new york, montreal, vancouver är bra ställen! blåsigt i nyc iförsig. och kanske lite lite snö o mkt regn i vancouver, men jättejättefint. förresten karin öst verkar bo i portland för tillfället, har hört jättebra saker om det också du kan ju kolla med henne!

Well in order to get proper snowy weather you would have to be pretty far north. I live in WV and we only get a little snow a couple times during the winter (unless you live on top of a mountain).
I would say that PA is really good. I really like it really well there, I have a lot of friends and realtives that live there. I have never had any problems with dressing outside the norm there either.
The next step would be finding out if you want to live in more of a city like area or a rural area, or somewhere in between. (PA has a good mix of all of that).

I think mostly as long as you’re in a major city you’ll find people are pretty open-minded, but I think you would definitely find the west coast more to your taste. Northern California or Portland Oregon (as Naomi mentioned) would be the most likely in the US to suit your climate and general atmosphere requirements, plus they’re beautiful regions. New York is fun to visit, but I don’t know if I can suggest living there as it’s not the friendliest city even if it is pretty liberal. I don’t know much about specific Canadian cities, but generally Canada would probably feel a bit more like Sweden. Whatever you do, if you hate wind, don’t move anywhere near the Great Lakes (Chicago, all of Michigan, etc.) and if you hate humidity, avoid the Southeastern United States. Those would be my suggestions.

I am a fellow artist and vintage enthusiast who has enjoyed your blog for a while, and also an American so I can answer this question!
Definitely Minnesota- that’s where all our Swedes and Norwegians have settled because it is so similar. Although I do hear great things about Vermont and it is the home of Ben and Jerry’s, so it must be good!
I live in North Carolina, but it would be way too hot and humid for you, but you can come visit any time :)

You know what’s funny is that I live in Northwestern Suburbs of Chicago and it’s rarely windy here. We get a lot of snow in northern IL, my family and I are from Poland and I find the weather to be extremely identical! Are you guys going to be renting a house or hotel hopping?

Portland, Oregon… home to creative, free-thinking people! Have you seen “Portlandia??”

Colorado has a four-season climate with snow and mountains, but we have the most sunny days per year. Denver is a large and growing city with a good mix of people. There are great suburbs, parks, events and outdoor activities (and indoor too!). There are cute 20’s and 30’s bungalows and historic apartment buildings both inside and outside the city. Plus, great thrifting and estate sales!

Burlington, Vermont

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burlington,_Vermont

http://www.vermont.org/Visit_Vermont/index.aspx

Not humid takes out the entire East Coast pretty much and Great Lakes area. Snowy takes out anything west of the Rockies and south of Colorado. Gonna have to pitch my own city here and say Calgary, Alberta! We’re only an hour from the Rockies, rather close to Vancouver and the US (by NA standards anyway!).

PS- for Palm Springs you are going to need some serious sunscreen. As high an SPF as you can get your hands on.

Well, I would agree with Cee that the east coast and great lakes plus the south are out due to humidity. I am from Ohio and it is crazy humid there in the summer. I lived in Portland and the weather was nice but not a snowy place, you have to go outside of the city to get snow and I am too much a city girl. Seattle might be a good place I enjoyed my visits there but have never lived there. I have also heard some awesome things about Boise, Idaho. I’ve never been there after living in the middle of the country after I left home I try to stick to the coasts to be near the ocean.

I have to agree with Denver… not humid but has four seasons and beautiful snow. Actually I might be headed there myself in a few months! I live in Ohio now and yes, it is very humid in the summers.

Best of luck and enjoy your time in the US!

Yes, Portland is a lovely place, but there is no snow here much to my dismay!! There’s vintage vintage vintage everywhere though. I would suggest Boston! If you could handle those terrible accents and a boisterous people..

Portland is mostly rainy and can be humid during the summers; I suspect Seattle is similar. I think some place in the Northeast might suit your tastes best; a town that is not too large but not too small. Perhaps Charlottesville, Virginia? I have never visited but have heard wonderful things.

western Massachusetts for sure. it’s called the “happy valley”, there are five colleges there which provide a rich and varied population and the four seasons are beyond beautiful there.in general it is an extreamly liberal area with very good public transport and very accepting residents. when i lived there (specifically in amherst ma) in an old farm house i was always amazed by the way the seasons influenced everything around me.

I’m from the Boston area, and it’s absolutely awesome. Open minded, wonderful people who are friendlier than you would expect, lots of amazing shops and culture, and four beautiful, full seasons. I actually live in New Hampshire, which is quaint, very safe, and right over the border from Boston. I can get to the city in 45 minutes, but live in the peace and security of a relatively small town. I adore New England and highly recommend it!

Portland is very liberal, has a large vintage scene, and located close to California and Washington state. It is much more rainy than snowy though, very rare to get snow.

Seattle has a similar culture which is also very liberal, has a large vintage scene, and gets a regular snowy season.

