I don't know if you ever decided to move to Berlin or not - but if you did - I imagine you might have become disillusioned with that, as well. Having lived in Europe a long time before returning to the U.S., by now I'm thinking (if you did indeed move to Berlin) you realized there are other areas that are much nicer, less industrial/congested, and friendlier. The bottom line - no matter where we live - it is what WE make it for ourselves, not what others make FOR us.
Kaycee | Flagstaff, AZ | Report Abuse

Do you still feel this way? We are considering retiring to SF too but I am a bit concerned about the artsy/New Agey/touristy character of the town. What makes it a different place to visit could make it a difficult place to live for those of us older and from elsewhere I fear.
jay | Providence, RI | Report Abuse

If it's artsy and new age, that's perfect for me. I'm not an old lady I prefer to see myself as "vintage" and sort of an older hippie chick. I am leery because I hate snow and do not want to retire where I have to drive on slippery roads. I'm giving that up for good.
Lorrie | Davison, MI | Report Abuse

I agree entirely with this comment. I've lived here 5 years now and I am actually applying to immigrate to Berlin, Germany. It's actually cheaper overall to live in Berlin than SF. I moved here from Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area hoping to leave the traffic and crime and overall negative lifestyle for my kids. I hoped this would be a very safe and healthy environment for them. I am middled age and I didn't mind that this was an older town. The beautiful landscape is mesmerizing until you realize how obscurely distant this is from anywhere in any direction and how that limits entertainment, medical attention, housing options, education and obtaining just about anything here even if you have a good income as we do. It's totally more of a hassle than it's worth. I do have to say that I've met some of the nicest and friendliest people ever and that is all I will miss. I pay ridiculous premium for insurance for my family and I can't even schedule a reasonable visit with specialists here because they only come a couple times a week from their main offices in Albuquerque. This happens all the time! Now I just schedule my appointments in Albuquerque.
Gene | Santa Fe, NM | Report Abuse