Where you live..

[aerialfilm1]

I'm kind of curious. Do you all like where you currently live, or is it just a means to an end? I ask because Orlando is wearing thin on me for many reasons.:help I've seen tag lines like "Tex-Sux" and "Mid-Wurst", and I know we all poke fun at ourselves and our home turf. But do you really like where you live and would you recommend your hometown to someone, and why? I just need a decent airport to get to work.

[kbasa]

I love it.

[jwhite518]

I love where I live. The motorcycle riding is excellent. We have temperate weather - not too hot, not too cold, not too rainy, never snowy. When it does get hot, the bay fog comes in at night and cools things off. We call it our natural air conditioning. I have six BMW dealers within 100 miles. The area has natural beauty with mountains and water.

http://jwhite518.smugmug.com/photos/136491696-M.jpg

http://jwhite518.smugmug.com/photos/135616151-M.jpg

It also has man-made beauty with nice skylines.

http://jwhite518.smugmug.com/photos/135738071-M.jpg

Each of these shots was taken within a 20 minute ride from my house.

Sure it's crowded and expensive. That just comes with the territory. The only thing I don't like is the public schools. If you're in sight of the bay, a house in a good school district (if it exists at all) would cost a million dollars. If you only have half a mil, or 750k, you'll be out in the burbs. There's plenty more to say about the Bay Area, someone else chime in.

Oh, and I live 15 minutes from Oakland Airport and 35 minutes from San Francisco Airport.

[brooksie]

Winter riding in central Fla is not as nice as summer riding in the Canadian Maritimes, but I like both places for different reasons

[GeneT]

We are here in South Florida because we bought a business 35 years ago in the Florida Keys, we sold the business after 10 years and moved to Fort Lauderdale.
The weather is great, the airport 20-30 minutes away from the front door. The traffic is terrible, the taxes are double terrible, the insurance is tipple terrible. Everything you might need is accessible.

Motorcycle riding well that depends, in 20 minutes we can get to open highways but they are all flat and straight for several miles to the west and/or north, should you chose to go south to the keys you will find more congestion. However we can do this 52 weeks a year. this has some merit.

Would I move here again? Knowing what I know now and what this place has become absolutely NO

:dance

[knary]

We chose it and love it. :nod

[eddie]

I love living in Kentucky and have no desire to live anywhere else.Great roads and fairly mild winters,I can usually ride some every month of the year.

If your thinking about moving check us out.I live in Georgetown,close to Lexington where there is an airport.Beautiful horse farms and twistie back roads are also near. We are a days ride from the Carolinas,Tennessee,and W.Virginia. :wave

[Newstar]

This is a tough question. i live about half way between PhilIy and Baltimore. I used to like where I live. I moved to Delaware nearly 15 years ago. When I came here, we were excited when we found a McDonalds and a grocery store just a few miles away. Since then, way too many Philadelphia folks have discovered the hidden gem just 35 miles south. Now our roads are over crowded and the inner-city attitude prevails. The little courtesies we used to encounter are long gone. To give you an example, I used to leave my house at 7:15 and drive 2 miles to the on ramp of I-95 in under five minutes. Now if I leave at 7:15, it takes me 25 minutes to drive the same two miles!

We've thought about moving and while it would be possible for me to transfer to almost anywhere, my husband's work is most often found in a large city. he currently works in Philly. And since we are undergoing a huge remodeling project, we've come to the conclusion that we are staying for at least another 5-10 years before finding a little piece of heaven in West Virginia.

[tessler]

Wouldn't want to live anywhere else. :thumb

http://tessler.smugmug.com/gallery/1910419#96512078-S-LB

[PAULBACH]

Please keep this response confidential. Don't need anymore growth in Saratoga County.

I try to keep this location in Saratoga County quiet but for some reason it is the fastest growing county in the state of New York.

The area is mostly dairy farms and apple orchards and is just about halfway between New York and Montreal.

Motorcycle riding is the best. Location is at the center of four mountain ranges; The Adirondacks, The Catskills, The Green Mountains and The Berkshires. Because of the rapid expansion of nano technology the area touts itself as Tech Valley. AMD is about to break ground for a chip fab plant.

The best part of living here are the four distinct seasons. Just about the time you get tired complaining about one season, another one pops up. The winter can be chilly but that gives one time to ski and scheme.

Airports:
Albany International
Schenectady County Richmor Aviation
Saratoga County Richmor Aviation

All airports have jet runways.

Please don't tell anyone about Saratoga County. I am only 5 minutes away from riding in the mountains with no traffic and would like to keep it that way. :wave

[SheRidesABeemer]

I love New Hampshire. I'm an hour from the coast, an hour to the Lakes and mountains...and about an hour south to work. And with enough gear you can ride year round.
I'd live further north in the state if all the job weren't in Mass.

[snoone]

STAY AWAY. As Paulbach and Tessler can tell you we lack good roads, there's horrible scenery and it's not the birthplace of American Flyfishing. In addition you can't get a thing to eat and the people are downright mean.

[rgvilla]

Interesting question, I was born and raised in New Mexico and still consider it home. My youngest son and two grandchildren live in Albuquerque and I miss seeing them on a daily basis. I also miss the great riding and weather in that part of the country. On the downside is no water. The area is growing by leaps and bounds and I don't know what they are going to do about water.

We moved to PA 11 years ago when my wife took a job teaching at a state university. Indiana PA is a small town Northeast of Pittsburgh. My job is in Pittsburgh which is about an hour comute away for me. Pittsburgh is a great town to work in and has plenty of things to do. We live on a farm 58 miles from Pittsburgh and 20 miles from Indiana. This is my first experience with living in the country and I have mixed feelings about it. I love the solitude but miss being able to walk to a coffee shop on Sunday morning. I don't like the cold winters and all the snow. I'm used to riding year round and you just can't do that with all the snow we get. The air quality here is some of the worst in the country due to coal fired power plants so that is not a good thing, yet people need the power.

