My Dream Town

Since I was laid off, quite a few people have asked me if Woody and I would leave New York City. I always find this to be an odd question because I never would even think that people would leave their cities or towns because someone lost their job. Woody has a great job, we have an apartment here, and I would like to think that I have just as many chances (if not more) of finding a job here as anywhere else. That doesn't mean we haven't discussed moving, we have for a while, but more in terms of 'some day.' We know we won't live here for the rest of our lives - we're mid-western kids at heart and want to own a home one day. While we've discussed it a bit, I've been thinking of the place where I'd like to move some day more, since people started asking me about it.

Whenever I go home, like this past weekend, I think about how I couldn't live there any longer. At least not in that particular town. It's too spread out and people are forced to drive everywhere. That's just not who I am anymore. It's great to visit, but after living in the city for 6 years now (wow, I just realized I passed my 6 yr anniversary!), I am addicted to walking everywhere. I need and crave that movement and activity. So, here is just a small list of the things I'd look for in a city if we were to move. It's interesting, because most of them have something to do with living out a healthy lifestyle.

1. Clean air
2. Grass and parks
3. At least one body of water nearby
4. Walkable town
5. Ability to be a one hybrid car family
6. Running/walking trails (and golf courses for Woody) close by
7. Races within easy driving distance
8. Emphasis in the community on recycling, health, and fitness
9. A local farmers market
10. Family friendly
11. A plethora of cultural activities - concerts, art exhibits, museums, etc.
12. A growing or stable economy

These are all characteristics of my ideal town. I'd love to wake up, go for a run and then walk to downtown to pick up groceries or have brunch and stop by a good bookstore. To visualize it, it is completely different from where we live right now, but it sounds exactly the same. Don't get me wrong, after living here we won't be moving to a small town hours away from an airport, but someplace with a slightly slower pace.

I wouldn't mind a view like this!

I believe that where we live plays such a huge part in our happiness. Do you love where you live and wouldn't trade it for any other place? Or do you dream of something else? What are your top 'must haves'?
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Workout Stats -
13.5mi bike
200 crunches
2x25 sec planks
3x10 ea: leg curl, leg extension, leg press