Help us narrow it down: Seattle, Denver, San Francisco?

My husband and I are desperate to leave Florida. We were both born and raised here and it’s time for a big change.

My husband went back to school for Optical Engineering and will be graduating in August. He will only be applying for jobs outside of Florida. I will be able to keep my job.

What we want: - Left leaning politics particularly regarding protections for women’s healthcare/reproductive rights - Mountains within 2ish hours - Relatively easy access to hiking, kayaking, camping, general outdoor activities - Solid food and brewery scene - Decent museums - Optical Engineering jobs

What we’d like but not a deal breaker: - Walkable neighborhoods - Decent public transportation - Culturally diverse - Changing seasons (at least more variety than FL) - Close proximity to National Parks (near enough for a weekend road trip)

What we absolutely don’t want: - Oppressive heat

Based on what we’re looking for, Seattle, San Francisco and Denver are our top choices. We have visited all 3 cities and all have plentiful optics jobs. We are open to other suggestions if they meet our criteria!

Our approximate combined income will be anywhere from $160,000 - $200,000. This is still TBD, but a realistic estimate. We will be renters, a two bedroom is ideal.

Concerns: Seattle: The biggest worry is the weather/darkness during the winter. I love the rain, but I all I hear is how awful and depressing it is. Is hiking still an option in the winter with some good gore-tex? We absolutely fell in love with the PNW but we visited in the summer and we realize the winters are very different.

Denver: The city itself was just ok. It was our least favorite city of the choices listed. It was very dusty, dry and the vegetation/landscape was brown and dead looking. At risk of sounding picky and ridiculous, I worry there’s not enough rain.

San Francisco: The biggest concern with San Francisco is the cost. We realize that both Denver and Seattle are HCOL cities as well but after looking extensively at rents, San Francisco appears to be quite a bit more expensive. I’ve also heard Covid really killed the downtown area? We visited pre-pandemic.

We’re looking for advice from people that live in these locations. Pros/cons? How valid are our concerns and does the good outweigh the bad?

We understand no place will be perfect and nothing will check 100% of our boxes but we want to make the best possible decision! Thanks!!

Thank you all for the responses!! I appreciate the advice and input.