[LadyWraith]

I agree with others... avoid east and west coast. Midwest is really better for cost efficiency. Hasn't been effected as much by the economic downfalls either. You can generally make enough working one job and actually have free time. On the coasts, if you don't have a lucrative job or come from money, paying the bills requires spending most of your time working. I like the statement about being healthy and able to work... that's pretty much the key. No place is perfect and will meet your needs 100%, but for me personally, I can think of countries that provide more for the type of life I want.