Life
6 Cities Where Awesome Things Are Happening That Aren't L.A., New York, or San Francisco
You know, I think New York is fine. I think San Francisco is cool. I think Los Angeles is great and I think Chicago is terrific. But that doesn't mean I think those four cities are the only places where creativity and culture are happening in the United States. Despite their reputations as the epicenters for happening post-grad life, one of my pet peeves is the cultural assumption that you have to live in a huge, expensive major American city if you want to be successful. If you're interested in something a little different, here are a few suggestions of smaller spots where awesomeness occurs on a regular basis. These places are good if you're itching for a change of scenery, or just want to know where you can get a two bedroom apartment for less than $700.
You know, I think New York is fine. I think San Francisco is cool. I think Los Angeles is great and I think Chicago is terrific. But that doesn't mean I think those four cities are the only places where creativity and culture are happening in the United States. Despite their reputations as the epicenters for happening post-grad life, one of my pet peeves is the cultural assumption that you have to live in a huge, expensive major American city if you want to be successful. If you're interested in something a little different, here are a few suggestions of smaller spots where awesomeness occurs on a regular basis. These places are good if you're itching for a change of scenery, or just want to know where you can get a two bedroom apartment for less than $700.
Tucson, Ariz.
Sunny weather, pretty mountains and blue skies pretty much every day of the year, plus a low cost of living and terrific Mexican food. Tucson has an awesome local art scene, a great downtown area and lots of cool cultural activities, thanks to the the University of Arizona. Sure, it gets pretty hot in the summer, but you won't really care about that when you're hiking in a tank top in January.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Baltimore, Md.
Baltimore is one of the only East Coast cities that's still relatively affordable to live in, especially if you're a young creative person (meaning, you don't have to pay $800 a month to share a two bedroom apartment with four roommates). Baltimore is a city of neighborhoods, so you can find a place that fits your budget and your vibe, from hipster/blue collar Hampden to yuppie Canton and Federal Hill. Charm City is driving distance from both the beach and the mountains, home to the current Super Bowl Champions and one of the most awesome people ever, John Waters. Did I mention there's Old Bay?
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Northampton, Mass.
Boston is all well and good, but if you'd like to live in a smaller, more laid-back New England city, Northampton might be a good option. It's in Western Mass's Pioneer Valley (which is home to five colleges, including Hampshire, UMass and Smith College), so there's all sorts of academic types and cultural activities. With about 28.000 people living in it, Northampton is really more of a big town than a city proper, but you'll be surprised at how much you'll find to do in and around the area.
Photo: Flickr user dannrayv
Indianapolis, Ind.
The Indy 500... a great literary scene, a tech hotbed and a burgeoning foodie culture? Yep, that's Indianapolis, one of the Midwest's newly cool (or cool again?) cities. I have several friends that live in Indy, and they rave about their city.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Asheville, N.C.
If you like bluegrass music and breweries, Asheville might just be your spot. Word here is that it's a better place to live if you are self-employed rather than looking for a job, but people who live in this mountain town seem to adore the mix of outdoorsy activities, live music, and a leisurely-yet-friendly atmosphere.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Tacoma, Wash.
Tacoma is often in the shadow of the bigger and more well-known Seattle, which is only about a 45-minute drive away. But Tacoma has lots to offer in its own right, although it often gets a bad rap. If you want to be in the Pacific Northwest but aren't ready join the hordes of baristas in overplayed Portland or overpriced Seattle, it might be a good option.
