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 automobiles 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 every thing 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, every thing 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 reside wherever else! Some issues drive me mad, like how a lot canine poop you see on the sidewalk and the way every thing 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 probably 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 regarded like countless 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 operating round with their buckets and spades. You additionally need to keep away from native gossip and to not have interaction, 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 aren’t any stoplights on the island. I really like that I can stroll all over the place with my canine, Gus. I really like that the group helps their youth in numerous methods. I really like that there aren’t 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 time ends. I really like not having to make as many selections every single day as a result of there are fewer choices that should 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 every single 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 a great 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 all the time take a look at me and supply countless alternatives for renewal.” — Chloe, Portland, Maine
“I reside 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. 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 buddy stated, ‘Welcome again to the center of the center of all of it.’ I really like that we have now 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, among the best within the nation. I really 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 just 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 really like. I hate the solar beating down on my face in an open area 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 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 understand it. However, like an individual, L.A. is difficult and divulges itself in layers over time. It looks like a present to expertise the issues which might 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 night time or alongside the ocean at sundown. Don’t overlook 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 buddies do necessary and significant work right here, and all of us actually wish 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 persons are heat and comfy. Our youngsters 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 like — and never love — about the place you reside? We wish to know!
P.S. 12 extra readers share the place they reside, and individuals speak about shifting to totally different international locations and shifting from a giant metropolis to a small city.