Minnesota has a very large Scandinavian population (when my maternal family immigrated from Scandinavia they first settled there, this would have been about the 1960’s). Some people refer to Minnesota as being, “More Swedish than Sweden” as people there are very proud of their heritage, try to keep the languages alive, and it is not unusual to see pictures of the King and Queen of Sweden hanging in shops and eateries. Dreadfully cold and harsh winters though, very tundra like during their long winters. Minnesota tends to vote liberal pretty regularly. I rarely see unusual fashion there, however the culture is renowned for being polite so I doubt it would attract stares or unwelcome comments.

Boston is also home to many immigrants and first generation Americans (when my paternal Irish family moved to the USA, also in the 1960’s, they settled there). It retains a high Irish American population. Very liberal and well educated population, Boston is known for its very elite private schools.

Philadelphia has a similar feel to Boston though it is much more “blue collar” than Boston statistically. Philly is not unreasonably far from NYC and has a lot of culture to offer.

NYC of course is famous, liberal, high in culture, very artistic, great mix of people from all different backgrounds, and home to the unusual (vintage would not turn many heads there). Though like any large mega city, very expensive. However, there are much more affordable suburbs and outlying areas. There are the nearby Burroughs like Brooklyn and Queens. A bit farther would be Long Island and my personal favorite, Larchmont NY. Larchmont is just outside the city, coastal, friendly, liberal, more affordable, and retains a small town feel (it isn’t as overwhelming as NYC itself is). There is also New Jersey state right across the river, just a car ride over the bridge and you would be in the city.

You may also be happy just outside of Chicago (it isn’t as windy there) or around the Great Lakes (larger than most seas, the largest source of fresh water on Earth). They are also liberal but smaller and humid in the summer.

The USA is enormous and everywhere you go you will find a different climate and different culture, so really you can pick and choose what fits you =D

I hope this helps!

I would have to say that NYC doesn’t have a strong vintage community. It’s quite eclectic. There are not a lot of vintage events unless you factor in swing dances where there are some great local bands and bars. I live about an hour out of the city so I am not able to see a lot of these. I think the West Coast might suit you better. I am not sure what your working situation is but you will want to put a big factor in this as in some parts of the country it is difficult to get a good job. The West Coast also has a more relaxed feel (in my personal opinion).

http://dividingmoments.blogspot.com/

I would encourage you to visit the Pacific Northwest also. From Southern Oregon where I live, to Vancouver Canada is some of the loveliest country on earth. I am perhaps, a little prejudiced as I am a native westerner, however, I spent many years living in Europe, (England & France), when my husband was in the military, and have traveled extensively in the US and Canada. Therefore have seen many places. There are many areas from Portland to Seattle where Norwegians, Finns and Swedes have settled. There are museums dedicated to immigrants from Northern Europe scattered all over this corridor, so many folk past and present have emigrated here and felt it similar to home. We have four distinct seasons in the whole area as well. While Portland only sees snow occasionally in winter, as it is in lower elevations, it is surrounded by hill and mountain country and a 20min drive from the city will see you in snowy country, Seattle is similar. Portland is perceived as a rainy place by many in the US, but after living in England, I can tell you it rains far more there! Seattle is more rainy where my older daughter lives but as far as humidity, it is a rare occurence, short lived and never anywhere as severe as the east coast to the midwest of the US. Our larger cities in the Northwest are usually situated on large rivers or bays which I think makes for a more charming city. Coastal locations can be windy, however, most of our larger cities are more inland, Seattle and it’s environs are on the Puget Sound and can be breezy, but choosing a location closer to the mountains can help avoid this. The costal ranges and the Cascades are breath-takingly beautiful and are filled with lakes, rivers, waterfalls, tall trees and wonderful flora and fauna. As to what the culture is like, very accepting. People are very much “live and let live,” individualists here. There are many vintage stores in Seattle, Portland and elsewhere. I am not sure if you can view DVD’s of US television shows where you are but I would recommend viewing the Series “Grimm,” as it is fanciful and funny and was filmed on location in Portland. The popular films of the “Twilight” movies were filmed on locations from Portland to Seattle as well. We are not prone to Tornados, Hurracaines or Blizzards which can plague other parts of the US. We can experience mild earthquakes, although severe ones tend to be located more in California. Any place on earth has it’s risks from nature. Further North from Vancouver Canada the land becomes majestic, rugged and sparsely settled. Northern Canada and Alaska are truly “frontier” country. One of the things I love about living here in the Northwest is that you can live within an hour’s drive of a large city and still have country peace, beauty and quiet. You can enjoy city culture and yet have vast areas that are sparsely populated to enjoy. Things are a bit different here in our big country, we speak of being close to a place that is 3-5 hours driving time! Good Luck with your search and I hope you find a place to be happy!

After being so long winded in my first post, I realized I left off mentioning the Pacific coast. I can’t believe I did that! We have an amazing, rugged coastline, extremely beautiful and not far from most cities. We all go to “the coast,” regularly to rest and renew. There is much activity in music, costume and recreation in all periods here as well. Los Angeles, California, is a quick flight away for even more as well.

Vermont! Four seasons, snowy winter, progressive and open-minded people.

