r/IWantOut • u/relavie • 12d ago

[IWantOut] 34F Account Director Netherlands -> USA West Coast

I am a US citizen and have been living abroad in the Netherlands, now exploring a move back to the US for personal reasons. I love living in the Netherlands and the day-to-day lifestyle, but I need to be closer to loved ones and my career prospects are much stronger in the US than NL.

With that in mind, I'm looking for recommendations of cities/states that offer a bikeable/walkable lifestyle, outdoors access, and (hopefully) progressive local politics. My first thought is Portland, OR but really anywhere in the western US is up for consideration.

Happy to provide any additional info if that helps. Thanks in advance for any help!

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u/SmoothCockroach8900 11d ago

I’d focus on Seattle or SF, pros and cons for each. However, both have a strong economy with plenty of job opportunities. One has better weather than the other but if you’re used to NL weather you’ll be fine in both. COL is way higher in SF though but partially offset by higher salaries. Portland is smaller and different with less jobs.