Where would you live in the US?

[rxpharm]

Great opportunity, but a few other things to consider besides geographical location. PigDogg made an excellent point about state income taxes - but in addition to that, take into account the likely devaluation of the USD against the major currencies. While I am not one who supports the doomsday predictions of a few for the US economy, I cannot see significant upside for the USD in the next few years. If you have property in Australia that you are paying mortgage on, this will be a major disadvantage.

It's a major decision and I wish you the best whatever way you decide!

[El_hefe]

So you need a major airport & since you're single you want a large supply of other, ahh, "mature" singles to hang out. I think that would knock out a number of the nicer 2nd tier cities (Twin Cities, SLC) where you may feel a bit isolated at being single in your 40's.

I'll go with the flow & admit NYC & SFO are unquestioably the top 2 in my book as well, also the most expensive cities (along with Honolulu) in the US, but you definitely get what you pay for. Seattle & Chicago have a similiar quality of life to Denver.
Most people who live in these cities & have decent jobs love it.

The other 3 you might look at are New Orleans... the other city I would probably consider for myself if I were to move out of NYC for financial reasons (ie., retirement), & Vegas where you can buy a lot of house with your money, have low taxes, good restaurants & entertainment. Miami is pretty distinctive if you like heat & latin culture. All 3 of these have distinct personalities from other American cities that people either really like or don't like (altho Vegas is very mainstream away from the strip.)

I'm not a big fan of L.A. either.

[Thaime]

For travel considerations Denver is the perfect place. The longest flight you would ever take within the US would be 4 hours to cities on the east coast. Most other flights are around 2.5 hours (Houston, Chicago, California). Denver is a very nice and clean city to live in and it€™s a great sports town

[BlueBallz]

Again, if you will spending lots of time on planes I would NOT be on either coast. Besides the coasts are usually more expensive. Chicago, Denver both not bad.....

[Ericthehalfabee]

(BlueBallz @ Nov. 21 2009,05:05) Poughkeepsie LOL So you pick your toes in Poughkeepsie?  What film is that from??  I grew up near there but in a nice place!  Po town is a fucking dump!!!!  Think Mogudishu lite!!

French Connection - Gene Hackman

[whore]

(BlueBallz @ Nov. 21 2009,05:05) Poughkeepsie LOL So you pick your toes in Poughkeepsie?  What film is that from??  I grew up near there but in a nice place!  Po town is a fucking dump!!!!  Think Mogudishu lite!!

Popeye Doyle quote from the oscar winning film The French Connection.

[BlueBallz]

Whore just a tad too late. Eric wins, well not really no prize offered....

[blonde_havoc]

I'm gonna give another shout-out to Denver. Despite the occasional blizzard, the weather is actually quite beautiful. The city is clean and forward-thinking, the scenery is gorgeous, and the skiing is phenomenal.

[Ozzie]

I have been doing more research into Denver and have to say I am impressed.

The cost of housing seems reasonable and the state income tax rates are not too bad.

The climate seems perfect for me and the fact their airport is a major hub is very convenient.

[PigDogg]

If you're thinking of the Denver area then you might want to consider Boulder, Colorado.

[BlueBallz]

Nice shout Mr. Pigg. Boulder might be a bit far from the airport. Not certain about that. If you have to go to and from the airport a lot the last thing you would want after a biz trip would be a 90 minutes plus trip from the airport.....just a thought.

[Bumpa STIKKA]

I'll wager a few weeks in Denver and you'll be addicted. I went there once just for a short visit but was greatly impressed. It's not a big city and it ain't a small town either.

It's smack bang in the middle of the USA and has the extremes of climate that won't leave you bored and either always sweating or always shivering.

It's a well kept town with plenty of great bars and restaurants...

...but The Broncos? Hmmm! They look awful these days!  

Boulder? Are you kidding?  

Chicago? New York? Boston? Nah... Way too cold. You may never see your clients in the winter!

West coast? Too expensive... and too far away from the east coast!

New Orleans is a possibility. It's very laid back but does have a very frustratingly lazy culture.

My second option after Denver would be Dallas... possibly Irving, although Texas is very expansive and it can be a lonely place to be... but the location is good.

[blonde_havoc]

(Bumpa STIKKA @ Nov. 23 2009,05:24) Chicago? New York? Boston? Nah... Way too cold. You may never see your clients in the winter!

I can't wait to get the fuck out of Chicago!

I also liked your decision to throw Dallas into the mix. Housing is generally affordable in Texas and there is a shit-ton to do there. Unfortunately it's hot as balls in the summer.

[Torurot]

Honolulu is still central to the rest of Ozzie's world, Thailand/Asia/Australia. Presume when you are on assignment you will be located at the problem for some days/weeks.

[PigDogg]

(BlueBallz @ Nov. 22 2009,13:57) Nice shout Mr. Pigg.  Boulder might be a bit far from the airport.  Not certain about that.  

Boulder is nothwest of downtown Denver and the airport is in northeast Denver.  I've never been to either place so really don't know; in Colorado have only been on Interstate 80.

But I've heard Boulder is a nice college town.