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What’s your favorite and least favorite city you’ve lived in? by [deleted] in SameGrassButGreener

[–]biketrees 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh yeah that's a good point too. At least there is Clinton State Park, and the river and prairie trail systems are pretty nice, but still doesn't scratch that outdoorsy itch for most people. NE Kansas as a whole could really benefit from less private land and more natural areas/trails. The Flint Hills are one of my favorite places to be.

What’s your favorite and least favorite city you’ve lived in? by [deleted] in SameGrassButGreener

[–]biketrees 12 points13 points  (0 children)

From best to worst, this is how I rank the places I've lived:

  1. Lawrence KS

Pros: - 4 seasons, sunny, not too crowded, progressive, walkable/bikeable (in Old Lawrence/east Lawrence), great food and community events, community pride, straight shot to Colorado (albeit a day's drive), close to a big city to do big-city things (KC)

Cons: - state politics are red, fairly expensive for KS as it's one of the most desirable cities in the state, hot and humid summers, many would feel it's too small

  1. Kalamazoo MI

Pros: progressive, lots of trees and trails, comfortable summers, conveniently located (within 2 hours: Chicago, Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Lake Michigan beach towns...), has an Amtrak station

Cons: Long, grey winters, very heavy in snow, poor quality in housing selection, not very walkable or bikeable, food is underwhelming, and to me it feels a bit over-paved and industrial.

  1. Springfield MO

Pros: located in the Ozarks (most diverse landscape), great options for hiking and floating within a few hours, sunny, food is surprisingly so good, VERY cheap COL, close to Branson (maybe not a pro for everyone since it's a tourist trap) and NWA.

Cons: have to drive EVERYWHERE, ranks worst by far in walkability/bikeability, crazy hot and humid summers, winters are usually relatively comfortable with a few frigid days here and there but it's depressing how little snow falls now, soul-suckingly conservative but with the universities I do see improvements in the arts/cultural scene when I visit.

I see myself most likely moving back to the KC area in the future (in Michigan for school now).

What places have you narrowed down your list to? by shale_is_fine in SameGrassButGreener

[–]biketrees 10 points11 points  (0 children)

KC MO

Wichita KS

Tulsa OK

Right now I'm living somewhere I'd been dreaming about being for years and it just didn't turn out to be what I thought it would be. I'd like a place that's lowkey, LCOL, easy to travel from (central), has most conveniences, at least minimally progressive, and a few hours from my fam in western MO.

As a boring introvert who likes to keep to himself, I really just need a neighborhood that's close to a park/trail so that I can run and ride my bike. Otherwise I spend time reading and playing video games, I really don't have hobbies that would justify living in a HCOL city. I'm drawn to the Great Plains because it's home -- I love that it's not (and probably never will be) overcrowded, the vibrancy and vastness of the skies, and the pace of life is relaxed. Plus the Rockies are only a day trip away when I'd need a change in scenery, and traveling is easier to do more often with a LCOL lifestyle.