I live in the western end of North Carolina. Near the mountains, not too far from the coast.

If I had to move anywhere else, I'd probably look at Colorado, Utah, Montana, Idaho, etc. I find that Montana calls out to me, but anywhere out there would suit me fine.

But that's assuming that I'd want to leave North Carolina. I like it here pretty well.

Todd, the Mountains in that area remind me of the Rockies, except not as big. They are pretty though, you've got a NICE back yard.

Yeah, but lately I've had a bad case of ramblin fever, as the old song goes.

I don't have a lot to tie me down at the moment, other than my job. May be a good time to look west.

I moved to Pennsylvania from northern Europe. Its nice here (outside "cities of the first class" anyway).

Given a choice I would go to either New Hampshire, Maine or Colorado (the Rocky Mountains is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been). All fantastic places with beautiful nature.

Todd out west is nice. Not cheap. But i highly recomend you have a job in place before you make a move. As a matter of fact we are looking for good people in your profession.

+1 for sportsnut's Oregon Coast. Not real hot, not real cold. Beautiful scenery. It's just hard to find work. Some day I will be back.

Well, there are allready so many recomendations, and they all sound nice, but they don't get better than Alaska <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> But your stipulation for not so many rainy days counts it out. No summer here is predictable. we have some summers where you can count the nice days on your fingers. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

PM sent <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

You really need to decide what things are important to you.

Remember the USA is larger than all of Western Europe.

Weather, number of people or how crowded it is, cost of living such as state income tax, property taxes and cost of real estate are just a few things to consider.

I live in Southern California now but I have lived in Wisconsin, Colorado and New Mexico.

Given my choice I'd be living in Southern Colorado, Northern Arizonia, New Mexico or Texas - not in any particular order. And when I retire I will move.

I find that California is too crowded, too expensive and too politically correct. Sales and income taxes are high. Real Estate prices are high compared to most states and thats even with the real estate recession.

Southern Cal. just might have the best weather though.

There are beautiful beaches and mountains but if you can only take vacation during the traditional holidays and summer months be prepared to share them and wait in line with millions of other people.

I live here because when I moved this is where the jobs were.

My family and I lived in Colorado while attending collage. We spent a lot of time up in Wyoming visiting friends and camping. I am originally from up state NY and not just out side the city of NY. I loved Colorado and I could live there. The most beautiful state in my book is NY state. I have been all over the country and love many of the states I have lived in but for scenery of mountains, water, fishing and just all round beauty, NY state has it all. I grew up in that state but would I move back and live, he!! no. The politics suck, gun laws are crazy and taxes will eat your saving. My number one state to live would be Wyoming. Not easy to just pick a state and live. There are many factors to consider. I hope this helps.

You left out some great states and Utah being one of them. I have two kids living in the Salt Lake area and they love it. Lots of outdoor activity. Jobs might be tough but that is just about all over the place.