I've lived in central Texas my entire life (23 years, Killeen/Austin/San Marcos), and I love it so much. The people are really genuine and kind, the DIY scene is blossoming, I've been booking shows here for almost 2 years, nature is beautiful and readily accessible to me at all times (Hill Country ftw), and it's fairly affordable (I love the nature so much here that I made a whole blog post about it: https://open.substack.com/pub/superhellarad/p/if-i-owned-heaven-and-texas?r=1h03j5&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false). I really want to live somewhere new for a change while I'm still in my 20s, and these are my top contenders so far: Atlanta - I love the South. I feel like I definitely belong anywhere I go in the South as long as I'm not the only person of color within a 5-mile radius (shoutout to Tupelo MS). I also would be so happy being so close to all the waterfalls in north GA. Plus beautiful cemeteries, big oak trees, it would be like home but different. NYC - I have so many friends in the city, and I feel really comfortable navigating both solo and in a group up there. The winter isn't even that bad, and I'm a hot weather kind of girl (Filipino AND born & raised in TX). It's a little intimidating because there are SO many people, and it would be really different from home (also expensive AF), but I could do it. I also found this blog talking about finding nature in the city and there's lowkey a LOT. https://slownaturefastcity.com/ Philadelphia - I've only been once, but I really like the music scene and I really enjoy the people I've met there. More research is needed.... Asheville? New Orleans? Portland??????? Can anyone help me with recommendations or any insight whatsoever? I'm going to Chicago, Atlanta, and NYC this spring/summer for sure as well, so I'll be traipsing around absorbing everything. LMK <3