Currenty our plans are to retire and move to the Bend Oregon area which we both love. We still think about going back to NM but that probably won't happen. I'm guessing we may end up staying here due to cost of moving and our age. I can't see moving when I'm 67.

Enough about me, good luck with your decision.

[GlobalRider]

I'm kind of curious. Do you all like where you currently live.

Yes. We've got it really good up here in Canada (pick any city). Yeah, we have snow up here (so do the northern states) that cuts our riding season a bit short, but I make up for it with my annual rides in the Alps, and one month there is better than twelve months here.

I thought about moving to the US when I was in my early twenties, but for numerous reasons, I'm glad I didn't.

As for my retirement, I'll most probably end up living in Europe...but not for the roads. ;)

[RebeccaV]

.... I've seen tag lines like "Tex-Sux" and "Mid-Wurst".....
The 'Midwurst' tag line is mine. It's actually a play on words involving food and the German heritage of Milwaukee. Wurst = German Sausage. It is not meant to read 'Midworst.'

[NavyDad]

I like it here in Southern Ohio. If I am not sleeping or working, I am riding. I am close to the best roads in Ohio, not to mention W.V. and Kentucky. The Blue Ridge Parkway is an easy days ride away. As for the cost of living, it is reasonable here in this part of Ohio. I can be at the Columbus airport in an hour. Crime rate isn't bad and serious crimes are few and far between. I grew up here and it was a great place to raise my kids. Our daughter and her husband live here with their two kids. Our son and his family live where the Navy tells them to live, but he plans on returning here someday. We have several good paying jobs in Ross County. Yea, I'm happy here:thumb

[osbornk]

I moved back to the mountains of Virginia for retirement for several reasons.

1. Paid $200,000 for my 4,700 square foot house on 6.4 acres 7 years ago and it is 2 miles from the county seat. Includes detached garage with workshop, barn and 2 fishing ponds.
2. Property taxes have gone up to $1,240 per year
3. Homeowner insurance for $300K+ costs $585 per year
4. Full coverage on 2 motorcycles is under $200 per year
5. Coverage for 3 vehicles and travel trailer is under $600 per year
6. Electric to heat and cool the house in addition to pumping my water is under $200 per month
7. Monthly phone bill without long distance is $22.24 per month
8. Better roads than the Dragon minutes from my house
9. 20-30 campgrounds within an hour of my house.
10. A hour to the Blue Ridge Parkway
11. 2-3 hours from the Smokies
12. 2.5 hours from Asheville
13. Less than an hour from NC, TN, WV and their great roads.
14. Very little potential for natural disasters. We don't get hurricanes, tornados, hugh snowstorms and you only get flooded if you are stupid enough to buy in a susceptable area.
15. No or very short lines. Trip to DMV, annual safety inspection (no emissions tests), etc. might take 15 minutes,

[rinty]

I've lived in Calgary since I was 4. I've travelled all over the world, and wouldn't live anywhere else. It's high (3,500 feet), dry, and outside of earthquake, hurricane, tornado, and whatever else, zones. There are spectacular mountains to the west of us, and more sunshine during an average year than anywhere else in Canada. We do have to endure a dozen or so very cold days every winter, but we're used to that, just as southerners get used to their high heat summers.

The economy is strong and diverse, and the international airport has good direct connections to major cities all over the world. The things to do supplement for each weekend runs about 8 full newspaper pages.

The only thing we don't have is a lot of winding roads; they are 3 hours away in St. Mary, Montana. But the ride there is through beautiful foothills country.

Rinty

[Belquar]

Not a big fan of Jersey.

I have now lived here longer than I have lived anywhere before. Never stayed in one place longer than 4 years. Have lived in Jersey for nearly 7 years now. I am an hour and a half south of NYC and an hour North of NYC. I have plenty of airports, Philly, Kennedy, LaGuardia, Newark, Atlantic City. All about an hour or so away.

Have all the cultural offerings of NYC. That is nice. I can go blow dough in Atlantic City if I want. That can be fun at times. I live in a small town. Population is less than 30,000.

Traffic, while not as bad as some places....can really suck here. South Jersey Roads SUCK. There are not very many alternate routes around here. And in the summer....moving around can be a real bear. The BENNYs as we call them come down en masse. The population of the beach towns more than triples in the summer. I am walking distance from the Bay. The beach is less than 30 minutes away in the winter. In the summer it is well over an hour to get to the ocean.

I can not make a left turn after 10 am on Friday from my street onto a main thoroughfare during the summer. Traffic is a parking lot on that road and any other southbound roadways in the summer. Then on Sunday night or Monday morning going North is next to impossible.

Lot of folks have shore homes down here. They don't live here year round.

We live in an area where there is no zoning laws. So you can have a multimillion dollar home sitting right next to a shack that should be condemened. Makes things look tired and dingy.

I have lived in...

ND, NE, Japan, FL, CA, VA, TN, KY, GA, SC, CO, and now NJ.

If I could go back anywhere....in rank order, CO, CA, VA, FL, TN, KY, GA, SC, NE, NJ, ND. I put NJ over ND because I was a baby when we lived there. I do know that it is flat as a pancake, windy, rather treeless, etc.

Why did I come to NJ....met my wife on the web. Came back east from CO to get to know her. Married her. And will be taking her out of here someday. I don't resent where I live....just have lived in better places. This is all she has ever known and all her family lives here so she is reluctant to uproot.

Brian

[Braddog]

We moved here to the Twin Cities when we were first married because of my job, and the fact that this is where my wife is from. So, we had the support system of family, grandparents, etc.

Within a few years, her parents had moved away, her brother was killed in a tragic car accident, and our family support system no longer really existed. However, our lives had now taken a real hold here. We had children in school, we owned a home, we had friends, and once again, our jobs were here.

