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Best cities to live in the US [FAO PPERS in the USA]

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was looking around for thread about US cities and found this but before anything important

Why the hell would people put Buffalo, NY in here

absolutely disgusting place to live, too cold, too "rust bellty", no job opportunities :shezzy2

other than UB (go bulls) there's nothing good in Buffalo

People are really nice tho, real good people although I had met 2-3 old white people telling me how Black people are criminals and stuff (which is a sign that they don't think kindly about minorities in general)

But after living in NYC shoe box apartment for 20 years my old man bought a damn mansion (like a real one lol) :)) so that's a pro

but good for me I am getting out of here I have things lined up in Philly (I liked the NYC vibe with affordable housing)

Now to the important stuff
Would want to know more about Philly from Philly Natives

Hows traffic?
Subway system?
Housing?
Islamic community/centers? (even though I am single but religion is still important to me so a real Muslim community would be a nice addition to help me keep it halal :haider)

not to fond of the desis so would care less if they have desi pop or not
 
Bump
was looking around for thread about US cities and found this but before anything important

Why the hell would people put Buffalo, NY in here

absolutely disgusting place to live, too cold, too "rust bellty", no job opportunities :shezzy2

other than UB (go bulls) there's nothing good in Buffalo

People are really nice tho, real good people although I had met 2-3 old white people telling me how Black people are criminals and stuff (which is a sign that they don't think kindly about minorities in general)

But after living in NYC shoe box apartment for 20 years my old man bought a damn mansion (like a real one lol) :)) so that's a pro

but good for me I am getting out of here I have things lined up in Philly (I liked the NYC vibe with affordable housing)

Now to the important stuff
Would want to know more about Philly from Philly Natives

Hows traffic?
Subway system?
Housing?
Islamic community/centers? (even though I am single but religion is still important to me so a real Muslim community would be a nice addition to help me keep it halal :haider)

not to fond of the desis so would care less if they have desi pop or not

Interested to see what others have to say about Philly, the city's on my list. I've heard there's a popular Arab restaurant called Saad's halal restaurant, everyone recommends it for whatever reason.
 
New Jersey's shore area is the best, though expensive and property taxes are highest in USA.

Close to two largest cities in USA, NC and Phili , multiple international airports, great schools , colleges and universities close by. beautiful beaches, parks , golf courses , suburban area, not crowded, ethnic diversity , lots and lots of cricket clubs, least racist state in USA , plenty of jobs, strong economy, 4 weathers, and so many other reasons to live in NJ, but------------------ very high cost of living.
 
Interested to see what others have to say about Philly, the city's on my list. I've heard there's a popular Arab restaurant called Saad's halal restaurant, everyone recommends it for whatever reason.

Great restuarant. However there’s a (Lebanese?) restaurant right next to it which has the greatest gyros that were ever made.
 
New Jersey's shore area is the best, though expensive and property taxes are highest in USA.

Close to two largest cities in USA, NC and Phili , multiple international airports, great schools , colleges and universities close by. beautiful beaches, parks , golf courses , suburban area, not crowded, ethnic diversity , lots and lots of cricket clubs, least racist state in USA , plenty of jobs, strong economy, 4 weathers, and so many other reasons to live in NJ, but------------------ very high cost of living.

Why is it called the armpit of America then?
 
Great restuarant. However there’s a (Lebanese?) restaurant right next to it which has the greatest gyros that were ever made.

What's their best dish?

Why is it called the armpit of America then?

Cause of it's geographical shape and location on America, there's nothing more to that nickname lol.
 
Why is it called the armpit of America then?

Some areas in NJ, particularly close to NYC and Philadelphia and some heavily industrial areas are not great place to live, but shore area is on of the best place to live in USA.

Due to my studies and training , I lived in different states , including NY, Virginia, Massachusetts and FL but when it was time to settle down finally , I always wanted to be at this beautiful place. Could have earned more money in some dull and boring places like FL and TX, but opted for NJ.
 
Bump
was looking around for thread about US cities and found this but before anything important

Why the hell would people put Buffalo, NY in here

absolutely disgusting place to live, too cold, too "rust bellty", no job opportunities :shezzy2

other than UB (go bulls) there's nothing good in Buffalo

People are really nice tho, real good people although I had met 2-3 old white people telling me how Black people are criminals and stuff (which is a sign that they don't think kindly about minorities in general)

But after living in NYC shoe box apartment for 20 years my old man bought a damn mansion (like a real one lol) :)) so that's a pro

but good for me I am getting out of here I have things lined up in Philly (I liked the NYC vibe with affordable housing)

Now to the important stuff
Would want to know more about Philly from Philly Natives

Hows traffic?
Subway system?
Housing?
Islamic community/centers? (even though I am single but religion is still important to me so a real Muslim community would be a nice addition to help me keep it halal :haider)

not to fond of the desis so would care less if they have desi pop or not

Philly:

I think it’s one of the great and most underrated American cities. It’s been almost 5 years now since I lived there so information is outdated and I’m forgetting a few names but let me answer best I can.

