Howdy. I am reading these posts with great interest. I'm in Seattle and having a wonderful, cloudy day, which is how I like it!
But, I do dispise the libs, and the little craftsman bungalows in my north Seattle neighborhood are going for $250,000 - with 1 bath! I've seen 4 bedroom, new houses in Texas that are half that and just beautiful. While my field pays well (for professors), I don't know what kind of shack I could afford here in Seattle.
The traffic here is horrendous. I come from the east coast and these people out here have no idea what a real public transportation system is. When I finish my degree I will likely leave as well and am asking the same questions you are asking.
I never thought about Florida before, but if anyone on this thread wants to chime in about Florida, I'd like to hear it. I know the state is booming, what I want to know is, is there anywhere that isn't terribly humid? My sinuses are a real problem and I just don't think I can hack it anymore someplace where the humidity is a major factor.
Thanks.
Check out this nooa climate site.
Also, Amarillo coming onto my radar.