I like Minnesota, it has a lot of good things. We have lakes, trees, nice parks, decent motorcycle riding (but only several months, not 12 months), and in the Twin Cities, there are a lot of good arts and entertainment available.

That said, the older I get, the more I can tolerate heat, and the less I care to deal with cold and snow. Right now, it's April 7, 10 a.m., and it's 18 degrees Fahrenheit with a stiff wind. Oh, the sun is out, but just step outside. It's a shocker. Bring it on, Al Gore, I'm ready for some warming! I suspect that when we retire, we'll become "snow birds" spending the coldest months out of the year down south somewhere, but the warmer months here in Minnesota. It's really tough to beat Minnesota springs and falls. They're wonderful.

In this day and age, many people work at jobs that allow them to tele-commute, that is work remotely from wherever while doing their jobs via phone and computer. My wife and I could actually do this full time, with only a few scheduled trips into the office a month. However, right now, we both really function better in a real workplace environment. It just allows us to do our job better, at least for the time being. I'm pretty sure that when our youngest gets out of high school in 3 years that we may be seriously looking to move to someplace a little bit warmer.

[tonkandy]

Right now, it's April 7, 10 a.m., and it's 18 degrees Fahrenheit with a stiff wind. Oh, the sun is out, but just step outside .

I also decided to pass on the open house and demo rides at Moons. There may be snow later today.

Minneapolis is pretty nice for eight months of the year, but I think I'll move away when my youngest finishes high school.

[OUTBACKUFO]

Born Live and most likely will die in the high altitude of Colorado... the thick air of the lowlands make me groggy... :hungover :D It is getting expensive where i am in the inner mountains... everyone is trying for piece of paradise (at least what they are told is paradise... but the valley i am in was built to its max in the lat 70s ... not were to go... the ranchers have long long leases on all the BLM land and wont give it up which is a good thing .... the rest is national forestss...

[BubbaZanetti]

well, what can i say. i'm bored with amherst, i 'm SERIOUSLY considering some major life changes. i've lived here on and off for 8 years. the berkshires, which are just a stones throw away, are nice, but all the riding around here is dull to me. the scenery is decent but too "mellow" the rolling, ancient hills have no drama in them. i've yet to "put down roots" (as in buy a house) cause i can never decide i like one place enough. my current weird barn apartment thing is the coolest place i've ever lived and i'm gong to hate to leave it, but i cant stay in a place that bores me cause the house i'm renting is cool.

[bubbagazoo]

I've lived in Calgary since I was 4. I've travelled all over the world, and wouldn't live anywhere else. It's high (3,500 feet), dry, and outside of earthquake, hurricane, tornado, and whatever else, zones. There are spectacular mountains to the west of us, and more sunshine during an average year than anywhere else in Canada. We do have to endure a dozen or so very cold days every winter, but we're used to that, just as southerners get used to their high heat summers.

The economy is strong and diverse, and the international airport has good direct connections to major cities all over the world. The things to do supplement for each weekend runs about 8 full newspaper pages.

The only thing we don't have is a lot of winding roads; they are 3 hours away in St. Mary, Montana. But the ride there is through beautiful foothills country.

Rinty

A difference of 3 hours (legal speed limit driving) north gets you completely different climatic conditions. Up here Edmonton, our winters are not as mild as they are in Calgary. The reason is the distance to the Rockies (we don't get Chinook winds up here to warm things up) and being first in line for the "most dreaded of meteorological phenomena - the Siberian High".

I like Edmonton. OK, not the roads in spring time (especially this spring). Potholes up the ying-yang. The reason -- see my first paragraph. We have a very vibrant sports life. The cultural scene is more active than the snobby folks of the cultural scene will admit. The problem there is that this is a blue collar city. Calgary booms because of the money flowing through the corporate offices. Edmonton booms because of the actual, physical work that needs to be done to make the money flow through Calgary's corporate offices.

Riding is similar to Rinty's -- not a twisty road in site. If I ever come upon anything sharper than a long slow sweeper, I'm going to have to stop and push the bike around. That's how out of practice I am. We do, however, have lots of things to go and see. You know those road side attractions that everybody stops to see - the worlds largest whatever. I call it the "Great North East Alberta Stupid Things by the Side of the Road Tour".

[Voni]

They used to pay us to live in Kansas but they don't any more so we don't.

53 sMiles south of Alpine, Texas is as close to paradise as we've been. Wildflowers are blooming everywhere in this living desert. Lots to do and see and roads to ride.

Or just space to be.

Alpine has an airport, AMTrak, a regional hospital, a new library being built and Sul Ross University.

Did I mention affordable? Extremely.

It's a easy day's ride to Mexico, the McDonald Observatory, and minutes away from Big Bend National Park and the famed River Road to Presidio.

Couple that with the friendliest people anywhere, I'm glad we found our adobe abode.

And summers are for two wheel traveling. To British Columbia. To Newfoundland. To Alaska. To the MOA International Rally . . .

Voni
sMiling

[Motor31]

We don't live in any one spot anymore. So far in over 32 states we haven't found any one place we would want to settle as far as climate traffic and so on are concerend. The grandkids in LA. are a definite draw for us but it's hot and humid here in the summertime.

[Bike_Rat]

Normally, I would say we love living in the Cleveland, except this is what I see outside right now.
http://www.thedeadrat.com/images/4linking/easterwinter.JPG

Actually, I love it out here. The family likes it... so I like it :) The roads could be twistier and the summers could be longer... but the people rock.

[carter]

I live in Nashville. Born here. My home is 2 miles from the northern end of the Nachez Trace Parkway. Great country roads minutes from the house. Good weather most of the year. Great food. Great music. Good people. Go Titans! I'm staying.

