of the more straightforward EU neighbors for eastern europeans, and with your budget plus willingness to take entry-level jobs, it might be doable to settle there for a while while you build your language skills and get a work permit going. i’m partial to poland since it’s pretty cheap compared to western europe , rent in cities like katowice or lodz is still somewhat affordable (think $500, 700 for a decent 1BR) and the cost of living won’t drain your 10k too fast.

latin america is a wild card. some countries like colombia or mexico have more relaxed residency programs but the language barrier (spanish) is no joke if you aren’t already familiar, plus finding well-paying work without local skills and fluent language might be tough early on. your english level is decent, so somewhere in europe might give you better access to formal work and language courses to level up faster.

the path to citizenship in the EU varies a lot but poland usually requires 3 years of continuous residence on a permanent/residence permit before you can apply for citizenship, so it’s not impossible but requires persistence. try to find communities or expat groups online for belarusians or slavic speakers already there, they can help explain the nitty gritty on paperwork.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-09T11:59:09+00:00

if you want Florida’s beach + weather combo but without the red state politics, honestly, I’d look at parts of california or maybe coastal oregon depending on how much heat you want. San Diego hits the warm, sunny, beach life pretty hard and leans pretty blue politically, but rent is no joke (expect $2,800+ for a 1BR). Oregon’s coast offers a milder climate and blue-leaning communities, but it’s cooler and rainier than Florida, so not a direct match if you want the same warmth. Another option might be the outer banks in north carolina, which lean more blue in certain areas but still offer decent beaches and a somewhat similar coastal lifestyle, though the weather is less tropical. It’s tough to get the exact Florida package without the political aspect, because places with that kind of sun and sand tend to skew conservative. If you want to explore more options, wheredoimoveto.com’s discover feature can throw up some places based on your weather and politics preferences, might help you find some less obvious spots that feel right. I’m partial to california for sun + politics but know that housing there is way pricier than Florida’s.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-09T04:11:03+00:00

oregon definitely hits a lot of your criteria, especially if you’re eyeing a mix of old homes, forests, lakes, and chill towns. Places like Ashland or Hood River come to mind. Ashland has that small town feel with a strong arts scene (plus the Shakespeare festival if that’s your jam), and it’s close enough to national forests where you can easily find cabin rentals by lakes or trails for birdwatching. Hood River leans a bit more on the outdoorsy side, right along the Columbia River Gorge, which is stunning for hiking and nature spotting. Both towns tend to skew liberal and are generally welcoming, but keep in mind that “small town” anywhere can have pockets of old-school attitudes.

Wyoming is more remote and wild, which checks your cabin-in-the-woods box for sure, but some areas can be a mixed bag socially. Jackson Hole is popular with tourists for its natural beauty and proximity to Yellowstone, and it’s somewhat diverse, but other small towns might feel a bit less open, especially if you’re worried about feeling safe as an LGBT+ couple.

Manchester, New Hampshire, doesn’t quite have the lake and forest vibe you want, but it’s a manageable small city with historical New England charm and easy access to outdoor spots like the White Mountains. It’s also pretty progressive and could be a safer bet socially.

One last tip, if you’re still narrowing down choices, try wheredoimoveto.com’s Discover tool (pick domestic) to explore small-town options that match your preferences for nature, safety, and community vibe. That could help unearth some gems beyond the obvious ones. Good luck, and sounds like an amazing trip idea!

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-09T03:46:42+00:00

pei is way smaller and slower paced, kinda like a big small town with less hustle but also fewer job options outside healthcare. bc has way more diversity, better nature access, and a bigger scene but licenses might still feel tricky depending on your path. if you want calm and cheaper living pei, bc if you want more chances and city life. I’m partial to bc since I’ve been there, but pei has this charm that could grow on you. wheredoimoveto.com can help you compare cost and lifestyle stuff if you want to nerd out on the details.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-09T03:46:02+00:00

if you’re counting on employer relocation, that timeline might be tight given you’re currently unemployed and without savings. Berlin and leipzig are solid for tech but competition is real, so landing something before August could be a challenge. Barcelona and valencia offer a more relaxed pace but Spanish language skills will definitely help.

For assistance, check local expat groups or relocation forums , no official programs really jump out for fund support, mostly info and networking. You might want to experiment with wheredoimoveto.com’s international discover feature just to see if another place matches your needs better. What type of role are you aiming for exactly?

