For the last six years I have been planning my “reset”. I moved a lot growing up and landed in Portland 30 years ago to take a promotion with Nike. Portland has been a fabulous place to “grow up” but I am ready for a change. The surprising thing is how to figure out where to go next. I created a spreadsheet with my seven most important criteria.

• Accessible airport with lots of direct flights
• Good climate
• Available healthcare
• Livability (cultural events, diversity)
• Affordability (taxes, housing prices, living expenses)
• Vibe (welcoming of outsiders, newcomers)
• Safety and crime stats.

As I have visited locales and added places to assess, I have returned to my list of criteria over an over again. For example, when considering climate I have come to believe there is no “one” ideal place and perhaps two locations (a summer and a winter one) is more ideal. As far as affordability, what income is taxed and prevailing estate taxes are becoming more important but certainly not a deciding factor.

While looking at new, potential locations, I have also been working on my current location…getting my house ready to sell. I have been paring down my belongings and doing some maintenance on my house so that I am not left with a bunch to do at the eleventh hour.

Another consideration is my dog, Pete. I am not sure how easy it will be to travel with him. Ideally, I would like to travel oversees for a while and then determine my landing spot back in the U.S. There is a wealth of information and online groups on the web.

So my question to you: Where would you go if you were hitting the reset button?  Please add your ideas to the comments.  #makelifehappen