[OUTBACKUFO]

well, what can i say. i'm bored with amherst, i 'm SERIOUSLY considering some major life changes. i've lived here on and off for 8 years. the berkshires, which are just a stones throw away, are nice, but all the riding around here is dull to me. the scenery is decent but too "mellow" the rolling, ancient hills have no drama in them. i've yet to "put down roots" (as in buy a house) cause i can never decide i like one place enough. my current weird barn apartment thing is the coolest place i've ever lived and i'm gong to hate to leave it, but i cant stay in a place that bores me cause the house i'm renting is cool.

Move to the Roaring Fork Valley here in COlorado... major labor shortage and they pay very well.... though rent is pricey (you might be use to it in the bershires... got great roads to ride in summer...(8 solid riding months in the mountains (10 depending on if you live in town on the paved streets.. you can ride year round... give it two days of BLUE BIRD days and all the paved roads are dry boned out... just wear a wind gear over ... Oh ya.. there is a lot of single (some very rich) women in Aspen.... we could get you a Surgar Momma BZ

[crazydrummerdude]

I would love where I live if it were like it was when I was a kid. In my own lifetime, I've seen this county absolutely raped by soulless home-builders/developers. There is nothing left of nature or history.

After (I move away to) school, I probably won't move back.

[Red100RT]

I'll tell ya what I would love and that is to see ALL Californians learn to just love California and by God stay there! And every last one of them move out of the PacNW and just go right back to good ol' Caleefonia and stay there and just love it! Then I could die a happy man.:fart

[Belquar]

I'll tell ya what I would love and that is to see ALL Californians learn to just love California and by God stay there! And every last one of them move out of the PacNW and just go right back to good ol' Caleefonia and stay there and just love it! Then I could die a happy man.:fart

I thought you wanted to move to Texas to die a happy man. :laugh :stick

[bigfoot105]

It's not too bad here in Anchorage, Alaska either.

No sales Tax
No State Income Tax
Alaska Permenant Fund Dividend
Great Fishing
Great Hunting
Great Motorcycling
Great Snowmobiling
Great Camping
Great Hiking
Great City
Great Job
Great Pay
Great People and Friends

I guess there's a reason they call Alaska the Greatland!

I've been here now for 17 years but I didn't come to retire, I just came here to fund my retirement.

[tessler]

Though some of us live far from where we originated (Belquar and Rich Villa, f'rinstance), many of us live within or near the place where we were born. In that respect, we're bound to admire, above all other locales, where we happen to be right now.

Sure, I'd love to be within spitting distance of glaciers, high mountain passes, palm trees and the BRP, but I live in the heart of the largest metropolis in the nation roughly 4 miles South of where I was born and 10 miles North of where I was raised. I know "here" and feel myself a part of it — as integral as Yankee Stadium or Carnegie Hall.

When I walk to my garage (15 minutes on foot) and fire up my bike and direct myself through oft frustratingly congested streets to the arteries that carry traffic in and out of the city, the experience is about as charming as catching a splinter. But in every direction is a great ride; the destination perhaps one of the spots where 'you all live' and as the traffic thins and my journey lengthens the thought of really liking where I live makes all the more sense.

[stewby]

I like it here in central CT. Good roads, not much growth. Foothills of the Berkshires aren't far away in northwestern CT where there's great riding. Coast is nearby. Vermont and NH aren't a long distance (not that there isn't great riding in Mass!). Winters are ok here unlike northern New England. I used to live in Dallas (20 years) and I see more bikes here than I ever saw there, although here we're dominated by Harleys. Relentless heat got to me in Texas so I moved back to CT where I was born and raised. I have no intention of leaving.

[Callmethebreeze]

I agree with Rick. CT is close to most places including Manhattan which is like no where else. Small town life is predictable. Cheshire is a good place to raise your kids, start a business or commute to New Haven or Hartford.
I enjoy going to lectures and peformances at Yale whether it's the Med School, Law School or the Rep. I enjoy being around interesting people who have been places and done things with their lives.
Yes it's expensive to live here but not as ridiculous as california. I live on a large pond adjacent to a land trust preserve with a 200 foot waterfall and I haven't mortgaged my children's future to afford it.
Here's the thing though, you have to be hardy to live here. The winters can be cold and snowy. Summers can be hot and humid. It rains a fair amount. You have to be adaptable to changing conditions. People are friendly once you get to know them but it takes more time than other places where I have lived. Provincial is a word that comes to mind. You'll get over it. Connecting with CRVBMW Club will help some but they aren't the "Hi how are yall doin" types.
If you have more questions pm me. Best of luck in your journey.

Breeze

[The_Veg]

Some aspects of living here in the Dallas metro area have really grown on me, but after ten years here I still say that I won't stay for life. Winters are tolerable, but our summers *REALLY SUCK!!!* My riding season starts in September and runs until about mid-June.
Speaking of riding, there's precious-little good riding close enough for a nice afternoon out, although if you want to make a whole day of it the options open up a few counties out in more than one direction. The Hill Country and the Talimena Scenic Drive are best left for weekend-trips.
I live out in the FAR northern 'burbs, about halfway between downtown Dallas and the OK state line- and even out here, urban sprawl is out of control. The airport that used to serve small private planes about a half-mile from me was closed a few years ago when all the new-suburbanites complained about the noise (and the airport was here first). Cheeply-built yet pricey McMansions are spreading like wildfire across what were farm-fields just the other year. Glass towers are surging out past the pastures. And most young families just starting out can't afford to live any closer in than this! We are rapidly becoming L.A. I think (and we DO already have a fair amount of movie-industry happening here).
Where do I go from here? I don't know yet. The way my taste in climates seems to be going, I think I'd love the west coast if only I could afford it. And thanks to Californication, I have very sadly removed Oregon from my short-list of places I'd like to live. Sometimes I think I'd like St. Louis or Louisville or the Ohio River Valley, or quite possibly the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area (but I hear that they have really bad sprawl too). I also like Athens GA (grew up in the southeast) and many aspects of Denver (best friend lives there). Parts of Tennessee seem kinda intriguing too. The winters are what keep the Madison WI area off my list, but maybe with global warming I should think about it and maybe strike before everybody moves north and drives the market stratospheric. Funnily enough, the home town that I said I could never live in ever again (Tuscaloosa AL) actually doesn't seem so bad these days (but I still would need an awfully compelling reason to go back).
I just hope I figure it out before I'm too old to care.

