I'm 22, originally from a small town outside of Wichita. This past summer I got the opportunity to live in NYC for two months for an internship, and I don't think I've been the same since coming back home.

I don't really know how to explain it, but one of the things I loved most about NYC was just being perceived. As weird as that sounds, I genuinely enjoyed being seen by people who had absolutely no idea who I was. Whether I was standing on the subway, sitting in a coffee shop, walking around Manhattan, or striking up conversations with random strangers, there was something about it that I really enjoyed.

I came to New York knowing practically nobody. No friends, no connections, no established social circle. I made a point to put myself out there as much as possible, whether that meant striking up conversations with strangers, attending social events, or getting involved in different groups. At one point, I started an Instagram group chat for people in the city to meet and connect, and it eventually grew to around 250 people. What was really cool was seeing people actually use it. People were making plans, organizing hangouts, meeting up, and forming friendships with others they probably wouldn't have met otherwise. Some people who started out as complete strangers ended up becoming friends. It was pretty surreal knowing that something as simple as starting a group chat could bring that many people together, especially considering I had only been in the city for a couple of months.

What I found interesting was how small NYC made me feel, but in a good way. You're surrounded by millions of people who all have their own lives going on, and nobody really cares who you are or where you came from. I actually loved that. I could be some random guy from Kansas one minute and be having a conversation with someone from an entirely different background the next.

I think what made it even more special was that nobody knew me beforehand. There were no preconceived notions about who I was supposed to be. I could just show up somewhere, talk to people, and make an impression on my own. I felt more confident and outgoing there than I ever did back home.

Now that I'm back in Kansas, everything just feels different. The same places, the same routines, the same environment I've known my entire life. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with living here, but after experiencing NYC, I've realized how much more I want out of life. I miss the spontaneity, the people, the conversations, and even the little things like getting on the subway or walking into a random coffee shop.

I know two months isn't a long time, and I'm sure actually living there permanently comes with its own problems. But it's crazy to me how much a place can change your perspective in such a short period.

I'm graduating next year and doing everything I can to get back there permanently. I don't want NYC to just be that one summer I look back on for the rest of my life.

Has anyone else had a similar experience with NYC? Especially people who moved there from smaller towns? I'm curious if anyone else felt like they became a completely different person there.

They don't necessarily need to be on the great lakes and what "maritime" means is subjective.

I am not sure to what to pick. I am concerned with affordability, walkability, and a strong collection of black professionals. Also a solid dating scene for 30s.

I also don't like miserable winters.

My friend and I watched Best Medicine last night—which is set on a small Maine island—and we were chuckling how tv shows always showed a utopian version of small-town living. While there's the standard busybodies and town jerks, in this show everyone looks out for their neighbor and pitches in, and there's no overt signs of racism, homophobia, or misogyny. Most people just get along and lean toward always doing what is right. Society seems knowledgable and culturally diverse, while also unpretentious and tight-knit. The town often comes together for festivals, and there's a few bars and restaurants where all the locals go to catch up with each other.

The same could be said for shows like Virgin River, Sullivan's Crossing, Hart of Dixie, and any Hallmark tv show ever made.

So, it got me thinking. Are there any small towns or islands that are actually like this, or is this just a Hollywood pipe dream? I'd love to live in a place like Virgin River, but do such places exist?

ETA: I'm looking for recommendations of real towns not just in the USA, where these shows are set, but also the rest of the world.

I recently discovered that there are a lot of houses under $200k in Tampa and Saint Petersburg. I previously believed that this was a very expensive area like Miami, but it seems that I was mistaken.

I currently live in Indiana and I want to leave. The winters are too cold and dark. I know Florida is humid, but so is Indiana and I've never been bothered by it in the summer. I also know Florida experiences hurricanes. I don't care. I just want to enjoy the sunshine and warmth year-round.

