What do you want about the place you reside? And what don’t you want? Says CoJ reader Emma: “I dwell in Davis, California, the bike capital of the U.S. There are extra bikes than automobiles on the highway. Right here’s my youngest sitting in our ‘minivan’!” Beneath, 13 extra readers inform us the professionals and cons of their hometowns…
“We moved from Texas to Connecticut in 2023. We love all the pieces about it (besides February. By no means February). Within the 5 years we lived in Texas, my soul was all the time angsty; one thing simply wasn’t clicking for me. The second I arrived in Connecticut, all the pieces clicked!” — Micah, West Hartford, Connecticut
“That is my third 12 months residing in Lisbon, Portugal, and I don’t know the way I’ll ever dwell wherever else! Some issues drive me mad, like how a lot canine poop you see on the sidewalk and the way all the pieces takes a few tries (like monitoring down a missed supply, a close to not possible process). However the persons are so good, the climate is wonderful, and we’re near essentially the most lovely shoreline. We will additionally discover the remainder of Europe by automotive.” — NaseemLibson, Portugal
“My work introduced me from Southern California to Michigan. I’m warming as much as the slower tempo and deeply rooted household connectedness within the Midwest. The chilly winters have been tough, however this winter I visited Lake Michigan, and the waves appeared like infinite white mountains, like one of many nice wonders of the world. I’m humbled by how a lot magnificence I discover.” — Marissa, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Our small fishing village has an eclectic bunch of retirees with wonderful life tales. It does take an age attending to the store due to the chit chat; if I’m in a rush, I’ve to offer off a frantic wizzing vibe. I like seeing little youngsters working round with their buckets and spades. You additionally must avoid native gossip and to not interact, however I like the sense of belonging.” — Lulu, Cornwall, England
“I moved to Orcas Island, Washington, to work as the highschool counselor. I like that there aren’t any stoplights on the island. I like that I can stroll in all places with my canine, Gus. I like that the group helps their youth in numerous methods. I like that there aren’t any fast-food locations. I like choosing wild blackberries and storing them within the freezer after which slowly doling them out after the summer season ends. I like not having to make as many choices day by day as a result of there are fewer selections that must be made. I like that I’m studying greater than I used to. I like that quickly I will likely be a kind of individuals who jumps into the freezing chilly sea day by day — I simply haven’t began but.” — Rachel, Orcas Island, Washington
“Our city turns right into a family-oriented haven within the summers. Assume: farmers markets, arts and music festivals, and a summer season block celebration. Final 12 months, they put 100 Herkys (the Iowa mascot, pictured above) round city for a scavenger hunt, and constructed free out of doors pickleball courts. The draw back? We don’t have any good Jewish delis. I might kill for an excellent bowl of matzo ball soup.” — Mara, Iowa Metropolis, Iowa
“Maine’s rocky coast is gorgeous, in addition to the flexibility of the forest to develop proper to the sting of the ocean. We’re within the time of 12 months, nevertheless, when spring NEVER appears to reach — the altering seasons in Maine will all the time take a look at me and provide infinite alternatives for renewal.” — Chloe, Portland, Maine
“I dwell in Avilés, Spain. Friendships solid within the mountains have a particular connection, since you undergo collectively to achieve superior locations. What I don’t like about residing right here is how empty little villages are. Persons are drawn to dwell within the cities and the villages are deserted. We name it ‘La España vaciada’, or ’emptied Spain.’” — Pilar, Avilés, Spain
“After practically 10 years in Brooklyn, my husband, two boys and I moved to Columbus, Ohio. My pal mentioned, ‘Welcome again to the guts of the guts of all of it.’ I like that we have now a backyard. I like that our mortgage is a 3rd of what we have been paying in hire for our two-bedroom railroad residence. I like the library system, among the best within the nation. I like organizing with TEMPO After Darkish and the Ohio Clear Air Coalition. What I don’t like are the skyrocketing housing costs — we face an inexpensive housing disaster — and that you simply want a automotive to have the ability to get round.” — Sharon, Columbus, Ohio
“I’m conflicted as a result of the issues I hate about residing listed here are additionally the issues I like. I hate the solar beating down on my face in an open discipline stretching for miles, however I like how heat and open it makes me really feel. I hate the sound of the twister sirens in spring, however I like the scent of the humid rain and adrenaline of the storm I do know is to return.” — Malia, Oklahoma Metropolis, Oklahoma
“I grew up in Los Angeles. Everybody thinks they realize it. However, like an individual, L.A. is difficult and divulges itself in layers over time. It seems like a present to expertise the issues which are hidden beneath the floor. And there’s nothing, completely nothing, that can make you are feeling extra alive than driving down a protracted boulevard late at evening or alongside the ocean at sundown. Don’t neglect to place the home windows down!” — Kelly, L.A.
“Proper now, my household lives in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for my partner’s job with the U.S. State Division. It’s been enjoyable to discover — there are yurt camps, horses in all places, and a bazaar made fully of delivery containers. The one factor that’s arduous about residing right here, proper now, is the uncertainty of being a federal worker. My household and buddies do vital and significant work right here, and all of us actually wish to keep.” — Dot, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
“I dwell in a francophone city in rural Manitoba, Canada. Whereas the winters may be chilly and darkish (-40 C!), the persons are heat and comfy. Our children skate on our yard rink for six months of the 12 months. You need to be hearty to dwell right here, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.” — Stephanie, Lorette, Canada
What do you like — and never love — about the place you reside? We wish to know!
P.S. 12 extra readers share the place they dwell, and other people discuss shifting to completely different nations and shifting from an enormous metropolis to a small city.
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