[hondarider]

Avoid the Berkshires at all costs! This is a miserable locale! I'm only here because of the multitude of high paying jobs available. The mountains get in the way of your view and obstruct the landscape...dense forests give me the creeps...there are no highways or interstates within a 30 minute drive so you can't get anywhere quickly...all the roads are twisty with only two lanes...there isn't an Olive Garden or Red Lobster within an hour's drive...the natives are always talking to you and trying to make you feel at home (so annoying)...and don't even get me started on the 4 season thing...who cares about colored leaves anyways? I'm telling you...this place blows! If you're planning a trip...and it passes through Western Mass...go around! Try Vermont or Connecticut...I'd hate for you to get trapped in this cess pool like me:banghead

[37071]

There is NO place like home! For years I thought that I would make my way to the Okanogan in my forties, so I would properly situated for retirement. It was about that time that I finally figured out how important my friends and family were. They are moving - so I'm not either.

[cayuse60]

Two days ago...:mad I'm sure there are others who have more.

---tim

[Slablog]

I grew up in the northwest Florida/south Alabama area but have lived here in north Georgia, in and around Atlanta, for the last 23 years.

This is home. And not much better place for roads within just a couple hours riding. Deal's Gap and other much better roads in western NC are just to the north. WV is just a bit farther as are the hills of Tennessee and Kentucky. These are great curvey roads,..BUT.... I know of what Voni speaks above. My wife grew up in Marfa Texas, not far from Alpine. I have been to west Texas several times riding, and one day we will move there, I'm sure of it.

In a nutshell, I like where I am but the lure of the largely undiscovered west Texas paradise awaits me.

[GlobalRider]

It's not too bad here in Anchorage, Alaska either.

No sales Tax
No State Income Tax

I just received a reply to a PM that I sent to a member in NH. Same in that state. And because they work in MA, they pay MA state income tax which happens to be a piddly 5.75%.

Now I know why Americans never complain about anything. All their hard earned money is their's to keep and spend as they choose.

[SheRidesABeemer]

I just received a reply to a PM that I sent to a member in NH. Same in that state. And because they work in MA, they pay MA state income tax which happens to be a piddly 5.75%.

Now I know why Americans never complain about anything. All their hard earned money is their's to keep and spend as they choose.

Don't forget the 15-32% we all pay the feds....:doh

[Red100RT]

I thought you wanted to move to Texas to die a happy man. :laugh :stick

Have you lost your mind?? If someone told me that I must spend the rest of my days in that place I would seriously consider ending it all.:blah

[Motor31]

I just received a reply to a PM that I sent to a member in NH. Same in that state. And because they work in MA, they pay MA state income tax which happens to be a piddly 5.75%.

Now I know why Americans never complain about anything. All their hard earned money is their's to keep and spend as they choose.


Some states have NO income tax, others have no sales tax. :usa

[Mar]

Please keep this response confidential. Don't need anymore growth in Saratoga County.

Eeeew. Too close to Cobbleskill where I hit the deer. I don't have very good memories of that part of the state for that reason and another.

[Crow18]

I spent the first half of my life in coastal Connecticut, about 50 miles from New York City, and the second half here in Portland. Every now and then we talk about moving--since my wife is looking to turn her PhD into a professorship and my current job is not what you'd call a career, I think it's inevitable--but none of the prospects seems really appealing to either of us, compared to Portland.

I get grumpy--you might even say homesick--in the autumn, since most of the trees out here don't have leaves, and the leaves on the ones that have leaves just fall in the gutters and turn gray in the rain. Other than that, I like it here okay. Portland is about as big a city as I can reasonably tolerate for any length of time. When most of the jobs in my former field (3d animation and multimedia) left town eight years ago, I made a conscious decision to stay in Portland and find other work, rather than move to Seattle, SF, LA, Austin, or any of the other pulsing hotbeds of digital employment. Haven't really regretted it.

[Red100RT]

I spent the first half of my life in coastal Connecticut, about 50 miles from New York City, and the second half here in Portland. Every now and then we talk about moving--since my wife is looking to turn her PhD into a professorship and my current job is not what you'd call a career, I think it's inevitable--but none of the prospects seems really appealing to either of us, compared to Portland.

I get grumpy--you might even say homesick--in the autumn, since most of the trees out here don't have leaves, and the leaves on the ones that have leaves just fall in the gutters and turn gray in the rain. Other than that, I like it here okay. Portland is about as big a city as I can reasonably tolerate for any length of time. When most of the jobs in my former field (3d animation and multimedia) left town eight years ago, I made a conscious decision to stay in Portland and find other work, rather than move to Seattle, SF, LA, Austin, or any of the other pulsing hotbeds of digital employment. Haven't really regretted it.

You talk about rain?:banghead You should try northeast WA some time:banghead

[jdiaz]

You talk about rain?:banghead You should try northeast WA some time:banghead

If Metaline Falls is too wet, you might want to try moving to Ione. :laugh

I lived in Spokane for 17 years and I never heard anyone describe it as too wet.

