@egebhardt

Karlgaard fails to take into other consideration that other people factor when choosing to live in a metropolitan area: culture and diversity (not just of people but of things to do).

I'm a big fan of art, museums, libraries, etc. so its essential that I make myself at home in place that has a vibrant cultural scene. Then again, my brother who loves to fish, would be quite content w/ living in Alabama. Where there is broadband internet access in Alabama and all the other fine trappings of civilized life.

I want to live everywhere. It's like extra-extra-long vacations. Recently, I lived in Mexico, then Japan. I'm back in Seattle, but I will likely move on again. Next stop? Maybe New York City, Seoul or back to Tokyo... I'm still not as fluent at Japanese as I'd like to be.

@themiamigrrl

I have to agree. Living in the "heartland" sounds like a nightmare. If I see one gun rack in a pickup truck then I know it's time to move!

Definitely New York City.  You simply cannot put a price on opportunity.

When I was a barista at Starbucks, a woman who worked at Onion TV gave me her card because we got to talking as I made her an iced coffee. 

Tell me: would that ever happen anywhere else?

This is a loaded question. Best place to live for what reason?

Internationally or domestcially?

For economic reasons: career, job opportuniites?

For family--like best place to raise kids? think school systems

Best place for public transportation?

Best place for the enivornment?

Best city?

Best suburb?

Best place for nightlife?

The list goes on and on. I think the Pacific Northwest has to be up there. New York is whack attack and very overrated.  Look at Seattle..tons of Fortune 500's (Boeing, EXPEDIA, AMAZON, MICROSOFT, GOOGLE, VERIZON, T Mobile...so on.) Then you have mountains, lakes, eco friendly people....improved public transit system.....i mean seattle has gotta be up there.  And yes I have lived all over.

You guys should try house/apartment swapping on Craigslist. It may be a good opportunity to scope a city out (that doesn't leave you feeling like a tourist). During the Super Bowl in Miami, tons of folks were swapping houses or renting their places out and leaving town. Made good bank too.

@Justin

Seattle is definitely a cozy place (I enjoyed it when I was there). Question is: Could I ever trade my sunshine for the eternal Twilight gray of Seattle? Hmmmm.

@themiamigrrl

The house swapping/Craigslist arrangement might be a good way to travel at a low price. Especially if some of us live in strategic areas (West or East Coast, beaches etc)

Swiss Alps. The Swiss live right, and they haven't been to war in 500 years! Who wantsta buy my plane ticket?!