What do you want about the place you reside? And what don’t you want? Says CoJ reader Emma: “I reside 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’!” Under, 13 extra readers inform us the professionals and cons of their hometowns…
“We moved from Texas to Connecticut in 2023. We love all the things 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 things clicked!” — Micah, West Hartford, Connecticut
“That is my third 12 months residing in Lisbon, Portugal, and I don’t understand how I’ll ever reside anyplace else! Some issues drive me mad, like how a lot canine poop you see on the sidewalk and the way all the things takes a few tries (like monitoring down a missed supply, a close to inconceivable activity). 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 appeared 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 provide off a frantic wizzing vibe. I like seeing little kids working round with their buckets and spades. You additionally need to keep away from native gossip and to not interact, however I really like the sense of belonging.” — Lulu, Cornwall, England
“I moved to Orcas Island, Washington, to work as the highschool counselor. I really like that there are not any stoplights on the island. I really like that I can stroll in every single place with my canine, Gus. I really like that the group helps their youth in a number of methods. I really like that there are not any fast-food locations. I really like selecting wild blackberries and storing them within the freezer after which slowly doling them out after the summer season ends. I really like not having to make as many selections each day as a result of there are fewer choices that have to be made. I really like that I’m studying greater than I used to. I really like that quickly I will probably be a type of individuals who jumps into the freezing chilly sea each 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 occasion. 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 power 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 take a look at me and supply limitless alternatives for renewal.” — Chloe, Portland, Maine
“I reside in Avilés, Spain. Friendships cast within the mountains have a particular connection, since you endure collectively to achieve superior locations. What I don’t like about residing right here is how empty little villages are. Individuals are drawn to reside 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 good friend stated, ‘Welcome again to the center of the center of all of it.’ I really like that we’ve a backyard. I really like that our mortgage is a 3rd of what we had been paying in lease for our two-bedroom railroad condominium. I really like the library system, probably the greatest within the nation. I really like organizing with TEMPO After Dark and the Ohio Clean 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 here are additionally the issues I really like. I hate the solar beating down on my face in an open subject stretching for miles, however I really like how heat and open it makes me really feel. I hate the sound of the twister sirens in spring, however I really like the odor of the humid rain and adrenaline of the storm I do know is to return.” — Sharon, Oklahoma Metropolis, Oklahoma
“I grew up in Los Angeles. Everybody thinks they understand it. However, like an individual, L.A. is sophisticated and divulges itself in layers over time. It seems like a present to expertise the issues which can be hidden beneath the floor. And there’s nothing, completely nothing, that can make you are 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 in every single 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 buddies do vital and significant work right here, and all of us actually need to keep.” — Dot, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
“I reside in a francophone city in rural Manitoba, Canada. Whereas the winters might be chilly and darkish (-40 C!), the individuals are heat and comfortable. Our children skate on our yard rink for six months of the 12 months. You must be hearty to reside right here, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.” — Stephanie, Lorette, Canada
What do you’re keen on — and never love — about the place you reside? We need to know!
P.S. 12 more readers share where they live, and people talk about moving to different countries and moving from a big city to a small town.