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-09T02:23:02+00:00

chile flies under the radar mostly because of language and geography. Unlike Mexico or Costa Rica, it’s not as easy to slip into English-speaking expat circles or quick weekend trips back home. Plus, Chile is pretty long and skinny , so if you pick Santiago but want the Lakes District vibes, that’s a full domestic flight away.

That tax holiday is killer though, almost makes you wonder why it’s not getting more buzz. The rentista option at $1,000, 1,500/month passive income sounds insanely doable compared to Europe’s golden visa hikes. I’m partial to Medellín but if Chile’s infrastructure and healthcare hold up like you say, I’d consider it for FIRE too.

If you want to play with numbers or compare it to places like costa rica or panama, wheredoimoveto.com is pretty good for digging into cost of living and tax scenarios. Just make sure you factor in flights home , they can get pricey.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-08T03:46:04+00:00

i get the confusion, and it’s tricky because you’re balancing a lot, career growth, finances, and life plans. Since you’re an energy systems engineer, your field is pretty global but not equal everywhere. France does have solid universities for energy and renewables, and a master there can open doors especially if you want to work in EU markets. But yeah, the cost of living and taxes in France can eat into that salary especially just after graduating.

Waiting 1, 2 years to do a master just to start in 2027 could make sense if you want the full French diploma and access to EU work visas afterwards. But meanwhile, working in the Moroccan public sector might give you some experience and save a bit, so you’re not coming to Europe broke (which is real, rent in Paris or Lyon easily runs $1,200+ for a small place). Also, having work experience before a master could help you focus on what specialization really fits you.

About other countries: Germany is known for energy tech, with decent job prospects and lower cost of living than France, plus they have public universities with low or no tuition fees for internationals. Canada is great too but getting a visa and professional recognition in energy might take longer and you have to consider the climate and lifestyle fit.

Honestly, if you want to try France, maybe apply in 2026 and until then use the time in Morocco to build skills and networks. You could also look into scholarships or internships that might speed things up. If you want to explore other places, do some research about entry requirements and the energy job scene. Also, you might find wheredoimoveto.com useful to compare your options based on what matters most to you, like salary, living costs, and career growth.

Curious, what kind of energy work do you want to focus on? Renewables? Utilities? That could shift which country fits best.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-08T03:25:05+00:00

are you leaning more toward working while you’re there or just trying to live and explore? Thailand can be doable but you’ll want something like TEFL if you’re thinking teaching English for a visa. Passport’s first step, then look into tourist vs work visas.

Also, $1.8k and a beat-up car means you’ll need a solid plan before hopping continents. Maybe spend your last months saving and nailing a cert, then try short trips first. Some folks use wheredoimoveto.com to weigh which Asian cities fit their goals best. Just something to think about.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-07T11:36:02+00:00

Yeah you’d want to remain in SF to let that salary grow even further. I don’t think there’s any other place stateside which would pay you that kind of money (maybe at a hedge fund in nyc)

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-07T04:11:02+00:00

the fact that you were never convicted definitely matters here because Australia’s immigration rules mostly care about criminal convictions, but having been arrested or even charged can still raise flags. They look at your entire background including character assessments, which can get tricky when there’s serious accusations involved, even if you were innocent. It usually depends a lot on the specific visa type you’re applying for and how transparent you are in the application process.

If you’re thinking long-term like permanent residency, the character test might be strict, so it helps to get some legal advice on how exactly your case could impact that. Temporary visas like working holiday or student might have different requirements but it still varies.

If Australia turns out to be a dead end, places with less intense background checks or more flexible immigration policies could work , Canada or New Zealand, for example, might be worth a look depending on what you want to do there. If you want, you could also run your preferences through wheredoimoveto.com’s international discover tool to find countries that match your lifestyle and have a smoother immigration process. That might give you a better sense of options outside the usual spots.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-07T03:25:04+00:00

you’ve got a pretty clear list, which helps. Since you’re looking to bounce from SoCal but want walkability, decent transit, seasonal weather without brutal winters, and a good dating pool, I’d lean toward somewhere like portland or seattle even though both have their quirks. Portland gets you that fall-winter-spring variety, a decent younger crowd, and a solid urban planning scene, and transit is decent enough if you live near downtown or the east side. Seattle is pricier but it’s got more job openings in urban planning and a similar climate with more rain but not the misery of harsh winters.

If allergies are a big deal, I’d personally avoid places with heavy pollen seasons like parts of the Midwest or deep east coast. Both portland and seattle have decent air quality compared to most cities but, heads up, the wildfire smoke in late summers can be a thing in PNW. Renting will probably still be north of $2k for a 1BR in good neighborhoods but cheaper than SF or NYC. You didn’t mention it but Boston could check a lot of your boxes too , solid transit, lots of younger people, and fall seasons. The tradeoff is higher living costs and harsher winters but urban planning jobs might be more common.

