If you could live anywhere

[Kettle]

Anywhere in MN and anywhere near the family

Kettle

[JohnMickish]

I say the cities, where I live now. I'm not from here but it allows me to make the money that will let me live anywhere I want when I am done living here.

[creepworm]

It really depends on your priorities. If waterfowling is very important to you, then it would be very difficult to say northern mn is a good place for you. The fishing is maybe a bit better up there, but there just is not the birds that can be found in the dakotas.

As far as mn offering "so much more" yes and no. mn offers a state income tax and more than six times the population, but offers better quality roads and human services.

[BassNut33]

I am not a hunter, but i would say the Grand Rapids area. There are so many lakes that hold awesome numbers of fish. I know some people listed some of the larger bodies of water, but having the opportunity, to search new water all the time really gets me excited.

[IceIceBaby]

+4 for the Glacial Lakes area in NE So. Dak. My hometown is Watertown and I'll be moving back there when I retire in a few years. Can't beat that area for hunting (deer, pheasants and waterfowl). The education system is tops. It's safe. There are some great golf courses in the area, as well. And, the people are friendly. (and the taxes aren't crushing).

However, the last post about the southern coast of Oregon would be a close second for me. I lived in Coos Bay, which is 2/3 down the coast in Oregon for 3 years back in the 70's. Oregon is unbelievably beautiful!

Al

[croixeyes]

I enjoy living close to the cities,but after last winter I would take Washington state down by the columbia river.Oregon and Washington has everything,I envy my brother .

[IceIceBaby]

I can't argue with you croixeyes. I wish I would have taken advantage of the outdoors in Oregon, when I lived there in the 70's. I'd love to fish on the Columbia sometime! What a beautiful river! I lived on the southern coast, which is awesome, but I'd live either on the river or in Eugene, if I moved out there again.

Even though I haven't lived there since '78, I've kept my professional health licence active there, with the thoughts that I'd at least go out there from time to time, (if not move out there)in semi-retirement and work a few mornings a week for fishing money.

Al

[mole]

Rapid City, S.D. Great hunting, fishing, history, and access to the best pheasant hunting in the world 3-4 hours east!

[Scott K]

In no particular order, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado, Alaska. Other states are fun to visit on occasions, but thats all they are good for.

[Dave S]

If I were to stay in MN, Ely all the way.

if I were to go to ND, without a doubt Devils Lake.

South Dakota would lead me to the Rapid City area.

If I'd go to Canada, it would either be British Columbia or a cave on the North Shore of LOW.

[Ufatz]

Two Dot, Montana or Rapid City, South Dakota. Maybe Gold Canyon AZ.

[bigbucks]

Lots of places, but I guess even if all my family vaporized I'd stay right here in Central MN. I'm already out in the country which is where I want to be & close proximity to cities is of no consequence to me although MSP is only 2 hours away. Love Devils Lake, love LOTW, love Leech, Red, Missouri River, etc. Would really enjoy a cabin somewhere, but other than that right here with a few hundred more acres of my own. All the greatest fishing & hunting destinations are just another great trip away & I have plenty of both right here.

[stoneeyes317]

I can't believe that the Ottertail area hasn't been mentioned. In no particular order you have cities like Perham, Battle Lake, Pelican Rapids and Fergus Falls, with Detroit Lakes not far away either. Also you are far enough west that the Dakotas aren't too far away. My wife and I have been vacationing near Dent for 10+ years and we've decided (if it works out) that this is the area we will retire to. I know the fishing is good there (which is what I find important) and I've been told the hunting isn't bad either...

eyes317

[Harmonica Bear]

Having gone to school @ UMD, Duluth will always have a soft spot in my heart. Even though now I might take Two Harbors instead. Love Grand Marais as well. Nothing in the midwest compares to the North shore. Those would be my choices with Ely in the mix as well. Throw SoDak in the mix....well Rapid City is pretty hard to beat. I have always liked Pierre as well from a sportsman's point of view, not sure I could handle a winter on the prairie though.

[Jarrid Houston]

Growin up in Stillwater (St Croix River Valley) will always be where I was raised. Bemidji, will always have a special place in my heart to, Loved living there, and enjoyed playing ball for the Beavers. Now living in Superior/Duluth region, and life again is great. Home is where the heart is, and I am sure mine is as happy as can be..

[Rost]

South Dakota!

[chasineyes]

Bozeman Montana...Nightlife, Colleges, Medical, MOUNTAINS, Streams, plus only 12 hours from family in MN.

FWIW I CANNOT stand living in Shakopee in a "development". Unfortunately the housing market tanked so moving is very difficult. No space for the kids to ride "toys", plant large gardens, park "toys" on driveways, rules, rules and more rules. I see first hand why kids are addicted to the TV and Video games...their isn't enough room in the yards for kickball, wiffle ball etc.. and heaven forbid the parents let them go to the "park" by themselves....

[OnAFly]

My wife wants desperately to move back to Montana. I do enjoy going there, but the cowboy "tough guy" attitude gets old quick. Plus, Montana winters are plain old miserable. It's not cold enough to do anything outside and it's not warm enough to do anything outside.

For me, paradise is southern Ontario or very north eastern Minnesota. Int Falls, Fort Francis, Grand Marais would all be nice. If I didn't have to worry about schools/healthcare/jobs and all that stuff, the absolute middle of nowhere would be even better.

[Black_Bay]

Not having lived in a place with no trees, what makes winter worse than a good old fashion Minnesota winter? I assume the wind is the key difference.

[creepworm]

Yes, the wind can make things downright awful.

[fishinfey8]

Glacial lakes region of SD, or somewhere on a lake N of Duluth.

[goblueM]

Plus, Montana winters are plain old miserable. It's not cold enough to do anything outside and it's not warm enough to do anything outside.

I got that here in SW Virginia... its routinely damp with cold/snow/rain, but snow never sticks around. Its like perpetual March weather in the winter here

[Harmonica Bear]

Ugh.... "A Perpetual March" Geez, is that like sportsman's purgatory? Not sure I could handle it, might have to just end it. (Note to self: don't move to VA.)

[OnAFly]

Lousy Smarch weather...

[ole matty]

I would love to move to Wisc. Their people is much nicer and friendly than mn people IMO.