Check the CityNerd channel on YouTube. He’s done several videos on affordable cities, but you’ll usually see Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Baltimore, St Louis.
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Each has varying degrees of transit mobility and work in different ways. All are on the cheaper end for major cities—though depends on your idea of cheap. I’ve lived in philly and minneapolis without a car. Philly’s trains and trolleys get you most places you’d want to go if you live near a stop. There’s also a bus system that’s a little frustrating bc of traffic but the routes are pretty comprehensive. Some bike lanes but the drivers there aren’t super safe to bike around. Minneapolis is more spread out and there are two light-rail lines (i think? maybe there are more? I’ve been here for like a month), and it seems like most people i know who aren’t driving take the buses. There’s also an incredible amount of bike lanes and trails. Downside is winter probably. And i haven’t lived in baltimore but i’ve heard good things! It’s also more affordable than most cities and i can’t attest to the quality of the public transit but i know it’s there.
Sep 8, 2024
you should look up citynerd on youtube, he does lots of top ten lists of primarily NA cities ranking them on various aspects of urbanism, transit, biking and affordability. the one I linked here talks about montreal, dubbed the most European city in north america, and talks about many of the topics mentioned above.
but also and probably more importantly, theres so much of your personal preference to take into account — what kind of climate do you want to live in? large school or small university? will you need to work or find housing to afford it? ease of travel back to your home country? definitely take some time to think about these things and keep them in mind as you research.
best wishes on your journey! hopefully you get some time to travel and see that there are some truly wonderful and vastly varied cities, cultures and people here.
Apr 16, 2024
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