Subway system: There is SEPTA which can get you to the general areas but will involve some walking. Connectivity isn’t the greatest but gets the job done. As student you can use it more or less but will eventually need a car most likely

Traffic: it’s bad.

Housing: rent much cheaper than NYC. Several nice neighborhoods with young peoples. But some specific neighborhoods like West philly are dangerous so stay away

Islamic Center: lot of black Muslims in the city. But i think lot of Pakistanis too. Used to go to a couple of restaurants near university city which had pakistani owners and they told there’s a community. I didn’t really care to meet so never figured. The place where I used to do jumma or eid prayers was 50% black Muslims tho.

Overall Philadelphia is a great city. It’s got a big city feel like Nyc and enough things to do but isn’t congested like nyc and you can live in reasonably siZed apartments for reasonable rents.
 
What's their best dish?
.

Lol didn’t I say the Gyro. I think I had a few other things too but it’s been more than 5 years but whenever I see or eat a Gyro I dream about the gyro we used to have there.

Just checked. It was called Manakeesh. Hope it’s still standing
 
Traffic is a big concern for most major metro cities in the US. The way they are expanding, they can’t expand the infrastructure at that rate .. also the existing infrastructure is in dire need of upkeep.
If you want traffic hassle free life, don’t even consider the major cities in the US..
 
Philly:

I think it’s one of the great and most underrated American cities. It’s been almost 5 years now since I lived there so information is outdated and I’m forgetting a few names but let me answer best I can.

Subway system: There is SEPTA which can get you to the general areas but will involve some walking. Connectivity isn’t the greatest but gets the job done. As student you can use it more or less but will eventually need a car most likely

Traffic: it’s bad.

Housing: rent much cheaper than NYC. Several nice neighborhoods with young peoples. But some specific neighborhoods like West philly are dangerous so stay away

Islamic Center: lot of black Muslims in the city. But i think lot of Pakistanis too. Used to go to a couple of restaurants near university city which had pakistani owners and they told there’s a community. I didn’t really care to meet so never figured. The place where I used to do jumma or eid prayers was 50% black Muslims tho.

Overall Philadelphia is a great city. It’s got a big city feel like Nyc and enough things to do but isn’t congested like nyc and you can live in reasonably siZed apartments for reasonable rents.

thank you so much dude!

the traffic part is giving me some teeny, tiny scares cause my driving skills aren't all up there :sarf2
so I was able to survive in Buffalo and NYC (subway) but in bad traffic places don't know how it'll end up ... :mou
 
Lol didn’t I say the Gyro. I think I had a few other things too but it’s been more than 5 years but whenever I see or eat a Gyro I dream about the gyro we used to have there.

Just checked. It was called Manakeesh. Hope it’s still standing

I meant Saad's halal
 
Traffic is a big concern for most major metro cities in the US. The way they are expanding, they can’t expand the infrastructure at that rate .. also the existing infrastructure is in dire need of upkeep.
If you want traffic hassle free life, don’t even consider the major cities in the US..

in Europe they have great public transportation but in US no one focuses on that aspect (corporate slaves...)
 
Sometimes when I had to go to places like Buffalo , Rochester and Canada anytime other than peak summer weather, I wonder why people live there, these places are cold as hell.
 
thank you so much dude!

the traffic part is giving me some teeny, tiny scares cause my driving skills aren't all up there :sarf2
so I was able to survive in Buffalo and NYC (subway) but in bad traffic places don't know how it'll end up ... :mou

I wouldn't take public transit at night in philly, I've heard the whole city is ghetto. Imma still consider moving there though cause of the vibe alone + it being a big liberal city.


 
I wouldn't take public transit at night in philly, I've heard the whole city is ghetto. Imma still consider moving there though cause of the vibe alone + it being a big liberal city.



honestly man I have lived around so many hoods and interacted with so many hood people (no one I knew in NY went to colledgeand are doing tons of unsavory things) that the "rough" things don't get me scared like it would to normal people, its home turf for me :pfft

like its as annoying as not having a Chinese place around the neighborhood might be for normal people

so I dont really care about "rough" places per se (but it may change when I have a family I guess who knows..)
 
in Europe they have great public transportation but in US no one focuses on that aspect (corporate slaves...)

All that takes money which means higher taxes and Americans don’t want to pay higher taxes. That’s how it is.
 
Some areas in NJ, particularly close to NYC and Philadelphia and some heavily industrial areas are not great place to live, but shore area is on of the best place to live in USA.

Due to my studies and training , I lived in different states , including NY, Virginia, Massachusetts and FL but when it was time to settle down finally , I always wanted to be at this beautiful place. Could have earned more money in some dull and boring places like FL and TX, but opted for NJ.

Just moved to NJ after living in NYC for 20years, I'm extremely satisfied!
 
If you’re going to Saad’s, get the Philly Cheesesteak.
Aight bet

All that takes money which means higher taxes and Americans don’t want to pay higher taxes. That’s how it is.


in Europe they have great public transportation but in US no one focuses on that aspect (corporate slaves...)

That's cause we got a better highway system, wider roads, cheaper gas and cars.
 
