What's the best U.S. City and Why?

[gstom]

As far as cities go....... (I'm not a City Guy but I could live in ....):

I like Kansas City Metro (both Mo and KS sides)

Why? Not too large... 4 seasons.. Both an old school BMW and also old school Ducati dealerships.. downtown re-vitalization push (entertainment, loft apts, arts, etc.)
...historical significance (gateway to the old west)
Best of all.. The BBQ

Arthur Bryants BBQ (my fave), Gates, Jack Stack, Oklahoma Joe's, American Royal BBQ Contest and so on.

 

[Fritzc]

Magnolia Springs, Alabama

I would move there in a second if my wife would concede!

 

[osbornk]

Most big city and younger folks may not understand but many country and small town folks will. When we grew up in the country or small town, we couldn't wait to move to the big city to be successful, see the world and get away from the country hicks. Many of us did just that. We moved around the world making our big splash for 30 or 40 years and got close to retirement. Like the Salmon, instinct kicked in and we felt the need to return home to die. Many of us saved our money, sold our house in the city and retired back home. I moved within 3 miles of where I grew up. Those that never left lived modestly but their homes were paid for, their lifelong friendships were intact and they were always there when friends or family were in need.

A group of us discussed this at our 40th. high school class reunion a couple of years ago. Many were looking for a way to move back home to live out their retirement. About half of our class made it to the reunion from all over the world. Most of the people who never moved away didn't attend. They felt their "more successful" classmates looked down on them. I often wonder who were really the smart ones. Home is where the heart is and I never felt at home in the city regardless of how long I lived there. I moved five times and ended up where I started.

If someone had told me this thirty years ago, I would have thought they were crazy.

 

[hlothery]

Best City

I'm not tellin'........too many folks moving here already!

 

[dlearl476]

I think the Bay area is my favorite; the most European city in NA (well, maybe a tie with Vancouver, BC) and without doubt, the best year-round riding anywhere. NYC, then Chicago, Boston and Seattle.

Kind of like the Wasatch front, as I grew up there. But it snows.

Chama, NM. is a favorite, as is Torrey, UT. and any village around Asheville, NC. And for as much as I hate FL, I have to admit I really like the ambience of South Beach.

 

[jackhett]

Detroit!

 

[jackhett]

Why? Who else has Kwame Kilpatrick as mayor?
And don't forget - the LIONS.

 

[Bud]

San Fransisco

Great riding in 3 directions (would be 4 except for the Pacific ocean).

Fantastic sailing.

 

[osbornk]

Detroit!

I understand there is a lot of empty and affordable housing available.

 

[jackhett]

You gotta be pretty tough just to ride through it, let alone live there.

 

[erickson9502]

Indy

If you like speed there is no better place to be. Brickyard 400 in August,NHRA Nationals Labor day weekend Motorcycle GP this September Sprint car racing seems like everynight within 60 miles of Indy and of course the greatest race of all the Indianapolis 500 the month of May. It has great roads in southern Indiana with out the traffic you will have in California or out east.

 

[bdspler]

EL PASO !!!!!!!
so when I die nothing will be a shock!
bd

 

[petepeterson]

Washington,DC By far the best city ever!!!!

They have the strictest gun laws in the world.........

Yet besides Bagdad, you have the highest probability of getting shot just walking down the street than anyplace else on the planet!!!!!!!!!

Just love DC .............Pete

 

[rkasal]

Washington,DC By far the best city ever!!!!

They have the strictest gun laws in the world.........

Yet besides Bagdad, you have the highest probability of getting shot just walking down the street than anyplace else on the planet!!!!!!!!!

Just love DC .............Pete

DC is great to visit. Iowa Rep. King released statistics, that yes, you are more likely to be killed in DC than in Iraq. It's true and the figures backed up the assertions.

Walking the streets of the capital, Whitehouse, National Mall and Smithsonian areas is interesting not only for History buffs, but also for architectural interests and cultures.

Get outside of town, and there's even more History with battlefields, birthplaces and homes of presidents, and the beautiful state of West Virginia. The whole area is a great vacation destination.

 

[testinglogin]

You gotta be pretty tough just to ride through it, let alone live there.

When I rode to Auburn Hills (north of Detroit) from Toledo on my R80/7 through rush hour traffic, many of them thought I was crazy. Of course, they also understood my high-viz jacket. I actually felt SAFER in traffic on the bike than in my truck. I guess it's the feeling of having more space around me, and more places to get out of the way. One person tried to change into my lane (into ME), but I was watching her driving for about 5 minutes, and was expecting it to happen. It was not a close call, and after I hit the horn, she slowed down and disappeared behind me. I hope she remembers that, and starts driving in a less aggressive manner.

Since then, I've been through Detroit several times. I've never understood the traffic suddenly coming to a screeching (sometimes VERY literally) halt for no reason, only to take off again moments later. That only seems to happen to me in the Detroit metro area. For the most part, it's not too horrible to ride through; you just have to keep your head on a swivel.

Still, I just can't vote Detroit as a "best US city" - Kwame, or not. Then again, all of Michigan is off my list unless you get rid of that horrible "no-fault" insurance.