I am attempting to find a new place to live. I realize that there will be factors to consider…things that are important to me…. this is an ideal want list…so I realize that it is probably unreasonable.

1. A good bookstore (bookstores? Old bookshops too? I am a bibliophile, there I admitted it.)
2. A vegetarian shop (even a small one is fine)
3. A town that has vintage or old houses that are still reasonable to purchase (and/or rent to buy…I’d like to find an old house somewhere.)
4. A community that is friendly
5. A climate that isn’t super harsh either way (but I can stand cold more than I can stand extremely hot).
6. A good college nearby
7. Some arts and/or culture or close to a hub of one (hour or so is fine)
8. Antique shops maybe (not a necessity, but I love that)
9. Low crime
10. Low property taxes (what’s the point of buying a low cost house if your taxes are the price of a second mortgage?)
11. Away from the coasts, as I think earth changes are going to affect water levels and produce more storms (yes, I know…I love the sea, too…and no I don’t think 2012 is going to rocket us into oblivion..)
12. Not in California, please (been there, done that..and not for me)

I have been sitting with maps, real estate sites and still undecided…for months. I have a movable business so that’s not a problem. On my short list: Southern Washington,
Portland Oregon (some family there), Kansas-Missouri, New Hampshire (the winters are harsh, though…unless they have changed in the last fifteen years.) Actually, I know that there are problems with harsh weather in Midwest, too. I can’t have it all, I know that.

I am open to all suggestions and hope someone can shed some light on my decision making process. Perhaps there are small towns/mid-sized towns that match some of my wants.

Thanks in advance…...