Which US city fits me?

Hello everyone. I am posting today in order to get help finding new cities that may fit my roommate and I's lifestyles and needs. We are deciding that we want to move out of Southern California and we are considering moving out of the state of California. Now, I want some opinions and advice on different cities in the United States that would generally allow me to live my life. We think that the West Coast would be our best option, but we are open to other cities in the United States as well. We will appreciate any advice on cities!

Our expectations/wants for the city include:
Marijuana friendly and same sex relationship friendly. We are specifically looking for a place that allows Medical Marijuana legally!

· Cold, mild, and warm weather climate, but never exceeding 100 F degrees
· Small homes, apartments, townhouses, or condos with a rent range of $500 - $800 per month
· Dog friendly parks, beaches, and communities.
· We want to live near the ocean, a river, or a lake.
· Population around 100,000 or over, we want to live in a safe, bigger metropolitan city.
· Public transportation (Buses, trains, subways)
· Nearby places to hike and paved bike trails.
· Extremely liberal environment (and accepting of all lifestyles)

· Nearby community colleges and a nearby university.
· At least a decent job market
· Many different cultures in the community is a plus!
· Art museums, cultural museums, history museums and science museums are also a plus!
· Sports team, specifically Baseball.
· Big city charm (Similar to San Francisco, Ca)


This is just a few expectations and details my roommate and I expect in a city. If anyone could point us in the direction of a great city that could fit our needs, please tell us!

 

By mentioning San Francisco, that is the only contradiction. That's why we are looking outside of California, we want to be able to afford either a studio or a one bedroom place to call home. I've been told there are cities that are affordable.... thanks for your advice.

 

Haha, yup
Now, I'm thinking I want other options...I want to hear about other cities that may offer me what I need. But yeah, Seattle is still very high on the list of cities

 

Ah, no thank you. The Soviet Union wouldn't be the best option for me. If I had to choose a European country it would be Ireland or Denmark.... haha. Thanks though.

 

Oregon and Washington are the two states I am looking at the most.
Could you recommend specific cities? Are you familiar with any of the cities?

 

Thanks! I have considered Portland. Which Eugene a metropolitan city? Is there a variety of cultures there?

 

San Francisco is great! My girlfriend is from San Francisco and we will eventually want to move there as soon as we can afford it. It's too expensive. That's why we are looking for alternatives.

 

Yeah.. my girlfriend and I both love California too. We live in Southern California right now. She is from San Francisco though and that's where we both really want to be...but it's just too expensive for us right now. Everything out of California is supposedly cheaper than inside of California....so that's why we are considering moving away.

But if I could tell the future, I see us settling in San Francisco to raise a family.

 

Is Puyallip, Bonney Lake, Tacoma, Federal Way and Seattle offer decently priced living? I'm trying to look for places with a rent range of about $500 - $800 a month.

 

Oh okay, I just looked up Federal Way...that is the general area I would want to live around. Near the water and on the Western side of the state.
Is Kent, Renton, Bellevue, and Kirkland decent areas? How about down near Olympia? Are these places affordable, decently sized, and safe do you know?