This is a very interesting thread. I live in a place I really like to live from the aspect of it's a small town area. It has very pretty scenery. There is the Shawnee National Forrest that provides tons of good riding. I am 2 hours from St. Louis, 5 hours from Chicago, 4 hours from Indianapolis, 3 hours to Nashville, 4 hours to Memphis. The weather is good, very little snow and cold. This is my home where family is so I am partial to the area. The downsides are, this is still in Illinois, which is really the state of Chicago. The taxes are high, gas is high, 1 of only 2 states with no right to carry, and we get NO money for anything down here. We got no voice in the legislature due to Chicago. But the biggest issue here is NO JOBS. I got lucky and found a job, but had to leave and get some experience to come back and be able to make a living. I'm in telecommunications so if something happens to my job I would have to move. And my job is.....well.......scary. My wife's job is a little scary too. SO, I am contemplating a move and will be watching this thread very carefully.