California Central Coast

For the last twenty years I have operated my business in what is certainly one of the worlds most beautiful locations.  My work as a photographer has allowed me to travel the country and it’s always fun to compare the various regions.  Although certain cities may boast being top dog in a certain category (BBQ, music, cheap housing) I have yet to find a place that can compete with the over all quality of life than “home”.

When it comes to beauty, weather, economy and food, the central coast ranks at the top in every category.

To get all of these out of one location is unrivaled making the Central Coast an ideal place to live…. IF …you can afford the high cost of living and taxes.

San Diego

If you have to live in a major city then San Diego is the best city on the North American continent.  Great weather, booming economy, proximity to Mexico, warm water, waves and an overall environment that promotes a healthy lifestyle.

Opportunities and activates are endless, both of which are backed by what is widely considered one of best run city governments in the country (ranking 2nd out of 150 major U.S. cities), when considering a variety of metrics including, financial stability, education, health, safety and infrastructure.  The rest of the country would do well to model themselves after San Diego if they could, but you simply can’t export this level of natural beauty and geographic opportunity.

Texas

People are moving to Texas and for good reason.  Low cost of living, good people and a great business environment.

The San Antonio River Walk is nothing short of a national treasure.  It has to be seen to fully grasp what a wonderful combination of history and architectural brilliance it is, but bring your walking shoes because this masterpiece is 15 miles long!

The only problem with San Antonio is that the BBQ is too good, leading to an epidemic of overweight people…/faceplam/bury me large!

Hawaii

Natural harbors, mountain peaks, pristine beaches, and tropical weather make this state heaven on earth.  You can easily make the argument and come to the same conclusion that I have.  That Honolulu is the finest large city in the country.  Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, the Windward Side, the North Shore, and a major university (where I went to college 🙂  )

Perfect weather – all year long.  Due to the many consistent micro climates it is entirely possible to pick a region where it rains every day, or not at all.

Florida

Florida is booming for obvious reasons.  Year round warm weather and a pro business economy, mixed with comparatively low home prices.  Unfortunately the sizzle is often better than the substance.  Florida leads the nation in white collar crime, the worst drivers, constant natural disasters and summer temperatures that limit outdoor activities much of the day for a large portion of the year.

In-spite of it’s shortcomings, Florida is still a great place to have a party, fish, or run a business.  Party like a pirate because mother nature is large and in charge.

Mexico

Due to the global shift in manufacturing, Mexico is experience an economic renaissance, as companies shift their manufacturing base from China to the more advantageous demographics and convenient location of Mexico.  As such the economic outlook for our southern neighbors is tremendous.  Mexico just raised it’s minimum wage to $18 dollars a day.

The cheap cost of living and labor has made Mexico an attractive alternative for both American companies and citizens as they look abroad for better opportunities and financial diversification.  This is a trend that will continue for the foreseeable future.  Will the Mexican government and people take full advantage of the shifting opportunities or will they squander them with unsafe living conditions and corruption?

Colorado

Colorado has many advantages.  Beautiful mountain ranges, natural resources, a central location and an almost inexhaustible amount of cheap buildable land at the base of the Rockies.  The winters are notoriously cold and long but unlike much of the country the summer and fall seasons are spectacular both in temperature and beauty.  With a vibrant economy and easy access to the rest of the country, Colorado will continue to attract business and new residents.

As beautiful as the mountains can be, the best part of Colorado is the friendly people.  Simply put, this is a great place to either visit or live.

Missouri

Missouri is affordable, but there is a reason for this.  It is uncomfortably hot, humid and stifling in the summer and cold in the winter.

There are plenty of opportunities for job seekers and housing costs are low but these benefits are offset by several negatives.  The state unfortunately ranks near the top when it comes to gangs and violent crimes.

Missouri’s reputation for excellent BBQ is well deserved.

Tennessee

Tennessee does not have the best weather or natural beauty and yet they made their state and in particular the city of Nashville one of the premiere destinations for both tourism and living in the nation.

Nashville, through sheer force of will and investment has risen above all peers and is unquestionably the best music scene in America.  The combination of production facilities, venues, and human capital has given this state an unsurmountable advantage.  The runaway success in music has carried over to other sections of the economy and the state also ranks near the top for restaurants and sports.

When you take into consideration the above and combine it with low taxes and affordable cost of living you can see why it has become such a wonderful state.  They have done a magnificent job on doing the best they can with what they have, so anything that deals directly with the “human experience” is done well (things like service, food, music, etc.).