[empeg9000]

I'm kind of curious. Do you all like where you currently live, or is it just a means to an end? I ask because Orlando is wearing thin on me for many reasons.:help I've seen tag lines like "Tex-Sux" and "Mid-Wurst", and I know we all poke fun at ourselves and our home turf. But do you really like where you live and would you recommend your hometown to someone, and why? I just need a decent airport to get to work.
I live near PAULBACH and I really like it here too. I've lived here all my life and I probably won't move. However you can go to find your spot (http://www.findyourspot.com/Default.asp) and take thier quiz and it will give you all sorts of information about communities that might be right for you depending on your likes and dislikes and even takes you occupation and religion into account. It recommends 5 places for you. I took it a couple years ago and it recommended two places in AZ, two in NH, and ironically the number one place was just one town away from where I live right now. I take that to mean I am were I should be.

[Crow18]

You talk about rain?:banghead You should try northeast WA some time:banghead

My point was that there's not much in the way of autumn leaves in Portland.

On the plus side, we *do* get more rain than Northeastern Washington. (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/compare/USOR0275?sfld1=Portland,%20OR&sfld2=Metaline%20Falls,%20WA&clocid1=USOR0275&clocid2=) (follow the link and click the Avg Precip. radio button)

[ltljohn]

Eastern PA is ok, A little tax happy but I am happy here. I have family roots here. Good riding is fairly close, I can be in Philadelphia in an hour or so depending on traffic or Manhattan in about 2.5 hours. I have the cultural and sports teams benefit of 2 big cities but am far enough away so the crime and crowding is not a problem. I was fortunate enough to get a nice lot of about 3 acres that backs up to 2000+ acres of state owned land. The township I live in is 48% parkland owned by the county and state. One of the favorite riding twisty roads locally is the road I live on. Mild winters compared to growing up in Maine.

I noticed a line in a Bubbagazoo post in this thread about Siberian highs in the winter, thats funny we used to call them Alberta Cippers.

The great thing about America is if you don't like where you live you move to another part of this great big place.

I think we should all move to Saratoga County NY., it sounds like there is plenty of open space, jobs and great riding for all of us. PAULBACH thank for letting all of us know about it.,:laugh

[kreinke]

I've got to say after having visited other states several times I really can't find anything about Wisconsin that would want me to move to another state.

There really is something for everyone here. The "driftless area" which I live just a few miles from has some of the best riding around. Lots of Amish area nestled in rolling bluffs and deep coulees.

I really used to bitch about the taxes we pay but when comparing our roads to some other states ('specially Florida and Texas, and Illinois) I can't complain anymore.

That said, we have a heck-of-alot of construction during the summer which can kind of be annoying, particularly if it's that stupid chip sealing.
http://toecutter.smugmug.com/photos/134706505-M.jpg
http://toecutter.smugmug.com/photos/134706513-M.jpg
http://toecutter.smugmug.com/photos/134706482-M.jpg


Some pictures from my favorite state......

[henzilla]

Have you lost your mind?? If someone told me that I must spend the rest of my days in that place I would seriously consider ending it all.:blah

We're still here!...Don't be hatin'!:stick :bliss

Heck, there Red, we had winter again Saturday...but still rolling and loving our spot on the map...

[Mudbug]

I thought you wanted to move to Texas to die a happy man. :laugh :stick

Have you lost your mind?? If someone told me that I must spend the rest of my days in that place I would seriously consider ending it all.:blah

My only regret is that I was not born in Texas. But I moved here as soon as I could.

[Ktoo]

I love New Hampshire too ... Great Mtns, Ocean, Riding, plus the 'family' nearby is nice. Our mtns. might not be as big as the Rockys... but they are older!!!:laugh

[Voni]

My only regret is that I was not born in Texas. But I moved here as soon as I could.

Me, too ; )

Voni
sMiling

[Mar]

http://toecutter.smugmug.com/photos/134706513-M.jpg
Some pictures from my favorite state......

You look awfully small. Can you reach the ground from the saddle of your bike? :D

[Bob_M]

[QUOTE=Crow18;197931]My point was that there's not much in the way of autumn leaves in Portland.
QUOTE]

When it finally arrives (which it is doing) The spectacle is brilliant. The hillsides are now a mosaic of lime green maple flowers contrasted by the dark evergreen spires of tall firs. This green canvas is punctuated by native dogwoods and native cherries bright in full bloom. In the neighborhoods the bursting of flowers come in wave after wave of blooms as different varieties and different species chase each other in an overlapping relay of competition gardening.

And summers..... It gets dark around 10:00 at night in June. We can expect maybe 10 days in the 90s. The sun goes down and the air will cool to a temperature that allows you to sleep.

Then Autumn. Not the best fall color, but for a motorcyclist, the long dry days continue into October and rides into the mountains and boondocks are at their best.

Spring, summer and fall are wonderful, but we pay during winter, boy do we pay.

[ian408]

Don't forget the 15-32% we all pay the feds....:doh

In the end, it's more than that. Sales tax, vehicle "fees", gasoline taxes, blah, blah,
blah.

[kreinke]

You look awfully small. Can you reach the ground from the saddle of your bike? :D

That is my riding partner, Gunnar. For those of you that may be following Gunnar had been recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (a high functioning form of autism)

Riding with Daddy on his Beemer is one of the greatest thrills he can think of. Taking him out for a ride is one of the biggest kicks I get out of motorcycling :thumb
He has complete gear from Nancy at Familymotorcycling.com.

I can't wait until my younger son, Garrett, can reach the pegs. For now, he's vertically challenged

[wildwilly]

I have lived and worked here for most of my sixty years. I would have liked to retire to Nevada, or Utah after I retired. But with the birth of our granddaughter I reckon that we're going stay forever.

There might be a couple other places in California that might be as miserable, if not worse than here (Trona and Needles). :bolt

[screwtop]

Well, I would have to say that I like my town of residence, but I'm not at all enamoured with the "peoples republic of Maryland":sick which continues on it's path toward the ultimate entitlement state. The state administration continues to do all they can to dictate how we live our lives, find ways to tax us more, and screw up the economy (e.g., recent smoking bans, assault weapons tax, minimum wage hike, etc.).

