170k in Chicago, Seattle, Miami or San Diego? What city to pick? I’ve realized that Miami in terms of taxes and cost of living is the best out of these four, but currently living in Chicago and I love it except for the fact it’s an empty Midwest and I hate the politicians here. Seattle is bad for weather, SD is great, but CA taxes are killing me. Your thoughts and pick?

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Have you ever been to Miami?

likesmart

San Diego is my suggestion. Spent a month there,visit often, live in LA and totally love SoCal.

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SD has the best weather of the bunch.

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Looked through their prices and availability of the apartments, I can say if you want something decent, it starts from 3.5k in SD for 1br, while in Seattle, Chi or Mia it’s a price for 2br. And the problem also is that there are not so many new apartments in SD to choose from. That’s a real problem for me taking I hate apartments built before 2018

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Seattle is bad for weather? You live in chicago lol

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No. Shh. Seattle bad weather. Awful. Please don’t come here. Thanks.

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SD all day

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COL in SD is way better than SF or LA

SD is honestly one of the most desirable places to live in the USA period...

Miami is hot as hell in the summer + high crime

Chicago is cold as hell in the winter

Seattle is OK, but I bet the COL is no different than SD...

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Miami or San Diego no question at all. Bikinis and Sundresses everywhere

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Chicago for saving money
San Diego for lifestyle long term
Avoid Miami ( global warming will hit it hard)
Seattle rains 10 months of the year

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Miami is a real different beast then that list. If you move a little north like Ft Lauderdale- you can live a pretty solid lifestyle on $170k. I legit did it while commuting to chicago for a contract for 3 years- so know the pros and cons of those two…they are both great picks for this income level. Really comes down to if you want a cold city lifestyle or a warm beach vibe.

I would just remove san diego and seattle- those are $300-$500k TC locations to ‘do right’ in my eyes.

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Very cool SC2. My grandparents lived around there. Def a nice place to live in retirement, but I dunno if I’d want to live there under the age of 60

Depending on where you stand, California or Florida has different side of the “worst politics”

I’d personally move to San Diego to enjoy that weather.

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Yea but state is democratic and destroyed. Doesn’t matter much if you’re in a conservative town - your still getting raped in taxes.

Chicago

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MIA for sure

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San Diego for sure. Best weather and there’s plenty of areas outside of the city that are a little more reasonable for housing, plus if you buy in CA the appreciation will somewhat make up for the HCOL.

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Miami

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Hands down - Seattle. You’ll get the most value for money, get to save on everything (rent, taxes - overall cost of living), be close to a lot of awesome parks, hiking trails etc. As far as weather goes - you live in Chicago!! 😀 You’ll be fine. Seattle is beautiful in the Spring and Summer and early Fall.

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Miami for everything beside weather in which San Diego gets the NOD but CA politics & COL... 👎👎

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MIAMIIIIIII

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I personally hate Miami weather and most of the city itself too , and same to Chi Town with how awful their winters are. Seattle doesn't get enough sun but weather in general is tolerable and the city is amazing. I personally would do Seattle or San Diego (weather better than Miami). I think I would do SD.

Agree here. I would lean SD but Seattle is a close second for me because of taxes

@m2 you don't do drugs?

How old are you?

Agreed, as long as you’re single or a childless couple. SD is seriously one of the best places to live in the US and $170k will provide a great life for you or even you plus your SO.

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Miami with a mojito in hand.

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