All well-said. And I could definitely see myself living somewhere like Medford. But, there are still of course amenities and things a bigger city can offer that Medford can't... and it doesn't just boil down to "keeping up with the Jones'" type things. You mentioned a lot of the items. But beyond that, ultimately, it is family. My kids will grow up near their grandparents and cousins. I might prefer a place like Medford, but Austin is pretty nice, and they get to be close to family. Everything is a trade-off.
Great shot that illustrates OR weather perfectly. The clouds cover the Willamette Valley - Portland, Eugene, Corvallis, etc. I live in the fourth county from the Pacific on the CA line.
I just got back from a trip that started in Lubbock, Texas, went through New Mexico and Arizona via I-40, on to Los Angeles (stop in Hollywood), up through Salinas, CA to San Francisco for several days, then on to I-80 through Eastern California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and back to Texas. Most states, I just drove through. Stayed in California for several days. For variety of scenery, California. For things to do, California (although you can't go wrong with the Grand Canyon, and Utah/Wyoming was pretty). Really, San Francisco was it. Just terrific all around. But on a personal note, having lived in west Texas for the past 10+ years, I'd have to say New Mexico. I have this trip I have taken 3 times that I call the Quadrilateral. Start in Carlsbad (beautiful caverns), go to Roswell, then to Albuquerque (yeah, b****es!), and Santa Fe. Something unique about all of them. A bit desert-y between Carlsbad and Roswell, but other than that, just friendly people, casinos (Texas treats adults like children in that respect), you can buy liquor at Walgreens, just a more open attitude- and pretty.
TEXAS!!! But also Louisiana, California (they have stupid laws & government issues though), Hawaii (crazy expensive to live though), Colorado & Alaska.
