Uploaded on 2020-05-20 by Paul Sitzman

Some of the criteria that I thought about when I recently moved to a different state were: Cost of living, Safety & Security, Quality and Access to Community Spaces, Celebration of Culture, Connection to Nature, Mixed Economy I ranked the different attributes like this: Neighborhood Environment Opportunity Housing Transportation Health Engagement These priorities change as I get older (i.e. health) but for now I stay healthy when the rest of the attributes are in balance; when I can move around in the community and get outside. Fort Collins, CO (Where I grew up) 56 55 -1 Santa Clara, CA 56 58 +13 Pittsburgh, PA 56 68 +12 It doesn't completely surprise me that the livability score went down for Fort Collins when I prioritized "Neighborhood". While Fort Collins is full of outdoor spaces, and encourages people to get outside and enjoy the community, it's also a sprawling community that is best accessed by car or a good bike. While it didn't surprise me that Santa Clara (more of a beach town) had a high neighborhood rating, it kind of surprised me that Pittsburgh was so high, however they have strong heritage-based communities, so it also makes sense.