Here is the issues.

We have selected the following states to compare as possible locations to move to:

Arizona
Colorado
Idaho
New Mexico
Oregon
Utah
Washington

I have no idea where to get decent data about these states.

Such as:

Climate Snow and Humid summers are out -
Population distribution.
Geology (ie if we moved there could I plant a garden, would I have to dig 500 feet for water - could I drink that water)
Tolerance to gays

No two Official Sites has the exact same information to make a comparison.

Does anyone know of any site that gives and over view on states, recommendations what ever?

Heck I am even uncertain what else I should be considering.

We have decided that it's time to leave California. We know that others states would be less expensive to live in. I just know which one to choose.

Please let me know

David

You say that snow is out, which eliminates Colorado and Utah.

You say that humid summers are out, which eliminates Oregon and Washington (although they aren't particularly hot summers there, so maybe you could live with the humidity).

That leaves Arizona, New Mexico and Idaho. Arizona and New Mexico are pretty dry.

That leaves Idaho, which I know nothing about!

However, if you want my two cents, I suggest you move to Washington or Colorado. Colorado definitely has snow but it beautiful. If you move to Denver or Boulder, I think those are gay-friendly cities. Washington is humid, but not hot-humid, and it is also a really pretty place. It snows now and then there, too, but not like it does in Colorado. I would guess that Seattle is also a pretty gay-friendly city.

Just my two cents. Hope it helps!

Sarai;

Well thank you.

Actually Colorado was just nixed tonight.

See it isn't just me and the partner moving, we would be taking his parents (both in their 70's) and the nieces (both unable to make their own way in life at ages 17 and 20)

Personally I would prefer to live on 40th and plumb - 40 miles from no where, plum out in the sticks.

Utah - Hard on 'alternative life styles'

Idaho.

Idaho?

Hm... I'll check it out.

Thanks

Try Eastern Washington, especially in the south central region of the state (Yakima). It gets hot in the summer, but at 8 inches of precipitation a year, you don't have to worry about snow. There are plenty of places that are for all intents and purposes desert in central and south-central Washington State. Heck, even the town I live in, Colfax, it doesn't snow ALL that much!

You know this is much harder than I thought it would be.

The family is not co-operating.

I ask "What do you want in a home?"

Answers I get, "I don't know" "What do you think?" and misc grunts!

Ok, I know what I want.

1-2 acres, two homes, 1 with 3 bedrooms 1 with 2 bedrooms.

From San Fransisco to Portland Oregon - Well actually closer (say 100 miles) of either city.

I can spend up to $350,000 on this venture. (my budget)

I can't find a website that makes this easy at all.

I have tried:

http://www.realtor.com

Century 21

Remax

and PMZ

They either don't have listings to cover that, or they want me to get on their mailing lists! Ew - I don't need more junk in my box.

Any suggestions?

(quietly losing my mind here) David

Would you come to Canada?

I just found this post, but was wondering why you chose against Colorado?

Hey David? It doesn't snow MUCH in Reno! And it's a pretty nice place to live!