Yes, just a short stay en-route to an Alaskan Cruise. The PNW is absolutely at the top of my list for places to retire to if my ties to N IL become weaker, which is increasingly likely at some point in the next decade (kids moving to start their own lives, remaining parents passing on, etc).
Wherever I travel, I'm going to have to have at least an annual fix of a Chicago-Style hot dog (no Ketchup!). We can get frozen Lou Malnatti's Pizza now that is pretty good, and I can make my own. I've never been able to capture the essence of a Chicago Hot dog made in my own kitchen though.
-ERD50
I represent a company based in Vancouver so have had the opportunity to visit there a few times over the years. I generally dislike large cities but Vancouver seems much more livable than most large urban areas. It's really the only large city I would consider living in, at least of those I've had the opportunity to visit and get to know. And I can't vouch for the Chicago style hot dogs but they do have a great mix of all the other amenities you mentioned. Very cosmopolitan with a great blend of cultures and the variety of great restaurants that goes along with that. Wonderful arts, museums, etc. And the leisure/recreational opportunities that are close at hand are enough to strain the free time of your average retiree.
Finding value in wherever you live is a subject I have been thinking about quite a bit recently, since I am planning to move from a much maligned frigid (in winter) prairie location to a warmer and more congenial location in 2011. I am thinking not only about the climate and physical location but the people and customs. I'm going to miss the cultural diversity of where I live now, and the community spirit. Hopefully there will be plenty of that where I'm going!
Here is a photo of my street taken this afternoon.
Unlike you, I like the polite people in the midwest. I learned from my wife that in a small town you can start a little conversation with the person behind the counter at the convenience store, the bank teller, or whomever. If it turned into a long conversation you'd probably discover you had a number of mutual acquaintances. But, the little traveling we've done says there are better views, better weather, more things to do, and plenty of nice people elsewhere.
I like the politeness, it's the lack of directness that bugs me. My feelings may be affected by my ill health for the past five years (and the stress of w*rk) and prior periods of illness. I'm probably not as appreciative of what is here as I would be when feeling better - which I plan to be, now that I'm retired. My energy level - it would be nice to have energy again.
However, still no ocean in sight. That is something I really do miss - going on a blues cruise in a few days to get that out of my system!
I grew up in CA, spent years in VA then years in MI...now in NJ since 2001. People here are crazy, very direct and in yer' face, but will do anything for ya! (yes, within reason!) Love it! The polite facade in other areas was ok, just not my personal cup 'o tea.
Thinker, I do hope you are feeling well soon! Enjoy your retirement!!
Finding value in wherever you live is a subject I have been thinking about quite a bit recently, since I am planning to move from a much maligned frigid (in winter) prairie location to a warmer and more congenial location in 2011. I am thinking not only about the climate and physical location but the people and customs. I'm going to miss the cultural diversity of where I live now, and the community spirit. Hopefully there will be plenty of that where I'm going!
I like the politeness, it's the lack of directness that bugs me.
but my absolute favorite was Monterey, CA. Maybe when I retire I'll sell everything off and be able to afford a hovel there once again.
Wasn´t Monterey John Steinbeck´hometown?
Wasn´t Monterey John Steinbeck´hometown?
People that love Seattle and Vancouver like cloudy weather. People that crave sunshine live elsewhere. Home is where the heart is!However, I get why people love the city, I think it's neat in some ways too, but overall, I could take it or leave it.