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Just in a nutshell, here's why I so dislike Kentucky. It's a beautiful state, yes, with rich culture and history and a very unique array of landscapes and people. However, the politics here are beyond backassward; funding for social, transportation and economic development programs goes tremendously in favor of dying rural communities (which have been dying since the 1930s) over Louisville and Northern KY, the economic engines. The rural highways are poorly built--poor grading, little or no shoulders, poorly marked. The public education system is terrible and the best research university we have, UK, is barely a first-tier school. (Heck, California's UC branch campuses are predominantly first-tier.) The people are polite, but are not quick to say "thank you" (be they, for example in a customer service setting, either customers or employees.) Northern KY, where I live, has road rage worse than what I've seen in even Atlanta and Dallas. Economic development has been dead here since the '80s. The women have, for the most part, really b*tchy attitudes and the nice ones are married by age 30. I have a couple of good friends here, but it is very hard for even 20-somethings to create meaningful, non-superficial friendships here in this supposedly "God-fearing, American values" state.

By the way, I'm hard-working and friendly, and my co-workers and friends know me as such. I have a good sense of humor and am often complimented for my friendly demeanor.

That said, I want to try something totally different. I want to find a friendly neighborhood yet in a bustling city with tremendous access to great graduate schools, arts, culture, and jobs. I'm interested in Los Angeles, Austin and Houston. I'm visiting L.A. later this month, in fact.

Suggestions? And why?

Please choose from CA and KY.

The list of cities, not in my particular order:

New York

Chicago

Los Angeles

Houston

Austin

Fort Worth

Atlanta

Louisville, KY

Cincinnati

Rank from most to least friendly. Thanks!

The scoop:

A. I love my job and don't want to give it up anytime soon! (It's a non-transferable job, BTW.)

B. I basically hate the community and region I live in.

C. There is a region (Cincinnati) only 65 miles from where I live that I really like. I'd love to live there again.

If I were to move, my commute time would increase from 20 minutes to 1 hr. 15 min. each way. BUT...it may be worth it if I actually like where I live.

Should I do this? Or am I nuts?

The scoop:

A. I love my job and don't want to give it up anytime soon! (It's a non-transferable job, BTW.)

B. I basically hate the community and region I live in.

C. There is a region (Cincinnati) only 65 miles from where I live that I really like. I'd love to live there again.

If I were to move, my commute time would increase from 20 minutes to 1 hr. 15 min. each way. BUT...it may be worth it if I actually like where I live.

Should I do this? Or am I nuts?

The scoop:

A. I love my job and don't want to give it up anytime soon!

B. I basically hate the community and region I live in.

C. There is a region (Cincinnati) only 65 miles from where I live that I really like. I'd love to live there again.

If I were to move, my commute time would increase from 20 minutes to 1 hr. 15 min. each way. BUT...it may be worth it if I actually like where I live.

Should I do this? Or am I nuts?

What do you think of it?

I'm considering attending grad school in Anchorage just for something totally different. Intellectually, but probably not practically, am I prepared for the cold winters.

At any rate, how are the people? They seem like a very friendly, welcoming, down to earth lot. I consider myself a friendly, outgoing person, so hopefully I won't have trouble making friends (although it IS hard to make friends for some odd reason where I live now, Kentucky.)

I'm not a huge "nightlife guy," but are there some good bars that college students just frequent and veg out?

How close to Anchorage are opportunities for hiking, biking, and (for something new) winter sports such as skiing and hockey?

I'd love to know. Alaska never crossed my mind until about four days ago, but the more I look into it, the MORE I like it!

What do you think of it?

I'm considering attending grad school in Anchorage just for something totally different. Intellectually, but probably not practically, am I prepared for the cold winters.

At any rate, how are the people? They seem like a very friendly, welcoming, down to earth lot. I consider myself a friendly, outgoing person, so hopefully I won't have trouble making friends (although it IS hard to make friends for some odd reason where I live now, Kentucky.)

I'm not a huge "nightlife guy," but are there some good bars that college students just frequent and veg out?

How close to Anchorage are opportunities for hiking, biking, and (for something new) winter sports such as skiing and hockey?

I'd love to know. Alaska never crossed my mind until about four days ago, but the more I look into it, the MORE I like it!

Its people, subcultures, cities, geography, etc.

From most to least friendly:

My list, and this is not in my particular order:

a. Oklahoma City

b. Fort Worth

c. Houston

d. Louisville, Ky.

e. New York

f. Chicago

g. Atlanta

h. Seattle

***

As of now, my top picks of these cities are Oklahoma City and Fort Worth.

My bottom pick is Louisville.

Rank from people being most to least friendly

The states, and this is not my particular order:

Kentucky

Texas

Oklahoma (OKC or Tulsa metro)

Georgia (Atlanta metro)

Washington

Wyoming

North Carolina

South Carolina

My job may send me to any of these states. I'm just curious as to what you all think about these in terms of friendliness.

