What do you want about the place you reside? And what don’t you want? Says CoJ reader Emma: “I stay in Davis, California, the bike capital of the U.S. There are extra bikes than vehicles on the street. 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 at all times 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 understand how I’ll ever stay anyplace 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 inconceivable process). However the individuals are so good, the climate is superb, and we’re near essentially the most lovely shoreline. We are able to additionally discover the remainder of Europe by automotive.” — Naseem, Libson, 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 seemed like limitless 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 superb 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 present off a frantic wizzing vibe. I like seeing little kids operating round with their buckets and spades. You additionally must avoid native gossip and to not have interaction, 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 are not any stoplights on the island. I like that I can stroll all over the place with my canine, Gus. I like that the neighborhood helps their youth in plenty of methods. I like that there are not any fast-food locations. I like selecting wild blackberries and storing them within the freezer after which slowly doling them out after the summer time ends. I like not having to make as many selections day-after-day as a result of there are fewer choices that should be made. I like that I’m studying greater than I used to. I like that quickly I might be a type of individuals who jumps into the freezing chilly sea day-after-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 time block get together. Final 12 months, they put 100 Herkys (the Iowa mascot, pictured above) round city for a scavenger hunt, and constructed free outside pickleball courts. The draw back? We don’t have any good Jewish delis. I might kill for 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, nonetheless, when spring NEVER appears to reach — the altering seasons in Maine will at all times check me and provide limitless alternatives for renewal.” — Chloe, Portland, Maine
“I stay in Avilés, Spain. Friendships cast within the mountains have a particular connection, since you undergo collectively to succeed in superior locations. What I don’t like about residing right here is how empty little villages are. Persons are drawn to stay within the cities and the villages are deserted. We name it ‘La España vaciada’, or ’emptied Spain.’” — Pilar, Avilés, Spain
“After almost 10 years in Brooklyn, my husband, two boys and I moved to Columbus, Ohio. My buddy stated, ‘Welcome again to the guts of the guts of all of it.’ I like that we’ve a backyard. I like that our mortgage is a 3rd of what we have been paying in lease for our two-bedroom railroad condo. 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 reasonably priced 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 below are additionally the issues I like. I hate the solar beating down on my face in an open area 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 odor 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 sophisticated and divulges itself in layers over time. It appears like a present to expertise the issues which can be hidden beneath the floor. And there’s nothing, completely nothing, that may make you’re feeling extra alive than driving down an extended 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 all over the place, and a bazaar made completely of transport containers. The one factor that’s onerous about residing right here, proper now, is the uncertainty of being a federal worker. My household and pals do essential and significant work right here, and all of us actually wish to keep.” — Dot, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
“I stay in a francophone city in rural Manitoba, Canada. Whereas the winters may be chilly and darkish (-40 C!), the individuals are heat and comfy. Our children skate on our yard rink for six months of the 12 months. It’s important to be hearty to stay 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 stay, and individuals discuss transferring to completely different nations and transferring from a giant metropolis to a small city.
