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 all the things 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, all the things clicked!” — Micah, West Hartford, Connecticut
“That is my third 12 months dwelling in Lisbon, Portugal, and I don’t understand how 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 all the things takes a few tries (like monitoring down a missed supply, a close to unattainable process). However the persons are so good, the climate is superb, and we’re near probably the most stunning 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 appeared like infinite 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 superb 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 kids working round with their buckets and spades. You additionally should keep away from native gossip and to not have interaction, however I like the sense of belonging.” — Lulu, Cornwall, England
“I moved to Orcas Island, Washington, to work as the highschool counselor. I like that there are not any stoplights on the island. I like that I can stroll in all places with my canine, Gus. I like that the neighborhood helps their youth in numerous methods. I like that there are not any fast-food locations. I like selecting wild blackberries and storing them within the freezer after which slowly doling them out after the summer time ends. I like not having to make as many choices day by day as a result of there are fewer selections that have to be made. I like that I’m studying greater than I used to. I like that quickly I might be a kind of individuals who jumps into the freezing chilly sea day by day — I simply haven’t began but.” — Rachel, Orcas Island, Washington
“Our city turns right into a family-oriented haven within the summers. Suppose: farmers markets, arts and music festivals, and a summer time block social gathering. 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’d kill for an excellent bowl of matzo ball soup.” — Mara, Iowa Metropolis, Iowa
“Maine’s rocky coast is gorgeous, in addition to the power of the forest to develop proper to the sting of the ocean. We’re within the time of 12 months, nevertheless, when spring NEVER appears to reach — the altering seasons in Maine will all the time take a look at me and supply infinite alternatives for renewal.” — Chloe, Portland, Maine
“I reside in Avilés, Spain. Friendships solid within the mountains have a particular connection, since you undergo collectively to succeed in superior locations. What I don’t like about dwelling right here is how empty little villages are. Persons 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 almost 10 years in Brooklyn, my husband, two boys and I moved to Columbus, Ohio. My good friend stated, ‘Welcome again to the guts of the guts of all of it.’ I like that we’ve got a backyard. I like that our mortgage is a 3rd of what we had been paying in hire for our two-bedroom railroad house. I like the library system, top-of-the-line within the nation. I 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 inexpensive 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 dwelling listed below are additionally the issues I like. I hate the solar beating down on my face in an open discipline stretching for miles, however I like how heat and open it makes me really feel. I hate the sound of the twister sirens in spring, however I like the odor of the humid rain and adrenaline of the storm I do know is to come back.” — Malia, Oklahoma Metropolis, Oklahoma
“I grew up in Los Angeles. Everybody thinks they comprehend it. However, like an individual, L.A. is difficult and divulges itself in layers over time. It seems like a present to expertise the issues which can be hidden beneath the floor. And there’s nothing, completely nothing, that can make you are feeling extra alive than driving down a protracted 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 in all places, and a bazaar made totally of transport containers. The one factor that’s laborious about dwelling 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 may be chilly and darkish (-40 C!), the persons are heat and comfortable. Our children skate on our yard rink for six months of the 12 months. It’s important to be hearty to reside right here, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.” — Stephanie, Lorette, Canada
What do you’re keen on — and never love — about the place you reside? We wish to know!
P.S. 12 extra readers share the place they reside, and folks discuss shifting to totally different nations and shifting from a giant metropolis to a small city.