One of the recent threads about people not wanting to leave their hometowns got me thinking about this. I know we fetishize mega cities on this board, but rarely do we discuss smaller cities.
So, on that note, if you had to resettle in a city or town (lets max out the metro population at 150,0000), where would you choose? Let's try not to focus on places that are adjacent to a mega city...so add 1.5-2 hours minimum driving time to a major city center as a limitation. Please include pics and explanation of what appeals to you if you want!
Here are my top picks:
1.) San Luis Obispo, CA / Population 47,541
I'm not sure why I am so drawn to this place, but I have always loved the central CA coast, and this town is so charming, walkable, and is economically thriving due the local presence of a major University. One of the rare US towns that is somewhat affluent/solidly middle class and not full of WalMarts. I enjoy the climate/landscape, as it's very Mediterranean and far enough from the sea that it's actually hot in the summer.
https://d14dsi4x2zx6ql.cloudfront.ne...B_1280x642.jpg
https://www.visitcalifornia.com/site...1280x640_1.jpg
http://www.asherworldturns.com/wp-co...3/IMG_3281.jpg
2.) Santa Barbara, CA / Population 92,101
The Spanish architecture, walkability of the downtown area, manicured neighborhoods and culture of wellness; reminds the most of a Mediterranean seaside town. If there were jobs to go around in my industry here I'd move there in a heartbeat for sure. The surrounding nature is also just so stunning and I like that it's a lot greener than most of SoCal.
http://faculty.engineering.asu.edu/z...ara.jpg?w=1400
https://s-ec.bstatic.com/images/hote...6/34629531.jpg
https://s.abcnews.com/images/Travel/...6_16x9_992.jpg
https://www.californiabeaches.com/wp...r-1000x667.jpg
3.) Reykjavik, Iceland / Population 122,853
Ok, I am admittedly cheating since the metro area has 228,260 in the so-called "capital region", but I think RVK might be the most dynamic/cosmopolitan/exciting city of its size I've ever been to. Great nightlife, love the Icleandic culture, and overall good lifestyle. Love the culture of swimming/hot pots that people go to on a near daily basis. Would be a fantastic place to raise a family and it's insanely safe.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...2C_Iceland.jpg
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/HAFA8N/peo...vik-HAFA8N.jpg
http://www.traveller.com.au/content/...4678541766.jpg
https://icelandmag.is/sites/default/...?itok=ADoUTAO9
Other contenders: Charleston, SC / Calistoga, CA / Bainbridge Island, WA (it's only accessible to Seattle by ferry so rather isolated)