From the article: 10 Best and 10 Worst US States for Small Business 2009
Where do you think is the best place to live if you could live anywhere you wanted to? Full-time telecommuters and those who operate home businesses have the ability to live just about wherever they want. If you could pick up stakes and move, where would you most want to live and why?
jennyburger
- The most awesome place to live? No doubt...just outside Austin, Texas in the hillcountry! Spring-fed lakes, water 78 degrees year-round, hiking, biking, camping, the best of rock n roll and country...and you're in the heart of Texas...so what else could you want?
- —Guest jeniferalmond
Thailand Over 5 Years
- I work on websites, write ebooks, and do the occasional web development project here from Thailand. The internet is not always consistent - but works well enough most times. There are definite drawbacks like a total lack of face to face networking with possible clients and JV partners, but, overall I look at this as the ultimate life. I haven't been to them all but I think very few countries can beat this lifestyle in Thailand. Beach is very close, mountains to climb, a very laid back atmosphere, cheap cost of living, and fewer things to stress out about than in the USA. Don't know if Randy will allow it, but I've written multiple books that will help someone move from USA to Thailand, "Thai Black Book" and "The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Thailand" as well as "Living in Thailand", Google those and you'll find them at ThailandEBooks (.com). If you're in college or considering your career, one of the number one considerations should be - "How can I live where ever I want?"
- —MikeFook
Cuenca, Ecuador
- Cuenca offers a European city, with South American costs and small town safety. I've lived/worked here for almost a year, and I can't imagine being anywhere else. Because of working online I can live anywhere and for me, the Andes is pretty hard to beat. Did I mention a doctors appointment is $8 and taxis are an average of $2.50? Don't think I'll ever leave Ecuador.
- —Guest Bryan Haines
On Vancouver Island
- As an About Guide, I'm able to live pretty well anywhere there's fast reliable Internet service available and Vancouver Island is my pick, too. My husband and I both spent some of our growing up years here and always wanted to come back. Besides the fabulous scenery and recreational opportunities the Island offers, we have the best climate in Canada in my opinion.
- —sbinfocanada
Near the Beach
- I want to live where I can hear the ocean. It's the best sound in the world- soothing, relaxing, comforting. I can't explain it. Every time I get a chance, I take a vacation where I can spend time walking on the beach. I lived on the west coast of Florida for 7 years, and I like FL, but it's getting too crowded, and it's too hot/humid in the summer. Maybe northern California, Oregon.
- —Guest Jean
Eugene, OR
- I lived in Eugene for two years and would move back in heartbeat and would if I weren't caring for my parents. It's a town of opposites - weather, politics, food, culture and so tremendously stimulating.
- —Guest kdweeks
In or Near the Mountains
- For me the ideal place is in/near the mountains. Working at home or for yourself comes with good and bad. I want to make sure I take advantage of the flexibility by getting out into the woods when there's an opportunity. Being in a city or town near the mountains makes sense; there's enough culture and economy to find clients if needed and avoid getting cabin fever.
- —Guest JP
The Best Place to Live is Home
- I have never wanted to live anywhere but where I am. When I have really wanted to live someplace else, I moved there. We settled down while our children attended school. Now that they have grown we often visit. We live in the center of a kind of hub. Our line of work is generally portable and now is even more so.
- —S_Khalsa
Vancouver Island
- My husband and I have dreamed of living on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, although I would probably choose one of the smaller Gulf Islands. The last time we visited, telecommuters were beginning to take advantage of island living. We love the long stretches of empty beaches, the combination of mountains and ocean, the salmon fishing and so much more. I doubt that we'll ever live so far away from the area where most of our family lives. We'd be living 2500 miles away! But it's nice to know that telecommuting may some day make it possible for all of us to live where our hearts desire.
- —SusanAdcox
Northern VA
- No doubt, Northern VA. Transplanted to SoCal in 2004, I'd go "home" to four seasons, region rich with diversity, history, and fabulous public schools. Telecommuting while looking out the window to see green trees again would be nothing short of bliss.
- —Lahle.Wolfe
I Do Live in Taos, NM
- Taos, NM is one of the most beautiful places in the Southwest. With mountains, ski area, and the Rio Grande Gorge, it's hard to beat.
- —jimkimmons
New Hampshire and Vermont
- I'm fortunate in that I can live anywhere. I work full time from home and my wife is retired. We moved to New Hampshire ten years ago and have been very happy ever since. Although our property taxes are very high, we don't have an income or sales tax and the quality of live is very good. I don't need a big city, although Boston is only 40 miles away. I've considered moving to Vermont because of the availability of health care, but now with health care reform, I may not need to.
- —Randy4HmBiz