Rank from people being most to least friendly

The states, and this is not my particular order:

Kentucky

Texas

Oklahoma (OKC or Tulsa metro)

Georgia (Atlanta metro)

Washington

Wyoming

North Carolina

South Carolina

My job may send me to any of these states. I'm just curious as to what you all think about these in terms of friendliness.

I have the opportunity to work in one of these four cities.

Describe your choice city here in terms of the quality of life, cultural offerings, and how expensive it is to live. Also, I'm 22/single/male, so my other question is which city is the best for somebody like me?

This job would start at $35,000/yr. w/ medical and dental benefits. Atlanta and Chicago are six hours from where I live, so relocation expenses wouldn't be nearly as expensive as going to Ft. Worth or Houston, which are 12 hours away.

Thanks in advance for any help I (hopefully) receive! :)

I have the opportunity to work in one of these four cities.

Describe your choice city here in terms of the quality of life, cultural offerings, and how expensive it is to live. Also, I'm 22/single/male, so my other question is which city is the best for somebody like me?

This job would start at $35,000/yr. w/ medical and dental benefits. Atlanta and Chicago are six hours from where I live, so relocation expenses wouldn't be nearly as expensive as going to Ft. Worth or Houston, which are 12 hours away.

Thanks in advance for any help I (hopefully) receive! :)

I have the opportunity to work in one of these four cities.

Describe your choice city here in terms of the quality of life, cultural offerings, and how expensive it is to live. Also, I'm 22/single/male, so my other question is which city is the best for somebody like me?

This job would start at $35,000/yr. w/ medical and dental benefits. Atlanta and Chicago are six hours from where I live, so relocation expenses wouldn't be nearly as expensive as going to Ft. Worth or Houston, which are 12 hours away.

Thanks in advance for any help I (hopefully) receive! :)

I have the opportunity to work in one of these four cities.

Describe your choice city here in terms of the quality of life, cultural offerings, and how expensive it is to live. Also, I'm 22/single/male, so my other question is which city is the best for somebody like me?

This job would start at $35,000/yr. w/ medical and dental benefits. Atlanta and Chicago are six hours from where I live, so relocation expenses wouldn't be nearly as expensive as going to Ft. Worth or Houston, which are 12 hours away.

Thanks in advance for any help I (hopefully) receive! :)

I've NEVER liked living in Kentucky. I've never fit in at all; plus, economically and politically, our state is a real laughing stock.

I visited Chicago last weekend. But, I didn't feel like I was on vacation; the place had a sort of hometown feeling.

The people were real and direct, yet friendly and happy. Can't say the same for Kentucky. Also, while Ky. does have its urban areas (which I've lived in and prefer more than my current "Hicksville") they pale in comparison to Chicago, obviously.

So...

1. Do small town folks like myself often make the big leap to Chicago?

2. How is the job market there for someone like me? I don't have a single connection there.

3. I have a noticeable Southern accent, not a twang. What might people make of that? (I'd like to lose the accent.)

4. What else do I need to know?

Thanks! Hey, I just can't help it, I have so many questions!

I've never liked living in Kentucky. I've never felt like a part of the culture or people; plus, economically and politically, our state is a real laughing stock.

I visited Chicago last weekend. But, I didn't feel like I was on vacation; the place had a sort of hometown feeling.

The people were real and direct, yet friendly and happy. While Kentucky does have its urban areas (which I've lived in and prefer more than my current "Hicksville") they pale in comparison to Chicago, obviously.

So...

1. I'm 22, single, male, recent college grad. The best places for me to live in a studio/1 BR for under $900/mo.?

2. I would not make the move until I found a job. What are some small- or medium-sized companies where it would be easier to get my foot in the door?

3. I have a noticeable Southern accent, not a twang. What might people make of that?

Thanks, and hopefully I wasn't annoying w/ my questions.

I'll be visiting your fair city for the Memorial Day Weekend. I hope this is a good time to come.

There are some touristy things I'd like to do--Sears Tower, John Hancock Tower, Chicago River tour boat. I don't have any real interest in Navy Pier. I wanted to see a Cubs game, but being the dummy I am I waited it was too late and now tics for the Dodgers game are sold out.

What makes Chicagoans tick? Why are Chicagoans so proud to be from their city? Is it the Cubs, White Sox, or Bears pride? (I still want to tour Wrigley and Soldier, BTW.) Is it the cuisine, like the italian meat sandwiches or pizza? (I plan to try both.) Which places should I try out that are still in the Loop, Wrigleyville, or the Near North or South Sides but are more local favorites rather than catered to tourists?

I apologize for SO MANY questions, it's just that I've traveled extensively around the U.S., but for some reason I'm very pumped about Chicago! Thanks for any input.

I just graduated from college at age 22 and am seeking an entry-level job. While I'm not entitled to anything, I realize, it would sure be nice if some company is impressed with my work and education credentials and really wants to bring me to them! I have a strong desire to move out-of-state, also.

My top prospective states are Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Washington.

Thanks in advance for the responses. -ITM