People: Boston, MA. If I’ve learned one thing from talking to people and asking for their opinions about this, it’s that this a homer pick. I understand that there’s plenty that people don’t like about Bostonians. They’re surly. They’re rude. They yell curse words when they drive by you. They speak as though diction never existed. And you know what? They’re my people and I possess a lot of those aforementioned qualities. There’s a no nonsense toughness about Bostonians that I appreciate more now that I’m away from Massachusetts. And on top of that, they’re a very educated people. Oh, and don’t forget the sarcasm…

Design: Washington D.C. Pierre Charles L’Enfant knew what he was doing apparently. There’s a lot I complain about in D.C. but it is a very easy city to get around, in my opinion. 4 quadrants. Numerical east/west streets. Alphabetical north/south streets. Diagonal state-named avenues (well, except for Ohio Drive and California St.). And for those of us who are interested in quirks, there’s plenty of those (for example, no J. St. because J and I looked too similar on streets signs). Or perhaps you like alphabetical and syllabic street names? There’s a lot to love about D.C.’s design. But perhaps I’m biased (I had to).

Quality of Life: Salt Lake City, UT. This is probably the most difficult in my opinion. I would have to guess that Portland, Oregon is the choice here, but I’ve never been, so until I go, it’ll have to be the SLC. Incredibly clean (probably based somewhat on the dearth of readily available mash liquor), friendly people (probably based somewhat on the non-dearth of readily available Mormons), and an affordable enough place to live. My one issue would be the dearth of readily available cultural diversity. But for now, it is our winner.

Food: New Orleans, LA. Gumbo, Beignets, Etouffee, Jambalya…they only begin to tell the tale. The food is mostly simple despite sounding complex, but the results are grand. I’ve never enjoyed food any more than when I was in New Orleans.

Transportation: New York, NY. Wherever you want to go, whenever you want to go there, MTA is there for you. No other city in this country, whether I’ve been there before or not, can say that.

Entertainment: New York, NY. It’s all there. Innumerable bars, clubs, museums, galleries, sidewalk performers, sports, parks, and recreation. No city that I’ve been to can come close.

Weather: Berkeley, CA. A slightly (and sometimes dramatically) more temperate version of its beautiful neighbor across the bay, San Francisco. As I write this, it’s 62 and sunny there. It is neither of those things here.

I’ve enjoyed reading Kristen’s and Paige’s breakdowns (located in the “comments” section). Please post your breakdown as well. Sharing is caring.

(Note: No post tomorrow as I’ll be “Rocking the Red” as the Caps host the Flyers at Verizon. I may have just confused my readership)