The latest crap to come from the Bozos in Anapolis is the adoption of CA emissions standards for all vehichles sold in the state, a measure that passed this week, and will add significantly to the cost of a new car. Nevermind that we've already got strict emissions standards in place:banghead .

That being said, I'm stuck here for a while. At least Marlyand has some decent riding and is close to some nice historical areas.

[Czarnazoo]

After living with Jen for 8 years on the beach in North Carolina and the last eight on a sparsly populated island in the Bahamas...yes to some they seem like the perfect places to live and for us at that time they were too. I'm originally from NE PA and my better half, Jen from St. Charles, MN but we have now transplanted to NY...The Catskills...can't say enough good things about living here. We've both been into bikes since we were kids...Jen began riding at 3 and even raced ice track...dad's a bit of a motorhead and wanted a boy. We live in Hunter, NY - for those of you who don't know the area - Hunter is on top of the Catskill mountains and is a sleepy town based around the winter & summer business of Hunter Ski Resort. No franchise stores - one lane in each direction - more stop signs than stop lights, more windy roads and hills than flats and straight-a-ways, more state land than developed land. Don't get me wrong - we love cultural events, the city, the conveniences - but we have that too...50 minutes from Albany and just over 2 hours from NYC. But to wake up and look into the woods, not hear cars, to have privacy...to us...priceless.

A litte tangent...

Some people look for a home in a city suited foremost for their occupation and then secondary - their lifestyle...We at 35 & 36 are always in search for quality of life. Living in areas that attract us for reasons that suit our lifestyle at the time...that allow us to enjoy life while working in an occupation we enjoy. A person much older than I said something to me 12 years ago while Jen and I were sailing through the Caribbean and were offered an opportunity to relocate there...This wise person said to us "do it now because you just never know what may happen later". This came from a person who retired early with plans to sail the seas on their sailboat and tour the country on their cycles, but her husband of many years passed away suddenly...not stopping her, but drastically changing her plans. My wife and I live by those words each day, both in our lifestyle and our occupations...the Catskills is now our perfect home base. We, who live in NY know the pros and cons...I focus on the positive aspects...the cons are in every city and every state...but hey...that's life.

If anyone is ever passing through the area - look us up for a tour through the twisties and scenic roads on the moutain top. Check out some of the great summer festivals & concerts at www.huntermtn.com - we always have room for your bike, camping space in the yard, a hot shower, and a variety of cold beer in the fridge.
:D

Brian & Jen
2006 12GSA
2004 R1150RS
KLR 250
DR 200

[Red100RT]

If Metaline Falls is too wet, you might want to try moving to Ione. :laugh

I lived in Spokane for 17 years and I never heard anyone describe it as too wet.

No, Spokane isn't too wet. Completely different climate down there. I mean it is 100 miles exactly from the intersection of Division and Sprague to Met Falls and the vegetation up here reflects that. Spokane = pine forests but no pine hardly at all up here. In fact, it is difficult to tell this from west of the Cascades. Lots of fir/tamarak and firns. We got over a half inch of rain yesterday which is not un-common and Spokane may hardly get wet at all. This is a different climate zone completely.:banghead

[osbornk]

I attended my 40th High School class reunion last summer and talked with many of my classmates about their retirement plans. Many of us are like the Salmon. When we were young and full of energy, we couldn't wait to leave the place of our youth and make it to the big world. But as we age, we want to go back home at the end of our life. We want to be near family, friends and the familiar in our last days so we may take care of them or be taken care of by them.

Many of my classmates did not attend the reunion because they never left our small town and make it big in the big city. They didn't understand that many of their fellow classmates have been trying to save enough money to move back to their hometown to have the peace and security others never left.

[snoone]

After living with Jen for 8 years on the beach in North Carolina and the last eight on a sparsly populated island in the Bahamas...yes to some they seem like the perfect places to live and for us at that time they were too. I'm originally from NE PA and my better half, Jen from St. Charles, MN but we have now transplanted to NY...The Catskills...can't say enough good things about living here. We've both been into bikes since we were kids...Jen began riding at 3 and even raced ice track...dad's a bit of a motorhead and wanted a boy. We live in Hunter, NY - for those of you who don't know the area - Hunter is on top of the Catskill mountains and is a sleepy town based around the winter & summer business of Hunter Ski Resort. No franchise stores - one lane in each direction - more stop signs than stop lights, more windy roads and hills than flats and straight-a-ways, more state land than developed land. Don't get me wrong - we love cultural events, the city, the conveniences - but we have that too...50 minutes from Albany and just over 2 hours from NYC. But to wake up and look into the woods, not hear cars, to have privacy...to us...priceless.

A litte tangent...

Some people look for a home in a city suited foremost for their occupation and then secondary - their lifestyle...We at 35 & 36 are always in search for quality of life. Living in areas that attract us for reasons that suit our lifestyle at the time...that allow us to enjoy life while working in an occupation we enjoy. A person much older than I said something to me 12 years ago while Jen and I were sailing through the Caribbean and were offered an opportunity to relocate there...This wise person said to us "do it now because you just never know what may happen later". This came from a person who retired early with plans to sail the seas on their sailboat and tour the country on their cycles, but her husband of many years passed away suddenly...not stopping her, but drastically changing her plans. My wife and I live by those words each day, both in our lifestyle and our occupations...the Catskills is now our perfect home base. We, who live in NY know the pros and cons...I focus on the positive aspects...the cons are in every city and every state...but hey...that's life.

If anyone is ever passing through the area - look us up for a tour through the twisties and scenic roads on the moutain top. Check out some of the great summer festivals & concerts at www.huntermtn.com - we always have room for your bike, camping space in the yard, a hot shower, and a variety of cold beer in the fridge.
:D

Brian & Jen
2006 12GSA
2004 R1150RS
KLR 250
DR 200

Hey Brian and Jen,

There are a group of us that ride the catskills quite frequently. I live a little south of you, Paulbach a little north, Tessler a little west. I flyfish the Hunter area often and will shoot you a note the next time I'm around. Always looking for new roads and places I've not been before.