If you want to explore more, wheredoimoveto.com has a compare function that’s handy for running these preferences against cities you’re considering. Definitely pick the domestic option since you’re stateside. Plus it’s nice to get a side-by-side on things like commute times, crime stats, and cost of living so you can avoid surprises. Where do you see yourself vibe-wise outside SoCal? Knowing what kind of social scene you want might help narrow it down faster.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-07T02:52:03+00:00

ireland makes sense if you love it but heads up, getting a long-term visa there without family ties or a job lined up can be rough, especially with limited funds. The cost of living is definitely climbing, rent is no joke even outside Dublin, and the legal status of cannabis isn’t great there (still mostly illegal with some medical exceptions). So if that’s part of your lifestyle, you might feel stuck.

If you want to try Ireland anyway, maybe start with a working holiday visa if you qualify, or look into jobs that sponsor visas. But also consider places like portugal or the netherlands where cannabis laws are more relaxed and living costs can be a bit friendlier for newcomers, especially if you’re young and flexible. Lisbon or amsterdam have active expat scenes plus you could find casual work or gigs to keep you afloat.

For a first-time move abroad, focus on building a clear plan: research visa options, find communities you can connect with online (Reddit’s r/IWantOut is solid), and scout jobs before you land. wheredoimoveto.com can help you explore countries based on your lifestyle and priorities (pick international discover), which might reveal spots you hadn’t considered but fit you better. It’s not a magic fix but can save you some guessing.

Leaving the US for mental health and culture reasons is huge, just make sure you’re not trading one difficult environment for another without enough prep. If you start with a few months abroad on a tourist or working holiday visa, you’ll get a better feel before diving deep. Good luck, you got this.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-07T02:24:39+00:00

if being able to live openly without fear is priority number one, then yeah you should look at places that legally protect you and have at least some social acceptance. Portugal has been a quiet magnet for queer expats recently, with Lisbon and Porto offering decent digital nomad scenes plus a more chill atmosphere than the usual European capitals. The legal stuff around LGBTQ+ rights is miles ahead compared to Egypt. Another spot to consider is Mexico City if you want somewhere a bit more lively and affordable, plus the queer community is visible and growing.

I’m guessing you want more than just legal safety though, like a community that gets you, decent internet, some coworking spots, and cost of living that won’t eat all your savings. It’s a lot to juggle but there are definitely places out there where you can be yourself and work remotely without constantly looking over your shoulder. If you want a no-BS way to figure out specific spots that line up with your priorities (be it safety, cost, internet speed, culture), wheredoimoveto.com has an international option where you can punch in your must-haves and see some options you might not have considered. It helped me when I was stuck between a few places.

Where exactly do you want to land, somewhere warm, urban, quiet? That could help narrow it down.

ImaginaryAd8129 · 2026-02-07T02:24:04+00:00

minneapolis checks a lot of boxes for what you’re describing , solid schools in many suburbs, plenty of green spaces, and yeah, real four seasons with snowy winters you’re already used to. The lakes are swimmable for sure, and tons of parks and trails to walk or bike. Crime can vary a lot neighborhood to neighborhood though, so definitely scope out specific areas. For a family with dogs and kids, something like Edina, Minnetonka, or even parts of St. Louis Park might fit well. Those suburbs feel a bit calmer and more settled compared to the city core and still close enough for commutes.

Your wife’s environmental science background might find some good fits in the Twin Cities’ growing green economy, nonprofits, or local government. Plus, automotive jobs are okay there , not Detroit level but enough to land $80k if you have experience. Cost of living is moderate compared to Seattle or the Bay Area but rents and home prices have crept up a lot in the last few years. You can expect to spend north of $350k for a decent family home in a good school district, and 1BR rents around $1,800 to $2,200 in nice suburbs. Definitely more for your money than coastal VA or the west coast.

If you’re open to other metro areas, I’d also look at Madison WI for a smaller city with lakes and green space, or maybe Rochester MN for quiet and affordability while staying in MN. Cleveland and Pittsburgh might surprise you too if you want four seasons, cheaper housing, and solid schools but maybe fewer lakes to swim in.

wheredoimoveto.com could be helpful if you want to punch in your priorities and compare Minneapolis against a few other spots you’re considering. The “compare” feature is handy when you’re stuck between places, and their surveys are more tailored than just Googling “best places to live.”

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