On topic, Having lived in Philly, kentucky, Louisiana, Virginia, and Nj, i feel NoVa is one of the best places to live.
 
honestly man I have lived around so many hoods and interacted with so many hood people (no one I knew in NY went to colledgeand are doing tons of unsavory things) that the "rough" things don't get me scared like it would to normal people, its home turf for me :pfft

like its as annoying as not having a Chinese place around the neighborhood might be for normal people

so I dont really care about "rough" places per se (but it may change when I have a family I guess who knows..)

Would be interested to hear if you have any stories in those hood areas that could’ve potentially be a bit nerve wracking or scary for the average person.

I’ve been to cities with those exact areas but try to stay clear.
 
I love NYC and Montreal without reservation, I could live in either one. The vibe, the people, the old world feel, I didn’t expect to like them so much. And in terms of stuff to do and fun, only Berlin and Amsterdam compare IMO. Slight knock on NYC because there is nowhere to ski nearby (yes I’ve thought this through in detail ahaha).

Of the other cities in North America I have been to (Chicago, Toronto, DC, Quebec City), I didn’t really take to them. Just got a flat feeling, like they had no character.

I want to spend time in Atlanta and New Orleans soon.
 
I love NYC and Montreal without reservation, I could live in either one. The vibe, the people, the old world feel, I didn’t expect to like them so much. And in terms of stuff to do and fun, only Berlin and Amsterdam compare IMO. Slight knock on NYC because there is nowhere to ski nearby (yes I’ve thought this through in detail ahaha).

Of the other cities in North America I have been to (Chicago, Toronto, DC, Quebec City), I didn’t really take to them. Just got a flat feeling, like they had no character.

I want to spend time in Atlanta and New Orleans soon.

NYC has ski options a couple of hours way. Not world class faculties though if that’s what you’re looking for.
 
I love NYC and Montreal without reservation, I could live in either one. The vibe, the people, the old world feel, I didn’t expect to like them so much. And in terms of stuff to do and fun, only Berlin and Amsterdam compare IMO. Slight knock on NYC because there is nowhere to ski nearby (yes I’ve thought this through in detail ahaha).

Of the other cities in North America I have been to (Chicago, Toronto, DC, Quebec City), I didn’t really take to them. Just got a flat feeling, like they had no character.

I want to spend time in Atlanta and New Orleans soon.

go to Saratoga springs or around the Albany area for skiing

its two three hours away from New York
 
Montreal is a great city, a bit underrated amongst the larger North American cities as it’s not really a global hub and also because of the French aspect, but a great city nonetheless. Vancouver is also a wonderful city, but gets a knock because of weather as it’s wet and grey during winter.

US wise, philly which has been mentioned is an awesome city. Boston is another great town, I love Chicago as well; huge desi community there and unique because it’s in the mid west.
 
NYC has ski options a couple of hours way. Not world class faculties though if that’s what you’re looking for.

I need a good after ski bro + looking at upstate New York, I wouldn't be caught dead there again
 
Surprised people like philli. I’m from the Midwest tho. Anywhere is good. Depends where you get paid well and what your priorities in life are. I’ve been in Detroit for 10+ years and I’d take that over Chicago all day long.
 
I need a good after ski bro + looking at upstate New York, I wouldn't be caught dead there again


can you explain that please

btw Albany isn't really upstate its vibe is still more like northern NY suburbs/Westchester (lived throughout the state so I would know)
 
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Surprised people like philli. I’m from the Midwest tho. Anywhere is good. Depends where you get paid well and what your priorities in life are. I’ve been in Detroit for 10+ years and I’d take that over Chicago all day long.

Detroit's reputation isn't that good bro
 
In my experience, there is A LOT of commonality among almost ALL US cities.
Same big box stores, same food chains, same name brands same roads same buildings etc.
There is a variation in weather and cost of living factor that could greatly effect your likes and dislikes.

However, THE BEST U.S. City to live in, is the one where you have family close by.
Nothing beats that.


If you have close family members (cousins, uncles, siblings etc) then you must all try to live within an hour from each other. It can't get better than that.

But if you are single and don't have any relatives in the U.S., then your circumstance and personal preferences play a role to pick from a variety of choices.

IMO, Suburbs of major cities in Midwestern United States provide a good work life balance. Cost of living is reasonable, inner city transit is reasonable, you get all 4 seasons, you get good schools for kids and you have somewhat of relaxed life style. It could be good for families with kids. You get a better bang for your bucks.

On the eastern or western coast in cities like NYC or San Francisco, you may have access to a more vibrant life style at the expense of living in pigeon hole of an apartment.
 
Bump

I’ve been living my whole life in Long Island NY. House prices have went up an insane amount here and I’m thinking about moving with my family.

Houston has been mentioned multiple times by a bunch of friends and after looking at some houses in Sugar land, I’m completely sold lol

Im looking for a very desi heavy community and good schools for my younger brother. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Im really torn between NJ & Houston. If anyone can shed some light on the Pakistani community in both places/ schools and or more I would appreciate it.
 
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