What sort of climate do you prefer?

[kdm31091]

What sort of climate do you prefer - warm all year like Florida, cold most of the year like Maine, or 4 seasons like Maryland or something?

I'm torn. I like warmth when it's not in excess but there is no place with a warm climate that isn't either very hot or humid at some point in the year.

I like snow, but cold is a drag sometimes.

I like 4 seasons, but I also like a little more extreme at times. 4 season climates tend to get like 9" of snow a year - not enough! It's just kinda bland being in 4 seasons, because nothing is extreme, it's just so regular.

Your climate preferences?

[Ducky]

I like cold and snow. I do not tolerate heat well. It gets very hot here in Western Colorado in the summer. I prefer a higher, cooler altitude in the summer and winter

[cleozmom]

I prefer a climate with four seaons, like where I live in Idaho

Couldn't stand the heat in the Central Valley of CA where I used to live. In fact, if it gets over 80, I turn into a big whiner.

[kdm31091]

I'm really weird. I'm considering moving to Florida despite my hate for bugs and oppressive, sticky heat. However, I love the scenery and theme parks but I'm not sure how much weight that has.

[ProEye]

Originally Posted by kdm31091

Your climate preferences?

I grew up in Idaho and I used to hate the snow and cold. Guess as I've gotten older I've grown to like it--especially since I spent time in the South and didn't like not having distinctive seasons. I like the four seasons. I think it's kind of like mother nature's "life": the birth of spring, the young vibrant summer, the seasoned fall, and finally the end with winter. Then things are reborn again next spring. Things seem more alive in the north in Spring and Summer. In the South, things seem kind of muted, like the plants know there's always tomorrow. Then it doesn't help that it gets so darn hot that everything wilts.

I'm not into heat so I like to avoid it. I can handle cold since I can always put more clothes on. When it gets stifling hot, you can't go past bare skin.

Don't like humidity which is why I like the West but I can't do anything about that now that we are in CT. At least it's not like Houston or Augusta here.

So far we have not had any snow accumulation which is really odd. The only thing I don't like about snow in NE, in this area anyway, is that it melts off too soon. I'd rather have snow stick for awhile. Winter is too boring otherwise!

[MyAzi]

Lived in sunshine for so many years that I find myself loving the cloudy rainy days. Until this week i would have said 4 seasons but I have tired of this snow. Maybe if I knew it was coming each year I would have been better prepared for it. But for aournd here it is unexpected.

[RodFarlee]

Hi, Kevin. There is a climate that's warm but rarely hot & humid: coastal southern to central CA. Perhaps it may have a few other drawbacks, discussed more than thoroughly elsewhere?

There is an interesting study done by a meteorologist http://ggweather.com/camelot.htm He tallys up penalty points for uncomfortably hot/humid days, subfreezing days, rainy days and adds points for sunshine. His resulting Camelot Climate Index map is high for the west coast, moderate for the Intermountain West, and declines to a low in the upper midwest and Ontario, with a belt of slight improvement right along the Atlantic coast.

Another alternative is to consider places within a short drive of skiing and mountains. Salt Lake City is the archetype, but there are many others in the west, and a few in New England. Then you can play in the snow, and not have to shovel it!

[kdm31091]

I want somewhere where the snow sticks for awhile, but not for like weeks because that would make things, obviously, unbearable.

I'm not sure I can go without snow - that's why I reconsider Orlando FL, of course!

[Corlyx]

Well, apparently winter skipped my part of the country. It's unnatural that we don't have any snow here in Minnesota this time of year. I've lived here my whole life so I'm used to the winters. It still strikes me as odd sometimes that other places don't get the cold below zero temperatures in the winter. It just doesn't feel like winter without some clear -10 degree (or colder) January mornings. I grew up with it as "just normal" and assumed it was like that everywhere else. We have the cold but no snow this year.

