Best big US city to live in?

When I graduate from college I plan on moving to a large city for a few years before moving back to my hometown area. The thing is that I'm not sure where to go. I've been to Seattle, San Diego, Chicago and Miami - definately don't want to go to FL. I really liked San Diego but don't know if it's way too expensive. Seattle is my favorite, by far, but all my family is on the East Coast. My job will allow me to go anywhere. I'd prefer to live by water but don't need to. Any advice for the cities you have lived in/ visited? Also, if I move somewhere like NY or Seattle I probably won't have a car because it's not necessary (unless I live in a suburb.). I only want to be there for 3-5 years and have a small apartment, no home buying necessary. Thanks in advance!

Public Comments

1. well, you can afford central coast california cities that arent welll known, but within 15 miles to the beach like santa maria, ca, it is very close to santa barbara(big money there), and 15 miles from pismo beach, where they have big waves
2. Maybe stay where you are if you don't like Florida!!
3. New York is definitely the place to be. That's the first place I came to when I migrated from my home in the Caribbean. Unfortunately though I had to move to New Jersey for like 2 yrs also...and it sucked!!! Jersey stinks..BIG TIME..I cried myself to sleep for the first two weeks of moving there. I had to move back to NY...it was calling me LOL. We have a multi cultural mixture of people, the night life is great, a lot of great places to eat, party, just hang out, and like you said you won't need a car. I mean who needs one anyway with gas prices going up these days. The subway is still the best way to get around in my opinion. And we have nice beaches too, since you're a water lover, like ME! In a recent survey (don't remember which one), a beach in the Hampton's was ranked in the top ten!!! Manhattan beach is great too...I spend hours there soaking up the sun in the summer. Now I can't really say since I haven't been to Seattle, but you can get great deals and bargains in the city. Soho is the ideal place to go shopping. You can find any and everything you want in The Village....So come to NY, you'll love it....I promise!
4. Minneapolis/St. Paul is a great area. There are ample water options, (after all, Minneapolis is the City of Lakes) and very affordable housing. And if anyone says their's nothing to do in the winter they are WRONG! Their's stuff to do all year round. I've even heard that the Twin Cities is the most active community in the country. PS. Good luck wherever you choose to go! =)
5. Boston, Massacheusetts is your best bet.