However other than the humidity and the hurricanes I know there must be downsides. I lean liberal but I would still live in a red state to not have to be depressed all winter long. My biggest concern is the pay. I'm planning to go to trade school next year and I've heard Miami pays their trades workers terribly but I'm not sure if it's like that in the Tampa area too.

Hello! My family is thinking of moving to one of these places. Moving from eastern NC. We’d be in the suburbs of either, not downtown. I know Nashville suburbs are very expensive these days so probably wouldn’t be in the suburbs south of Nashville. In Raleigh we’re looking either at the Cary or Wake Forest area.

If you’ve lived in either or both of these places please let me know your experience.

I’m curious to hear from people who have relocated to a new city or state within the last year or two, especially those who moved for work or a new career opportunity.
Whether you moved to Dallas/DFW or somewhere completely different, I’d love to hear about your experience.
Looking back, what was the most frustrating, stressful, or unexpectedly difficult part of relocating?
Was there anything you wish you’d known before moving? Or something you ended up having to figure out completely on your own?
I’m doing some independent research on people’s real relocation experiences and would genuinely appreciate hearing your perspectives.
I’m especially interested in the challenges people don’t usually talk about when discussing a move, including things that may have caught you off guard even after settling in.
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share! I’d love to hear your stories.

Hey I’m right now based out of TX and trying to decide on whether to be based out of DFW or ATX for dating..

I’ve been told I’m fairly attractive, I am slightly toned, I have a good job + I can be personable. I am looking for my future partner and hoping to get married in the next few years if I find her. I’m not really into clubs, bars, etc and am a lot more into intellectual stuff like reading, traveling, history, etc.

I feel super split with the 2 locations bc Dallas is bigger/has more of the stereotypically marriage oriented mindset from what I can tell but Austin is super beautiful comparatively & has the down to earth/relaxed vibe of lady stereotypically that I’d prefer. What would you recommend and why?

I am thinking about accepting a job in Vancouver, but we really want to live in NE Portland or somewhere relatively walkable and not in what feels like the suburbs. I know that’s the opposite of what most people do for tax reasons. Would we be crazy to do this? Joint income $250k with 2 kids and would want to be in a good school district (I know PPS currently having some issues as well).

I have traveled the midwest all summer and heading into fall.. originally from Texas and what blows my mind is the midwest as a whole is extremely underrated in affordability and quality of life

These states are the ones I would live in or plant roots in as the title says

Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan are quite nice as well but since I lean more conservative as I age I much prefer more business friendly states which mean more opportunities for the middle class.. since Texas is where I come from.. no disrespect against those states but im more of a country/rural person and those states listed fit my vibe

Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas.. no opinion just haven't visited yet probably very rural though which I'm anticipating

Hey everyone,
I’m 20M and I’m about to make my very first move to the US. Honestly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed because I’ve never lived on my own before—I come from a pretty strict/controlling family back home where everything was done for me, so this is a massive step into independence for me :)
Right now, I’m torn between two places: Portland, Oregon and San Diego, California.
Here is what I’m looking for:

• Nature & Weather:
I really want all 4 seasons, forests, wildlife, nature, and streams/rivers. (I know San Diego is mostly sunny/coastal, but hear me out below).

• Vibe:
A lively social scene where it’s easy to meet people and make friends.

• Cost of Living & Safety:
Relative affordability (cheaper rent) and safe neighborhoods.

• Career & Education:
Decent job opportunities and a solid community college with a good nursing program.

My dilemma:
Portland seems to check a lot of my boxes for nature, forests, 4 seasons, and better rent compared to California.
San Diego, on the other hand, has a huge Iraqi Christian community. Since this is my first time leaving home and I have zero experience being independent, having that local community to help me get on my feet during the first few months sounds like a lifesaver. But I’m worried about the high rent, and it doesn't really have that "lush forest/4 seasons" vibe like Oregon.
I know I’m asking for a lot, but I’d love to hear your thoughts, honest pros/cons, or if there's any other city I should look into. How hard is it to settle in either place as a newcomer?
Thanks in advance!