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.
Sep 12, 2024
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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
Jan 28, 2024
Top Recs from @bee1000
The occupation persists, the oppression persists, the torture persists.
The occupiers are psychotic and their work is never finished.
People who’ve paid attention won’t be surprised by this photo from Gaza.
Jan 22, 2025
Feb 10, 2025
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I’m 50, I say because that makes me unusual in this context. I paid [redacted] for a ticket to the Eras Tour after listening to tswift for 3 weeks, and it was worth it. In second grade my teacher gave kids birthday spankings over her knee, and in sixth grade my teacher told my mom I hadn’t blossomed yet. I’m a good friend, mostly to people on the internet. I’m good at conversing with strangers. I’m usually the oldest person at the show but don’t feel like it. I’m good at being helpful. I’m sarcastic and funny and make myself laugh. I’m a good graphic designer and a conscientious driver. I’m a good photographer and I can successfully follow recipes. I don’t use my Peloton enough. I did a lot of caregiving for my mom for several years, and we enjoyed spending time together even if it was mostly in waiting rooms and my car. The fastest I ever ran a mile was eight minutes and six seconds. I drove the same car for 20 years and then replaced it with another one. I enjoy tipping, giving money to people on the street and Disneyland. I am a fan of baseball, Formula 1 racing and the Criterion Channel. I solve about 80% of New York Times crosswords. I take Prozac and Wellbutrin, and take Trazodone to sleep through the night. I wish I had a glassed in solarium so I could sleep in it on rainy nights. I would like to have a pet cat and a garage. I could happily live eating only cereal and fruit. I overshare on the internet and undershare elsewhere. ✌️💛
Feb 28, 2025