I guess I could say I'm indifferent about the climate. I love summer (although it often seems short) but I think we enjoy it more because of that fact. Warmer climates are nice but it's not everything. Many people make that mistake of moving because they hate the cold or they hate the heat and end up regretting it because of all the other factors they never considered. You really have to be prepared for a change in lifestyle because things just run differently in other places. I think there are many people who don't realize that.

[kdm31091]

Originally Posted by Corlyx

Well, apparently winter skipped my part of the country. It's unnatural that we don't have any snow here in Minnesota this time of year. I've lived here my whole life so I'm used to the winters. It still strikes me as odd sometimes that other places don't get the cold below zero temperatures in the winter. It just doesn't feel like winter without some clear -10 degree (or colder) January mornings. I grew up with it as "just normal" and assumed it was like that everywhere else. We have the cold but no snow this year.

I guess I could say I'm indifferent about the climate. I love summer (although it often seems short) but I think we enjoy it more because of that fact. Warmer climates are nice but it's not everything. Many people make that mistake of moving because they hate the cold or they hate the heat and end up regretting it because of all the other factors they never considered. You really have to be prepared for a change in lifestyle because things just run differently in other places. I think there are many people who don't realize that.

In Minnesota's summers do you guys have lots of bugs? We get a lot here despite the cold winters.

[Plato]

The best climate is, as Rod said, southern and central California on the coast. Rarely too hot, never too cold, perfect humidity on the dry side.

But paradise can get boring ..... which is not a problem for anyone with a car in those areas, as they can drive up the mountains for snow and skiing, then down to the desert to bake for a while, then back out to the beach to surf a bit.

The only downside to all that is not having anything like a New England autumn, with the incredible colors of the foliage.

[kdm31091]

That's why I'm torn. Warm climates are beautiful but yes, they can get extremely boring. Variation is fun but in most places with variation, you risk earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes etc.

Delaware has variation, but the problem is that this state is incredibly dull and boring. Crime is not especially low considering the low population. We have toxic dumps and the rivers are pretty nasty. The home price here in my city is ~$400k median. That could buy you a house in much more fun cities. I do not recommend Delaware unless you just want to sit back and chill because there's just not much to do unless you go to Southern DE beaches, which aren't really "year round".

The good thing about DE is low taxes and most general expenses aren't too bad. It's offset by our lack of streetlights in many areas, the high home prices, the pretty high-average bracket rental prices, etc. It's not worht living here.

Long story short >> we have a good climate but nothing else. I want 4 seasons with a good amount of snow, and a cool summer (70-80's with not too much humidity0, but not like 10 feet of snow, just a good amount. I hear lots of horror stories about why snowy climates are bad, like about a guy who opened his front door and a sheet of ice killed him. I know it's extreme but it makes me worry about cold climates. But bugs and hurricanes make me worry about warm ones! LOL

[cleozmom]

Originally Posted by Plato

The best climate is, as Rod said, southern and central California on the coast. Rarely too hot, never too cold, perfect humidity on the dry side.

But paradise can get boring ..... which is not a problem for anyone with a car in those areas, as they can drive up the mountains for snow and skiing, then down to the desert to bake for a while, then back out to the beach to surf a bit.

The only downside to all that is not having anything like a New England autumn, with the incredible colors of the foliage.

You hit it spot on! Our leaves turn here in Idaho, however it's a dream of mine to tour the New England area when the leaves are turning.

[kdm31091]

Delaware gets a tiny lick of that New England beauty. We don't quite have it, but our leaves are REALLY awesome.

This year though, it didn't feel like fall because it was about 60 degrees in November. I kinda like it when it's chilly and I see the leaves colors - not 60 and think "This feels like late summer".

[thecuban]

I prefer the change of seasons, although I am living in AZ right now. Hope to be changing that soon. I can't complain though AZ has been good to me. Being able to hang out in shorts 9 months out of the year is not so bad.

[kdm31091]

I think the shorts 9 months of the year is overrated. Too much sunburn, bugs and etc go with heat - usually anyway. I was considering Orlando but it's just not going to fit my style.

