where to live

If you feel an undeniable pull to a city, don’t ignore it—go. I truly believe there’s a reason we’re drawn to certain places, and once you take the leap, things tend to fall into place. And here’s the thing: It doesn’t have to be permanent. You don’t have to plant roots for a lifetime; a year, eight months, or five years can be exactly what you... See more

Cities are predicated on a set of trade-offs that no longer make sense. Middle-class people tolerate density, pollution, disease, crime, high taxes, and expensive housing to access superior employment opportunities. If comparable opportunities can be accessed without the above costs, many people will opt-out of the current arrangement.

This is all to say: it’s worth listening when a place calls to you. It’s worth thinking about whether the place you live enables your goals or stands in their way. And it’s worth noticing what surroundings speak of enchantment, cultivate the conditions you feel at home in, and aim toward them. Life is more malleable than we think. It’s a surprise... See more