[Red100RT]

My point was that there's not much in the way of autumn leaves in Portland.

On the plus side, we *do* get more rain than Northeastern Washington. (http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/compare/USOR0275?sfld1=Portland,%20OR&sfld2=Metaline%20Falls,%20WA&clocid1=USOR0275&clocid2=) (follow the link and click the Avg Precip. radio button)

Well geez, of course Portland (my home town) gets more rain than Met Falls. Not much between there and the big pond after all. Portland also gets more winter sun than here and that's what makes me crazy, lack of sunshine. I don't mind the snow and cold but no sun for months:banghead I went to the clinic for blood work this winter and they find out I'm vitamin D deficient so I end up with a prescription for vitamin D. Ever hear of vitamin D by prescription? No wonder I almost go nuts by the middle of January:banghead

[sgtboring]

I love PA! I was born on the Banks of the Susquehanna River and cut my teeth on PA Dutch Cooking. There are more miles of paved roads in PA then in any other state in the Union. You can still find a diner around most corners and the majority of folks you meet are pretty nice if you get to know them. Taxes are High but I think they are for most folks. I would leave for many other places but have been hooked into one of the best retirement pension plans in the country so I will be here for another 20 years at least. :thumb

[Czarnazoo]

Hey Brian and Jen,

There are a group of us that ride the catskills quite frequently. I live a little south of you, Paulbach a little north, Tessler a little west. I flyfish the Hunter area often and will shoot you a note the next time I'm around. Always looking for new roads and places I've not been before.

Snoone - defintely let us know if you're up in the area - as I said - guests are always welcome. Looking at your avatar and such - you may want to check out - www.mountainjam.com - takes place at Hunter Mountain - June 2nd and 3rd. A small crowd is beginning to gather at our house - camping on the lawn is open - probably even a breakfast thrown in Sunday morning...great weekend for a ride.

[snoone]

Snoone - defintely let us know if you're up in the area - as I said - guests are always welcome. Looking at your avatar and such - you may want to check out - www.mountainjam.com - takes place at Hunter Mountain - June 2nd and 3rd. A small crowd is beginning to gather at our house - camping on the lawn is open - probably even a breakfast thrown in Sunday morning...great weekend for a ride.

Love Gov't Mule, might just work out!!! Thanks

[tessler]

Snoone - defintely let us know if you're up in the area - as I said - guests are always welcome. Looking at your avatar and such - you may want to check out - www.mountainjam.com - takes place at Hunter Mountain - June 2nd and 3rd. A small crowd is beginning to gather at our house - camping on the lawn is open - probably even a breakfast thrown in Sunday morning...great weekend for a ride.I saw a flyer for that when I was up in the mountains last weekend :thumb Could be interesting!

[SIBUD]

I've had the same phone number and bank account number for 33 years.

Born in Beloit, WI. Moved to the Denver area at age 8. Came to the midwest to go to school and married a girl from U City, MO. Except for 18 months while we were in the Army, we have lived in S. Illinois.

2 kids and 3 grandkids live here as well.

Other child lives in Denver with two kids of their own.

Midwestern by birth and most likely by death.

Retired and could move but don't want to be far from family and Denver is so much more expensive than here.

[mandypants]

I, for one, am glad you're staying in Southern Illinois. That's one more riding buddy for me, and someone easy to visit when I go home to see family!

(*Bud lives next door to my mom!*)

Can't wait to see you in Branson! We're leaving Friday morning if you want to tag along...we have a sweet route planned!:wave

[RandallIsland]

I just need a decent airport to get to work.

Move to Boise. Nice airport with Big Twin (http://www.bigtwincycles.com/) just right-on-down the tarmac.

Po'town about sums it up. It's just barely more tolerable knowing Friedle's nearby, and so fortunately, not quite in Hondarider's Berkshires hell.

And Yes, ...
I saw a flyer for that when I was up in the mountains last weekend :thumb Could be interesting!
... it does.

[Czarnazoo]

I saw a flyer for that when I was up in the mountains last weekend :thumb Could be interesting!

It's the third year and it just keeps getting better - great line-up. The invitation stands.

[Pat Carol]

I was born in Detroit. I know live and reside with my lovely wife( Ice Princess) in Hubbard Lake, Michigan. We are about 20 miles south of Alpena, Michigan.
We have 41 acres of rolling hardwoods. I have the convenience of hunting from the bedroom window. We are living the American Dream.
It was a culture shock for me moving up here. I always tell my wife (Ice Princess) that she is lucky too have married me. She finally has a branch on the family tree.
It gets boring in the winter time. I can only hunt ,ice fish and drink so much beer. I have vowed to my wife Julie that we will plan to go someplace warm for a couple of weeks in the winter.
At this time; the chubby weather chick is predicting up to a foot of snow over the next two days. The best thing about living up here is no heavy traffic. I can jump on the bike and ride up to the U.P. of the state.

Take Care & Ride Safe
Pat Carol

[mtfrench]

My wife and I moved to Miami Beach in 1995. South Florida is a great place for outdoor activities, cultural diversity, sports, international travel gateway, etc. However, the traffic sucks and the riding opportunities within 200 miles are pitiful. As a college professor, I can comfortably commute to work every day of the year on my RT, which is much more enjoyable for me then fighting traffic in my car. About 5 years ago we bought a log cabin in the NC mountains and I keep my GS there. My wife hates to ride in the South Florida traffic, but we ride all day in NC. So, spending time in both locations is a great arrangement for us. Drop me a line if you are ever looking for a riding buddy when visiting Western Carolina!