So I'm going to look into New England, Great Lakes area, etc. All year of the same just isn't my thing.

[Wyody]

I have lived in a couple of spots with no real winter and especially no snow.
It was fine the first year but the second year, I started aching for jingle-bells and christmas-lights in the snow.
The abolutely most temperate climate I've lived in was in San Diego - a sweater or jacket a few nights but the rest of the time comfortable in any lightweight clothing.
I like a skiffing or two of snow in the winter - really changes the view - but I've lived with 17ft of snow and it takes forrrever to melt and there's the mud to deal with when it does.
I like a warm summer day but not hot summer nights. Salt air. A breeze a day to clean things out and blow the leaves to the neighbor's yard. Enough cool weather to have a second wardrobe, but not so darn cold I can't wash the car for months.
I think I'm gonna like Oregon.

[Plato]

Where in Oregon, Wyody? There are a lot of different climate zones in Oregon.

[RodFarlee]

Originally Posted by kdm31091

That's why I'm torn. Warm climates are beautiful but yes, they can get extremely boring. Variation is fun but in most places with variation, you risk earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes etc.

Delaware has variation, but the problem is that this state is incredibly dull and boring...

When I lived in Illinois, I'd seen the sky turn bright green, when a tornado ran through a corn field. When I first moved to Delaware (Valley Run, off Naaman's Road, west of I-95), thought the weather was nicer than the midwest. Then one day it sounded like a freight train was running through the parking lot! The window was flexing in/out. I could see nothing but leaves and branches flying by, couldn't see the next building 100 feet away. And then it was suddenly calm, and I could see the entire roof was gone on the next apartment building. Delaware has on average one tornado per year, and it had to hit me!

And maybe you remember hurricane Floyd in 1999? We got 10.9 inches of rain in less than a day near Marsh Road. Delaware does have decidedly unboring weather sometimes!

If you don't like tornados, check out these maps from NOAA.

Anyway, I share your assessment of DE, and soon as I had no need to remain there, promptly moved 3000 miles away from it!

[kdm31091]

Originally Posted by RodFarlee

When I lived in Illinois, I'd seen the sky turn bright green, when a tornado ran through a corn field. When I first moved to Delaware (Valley Run, off Naaman's Road, west of I-95), thought the weather was nicer than the midwest. Then one day it sounded like a freight train was running through the parking lot! The window was flexing in/out. I could see nothing but leaves and branches flying by, couldn't see the next building 100 feet away. And then it was suddenly calm, and I could see the entire roof was gone on the next apartment building. Delaware has on average one tornado per year, and it had to hit me!

And maybe you remember hurricane Floyd in 1999? We got 10.9 inches of rain in less than a day near Marsh Road. Delaware does have decidedly unboring weather sometimes!

If you don't like tornados, check out these maps from NOAA.

Anyway, I share your assessment of DE, and soon as I had no need to remain there, promptly moved 3000 miles away from it!

Wow Rod, you used to live about 2 seconds from my house, no kidding. I never experienced a tornado here - a few windy days, but I don't really remember a tornado. However, I remember Floyd. For the most part though, this state is low on natural disasters - rare hurricanes, tornadoes, and no earthquakes. No huge blizzards for the most part (and if we do have one, it's ONE a year).

Delaware is also just boring because of the lack of things to do. I dunno, it's just kinda a "dinky" state. There's nothing here but shopping and food and movies. Even the downtown Wilmington riverfront is not very exciting. Pretty to the eye, but not much else.

[Wyody]

Originally Posted by Plato

Where in Oregon, Wyody? There are a lot of different climate zones in Oregon.

Plato, Lincoln City has become the final choice. Be there the 2nd. We'll also be fairly-mobilized for meetings here and there and it also looks like I'll be able to access almost any area for quick-trips of the scenic variety.

