What do you want about the place you reside? And what don’t you want? Says CoJ reader Emma: “I stay in Davis, California, the bike capital of the U.S. There are extra bikes than vehicles on the highway. Right here’s my youngest sitting in our ‘minivan’!” Under, 13 extra readers inform us the professionals and cons of their hometowns…
“We moved from Texas to Connecticut in 2023. We love every thing about it (besides February. By no means February). Within the 5 years we lived in Texas, my soul was at all times angsty; one thing simply wasn’t clicking for me. The second I arrived in Connecticut, every thing clicked!” — Micah, West Hartford, Connecticut
“That is my third yr dwelling in Lisbon, Portugal, and I don’t understand how I’ll ever stay wherever else! Some issues drive me mad, like how a lot canine poop you see on the sidewalk and the way every thing takes a few tries (like monitoring down a missed supply, a close to inconceivable process). However the persons are so good, the climate is wonderful, and we’re near essentially the most stunning shoreline. We are able to additionally discover the remainder of Europe by automobile.” — 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 seemed like countless 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 wonderful 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 youngsters operating round with their buckets and spades. You additionally must avoid native gossip and to not interact, however I really like the sense of belonging.” — Lulu, Cornwall, England
“I moved to Orcas Island, Washington, to work as the highschool counselor. I really like that there are not any stoplights on the island. I really like that I can stroll all over the place with my canine, Gus. I really like that the neighborhood helps their youth in numerous methods. I really like that there are not any fast-food locations. I really like selecting wild blackberries and storing them within the freezer after which slowly doling them out after the summer time ends. I really like not having to make as many choices every single day as a result of there are fewer choices that have to be made. I really like that I’m studying greater than I used to. I really like that quickly I might be a type of individuals who jumps into the freezing chilly sea every single day — I simply haven’t began but.” — Rachel, Orcas Island, Washington
“Our city turns right into a family-oriented haven within the summers. Assume: farmers markets, arts and music festivals, and a summer time block celebration. Final yr, they put 100 Herkys (the Iowa mascot, pictured above) round city for a scavenger hunt, and constructed free out of doors pickleball courts. The draw back? We don’t have any good Jewish delis. I might kill for 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 yr, nevertheless, when spring NEVER appears to reach — the altering seasons in Maine will at all times check me and supply countless alternatives for renewal.” — Chloe, Portland, Maine
“I stay 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. Individuals are drawn to stay 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 pal mentioned, ‘Welcome again to the center of the center of all of it.’ I really like that we’ve a backyard. I really like that our mortgage is a 3rd of what we had been paying in lease for our two-bedroom railroad residence. I really like the library system, the most effective within the nation. I really 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 reasonably priced housing disaster — and that you simply want a automobile 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 really like. I hate the solar beating down on my face in an open area stretching for miles, however I really like how heat and open it makes me really feel. I hate the sound of the twister sirens in spring, however I really 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 understand it. However, like an individual, L.A. is sophisticated and divulges itself in layers over time. It seems like a present to expertise the issues which are hidden beneath the floor. And there’s nothing, completely nothing, that may make you’re feeling extra alive than driving down a protracted boulevard late at evening or alongside the ocean at sundown. Don’t neglect 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 all over the place, and a bazaar made totally of delivery containers. The one factor that’s arduous about dwelling right here, proper now, is the uncertainty of being a federal worker. My household and mates do essential and significant work right here, and all of us actually wish to keep.” — Dot, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
“I stay in a francophone city in rural Manitoba, Canada. Whereas the winters might be chilly and darkish (-40 C!), the persons are heat and comfortable. Our children skate on our yard rink for six months of the yr. You need to be hearty to stay right here, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.” — Stephanie, Lorette, Canada
What do you like — and never love — about the place you reside? We wish to know!
P.S. 12 extra readers share the place they stay, and folks speak about transferring to totally different nations and transferring from an enormous metropolis to a small city.