I'm looking to relocate somewhere with immediate and highly accessible mountain access for both winter and summer activities. Paragliding hiking mountain biking snowboarding cross-country skiing camping you get the picture.
California seems like a no-go since the entire state is populated densely in all of the desirable locations near mountains. Also I just hate California.
Immediately it feels like writing off Colorado has it's already overrun and a nightmare just to get into the mountains. Too expensive.
Boise shows some promise although the mountains there are mediocre until you get further north also things are starting to get very expensive there as it's getting found out.
Montana and Wyoming have some potential although I will admit that I am less familiar with the real estate situation in these two states, I do understand that there is an extensive trail Network great skiing great biking and four seasons.
Arizona is too hot Sedona is touristy Flagstaff has some potential.
Nevada has some potential all over the desirable locations near California are basically tourism nightmares near Tahoe. Being in Reno could work.
Portland and seattle, already trendy and expensive. Not nearly to the extent that Colorado and California are but not 100% idea either. I would think about it but probably giving it a no. Just within my own circle I know numerous people moving there within the last couple years. Yes to the east is beautiful four season terrain but it's not something you can access after work it's a bit of a hike to get out there.
Have been to salt lake City a couple of times and thoroughly enjoyed myself however I don't know what the real estate situation is here. Depending on your proximity you can have year round mountain access both weekends and and this is huge after work as well.
As an East coaster, who only travels out west for vacations. My intimate knowledge of small pockets scattered throughout these states that are more off the map but still livable, is super limited. I really need some suggestions for places that are a little bit more off the map and less "scene" than the major cities that I've mentioned.
After all that I've mentioned, this basically leaves us with the Northeast New England region for which I personally am actually a huge fan of. Maine New Hampshire Vermont and New York have good mountain access with four distinct seasons and a serious winter with heavy snow.
Albany ,ellicottville, lake placid, and the other towns and cities in New York are situated between the heart of the heaviest snowbelt regions and the Adirondacks. Cost of living is very affordable. Job prospects are either standard or next to none depending on where you are. Taxes suck.
Vermont basically has Burlington then some small ski towns like Stowe. Amazing mountain access and four season activity. Same goes for new Hampshire with the white mountains.
Maine is a big sleeper on this list I feel. North-ish Maine has epic winters and actually pretty big elevation for the north east
To be continued