[Sekretgardengal]

After living in Florida for almost 7 years I have decided that the Northeast is better. You get the change of seasons and look forward to the spring and summer. Here in Florida it's like groundhog day. Everyday the same.
It gets to be a real bore.

[Panterro]

I like 3 seasons, hate cold cold.. love cold crisp weather.. like when it snows, its not cold its crisp.I hate humidity, but I also hate hot dry weather as well. I love rain, and cool, mild temptures. Guess thats why I am going to Oregon. I also like the Texas Gulf Coast.. with the constant breeze, the humidity is not an issue.

[ProEye]

Originally Posted by Sekretgardengal

After living in Florida for almost 7 years I have decided that the Northeast is better. You get the change of seasons and look forward to the spring and summer. Here in Florida it's like groundhog day. Everyday the same.
It gets to be a real bore.

I lived in Texas for 10 years and it seemed like the plants not only got heat stroke but everything sort of looked dull. I think even the plants get bored...

Everything in the north in spring and summer looks really vibrant and alive. Of course after being DEAD all winter, you gotta have something to live for. As I say, it's like a renewal. It's like the cycle of life on a yearly scale.

I kinda like it... Well, if the winters weren't quite so long it would be better. I think the weather in Colorado, New Mexico, and the mountains of Arizona is heavenly. I might drag my family to one of these places when I retire in 40 years... That will make me 80... heh...

[popeyeralph]

If you don't mind a bit of intolerance then Northwest Montana is the place for you. They could not be called "gay friendly" but there is a strong contingent of liberal activists who keep the intolerance in check. I hesitate to recommend it because the locals would prefer that it not be "Califonicated". It is starting to show the signs of growth that we saw in California in the 60's & 70's. Prices for real estate is starting to accelerate. The developers have proposed 100's of new home developments and the malls are springing up.
Growing pains are stretching the political system and infrastructure. Whitefish is one of the fastest growing and expensive places. 60 year-old houses with 1000 square feet are going for $300,000 and up. A recent headline said that the "billionaires are pushing the millonaires out". Recently Sunset magazine called the little artsy-crafsty town of Bigfork on Flathead lake one of the 10 best vacation opportunities in the nation. Mother Earth News calls the Thompson Valley west of Missoula on the 5 best places for "back-to-the-landers" in the country. Climate has been getting steadily warmer. Thompson has a micro-climate which is the best in the state for mild summers and winters. The Flathead valley is bursting. In a few short years the available, buldable property will be priced out of any normal person's reach. We bought a vacation home on the river in '99 for $135,000 which is now worth $500,000. Flathead has world class medical care and all the amenities. If you are wanting to relocate, better pack up and jump now.

[Wyody]

Ralph I had no idea things were exploding up there. I still thought Flathead was just a place to take a nap while you fish. I had friends move up there right on the lake a few years back - bet they're either rolling in it or running from it by now! Thanks for the info.

[deeptrance]

I'm gonna cheat.

October through December: Austin, TX
January and February: San Diego
March through May: back to Austin
June and July: Seattle
August: Bozeman, Montana (or something like it)
September: Vermont

If anyone can find me this combination of climates in one location, I'm moving there immediately!

[popeyeralph]

Property on the lakes, Flathead, Whitefish and Swan and other preferred sites is now $5-10,000 per foot of frontage. Rivers like the Swan $5000. Typical place on Flathead Lake with nice residence over $1,000,000. Same with Whitefish Lake.

[popeyeralph]

I've looked at many places that would have the kind of appeal that would make me a long-termer. Besides Montana I would choose the Umqua River in Oregon. Property values still fairly good, reasonable climate, close to the ocean and lots going for it, not the least of which are a gazillion wild blackberries. Have driven that road along the river and loved it every time I do on the way to Reedsport. Ralph

[Wyody]

Originally Posted by deeptrance

I'm gonna cheat.

October through December: Austin, TX
January and February: San Diego
March through May: back to Austin
June and July: Seattle
August: Bozeman, Montana (or something like it)
September: Vermont

Keep Austin Weird!