Palm Springs in April: Are you going to Coachella?

Johanna, I live in Portland, Oregon, and I think aside from the weather, as others have said, it would suit you very well. Please let me know if you head to our fair city, and I will give you vintage Portland tips!

Everyone has pretty much touched on all of the big points, but I’ll add my point of view anyway:
I have lived in Atlanta, Boston, and Los Angeles. As to climate, none of these fit your specifications. Los Angeles is the closest, except obviously it never snows, and honestly I’m not a huge fan of LA and its horrible traffic and zero public transport (a stereotype but its true).
I’m writing more about feeling comfortable with doing your own thing and dressing vintage, and how the community reacts to this. Atlanta, which is in the south, is definitely the worst. Most people said any place that’s a city will be fine, but I disagree - I’ve been to almost every major US city and only in Boston did I feel (mostly) comfortable (because nobody reacted weirdly to it).
I can’t understand wanting to live in America, since my experiences in various European countries (studied abroad there for 1.5 years) have made me want to move somewhere there - in Europe I felt much more at ease in terms of being free to do whatever I want with my style and personal beliefs. But of course, to each his own! My warning is just that America is very homogenous… there is a definite historical trend of America having an obsession with enforcing homogeneity (racial, cultural, religious, depending on the point in history. Today I would say its mostly cultural homogeneity). I may have a worse opinion of America since I’ve been raised in the south and this is exhibited the worst here.
If you do move to America, I suppose I would definitely recommend a highly urban area. Cities here aren’t anywhere near as accepting as Europe, but its better than the countryside.
I don’t know much about Canada but I would definitely consider it; it seems like a friendly place. :)

I am originally from the Seattle area and never saw the kind of snow that happens on the East Coast or in the Midwest (though Seattle & surrounding areas are very beautiful in a different way). Seattle does have several great vintage stores (my favorite is called Red Light).

Right now I live in Chicago and it is lovely, though we haven’t had much snow this year. I like Chicago because of its history and beautiful architecture. Much of the city was built in the late 19th/early 20th century, so walking around you see lots of beautiful art nouveau and art deco details. Plus the cost of living is much lower than other major cities. (If you visit Chicago, the best vintage store in town is called Night and Day!)

Vintage is very popular in America and I don’t think anyone finds it strange. Even outside of big cities, I only ever hear nice compliments from people about my vintage clothes.

Every part of the country looks different, which is my favorite thing about America. I lived in the desert and didn’t care for it, but I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Arizona (Phoenix is a waste of time; the natural areas are beautiful).

I hate to say it, but I would not recommend moving to America. I think some of the weird social problems (namely privatized health care) would be hard for a European person to adjust to. But I’m sure there are some great places in Canada!

Definitely the Burlington, Vermont area! That’s where I live and I think it is all the wonderful things you are looking for :)

Wow, that’s so exciting! I wish you luck, so many people have given lovely tips. I love Tennessee, but I think it would be too humid for you :) I’m excited to see how your plans unfold.

xo,
Em

Boston ARea ! That’s it

Minneapolis, MN sounds like it would fit into all of your criteria.

Also, Toronto is amazing! Imagine a slower paced, more polite, NYC. It has a huge immigrant population and a very large mix of cultures from all over the world. It is scenic, four season weather, has great vineyards around it, excellent museums, liberal culture, better healthcare system than the USA, better school system than the USA, big city living with the charm of a more intimate community, and is overall just a very welcoming approachable city. I’ll also love wacky, weird, plant NYC but if you are a quieter “settled down” person than Toronto is an excellent alternative. Here are two good introductions to Toronto if you are able to watch them.

http://www.totravelshow.com/

If you can find a way to view the whole episode (I think it is on Amazon) it is very well worth it.
http://travelscope.net/episodes/view/toronto_cana…

I second Toronto! I walk down the street all the time in my vintage 1940’s, 50’s clothes and never feel out of place. Everything that Kiddo said is true about Toronto. The vintage scene is growing and there are so many wonderful people here who make it awesome. Toronto also has so much to do, all year around (I’m never bored..ever lol) and the surroundings cities (hour and half your in wine country and then cross the border and your in NY State) are awesome to visit and explore. Good luck with trying to pick everyone has chosen some pretty cool cities for you to think about :)

I’m from the South, so the cities I have visited where vintage, the arts and culture are really encouraged and vibrant are:
#1 Austin,Texas
#2 New Orleans,Louisiana(anything abnormal is normal here…this place is one of a kind!)
#3 Savannah,Georgia,
#4 Asheville, North Carolina(in the beautiful Smoky Mountains with the Biltmore Estate nearby)
#5 Charleston, South Carolina
#6 Nashville,Tennessee(is an iffy number 6)
Probably anyplace in the South would be much too hot for you though! Definitely try to visit New Orleans one day though…not expensive to live there and AMAZING architecture everywhere, great music, food, and wonderfully eccentric people! What Paris is to France, New Orleans is to the US…definitely the most European city this country has to offer.

The South is way too hot for someone from sweden. I think you’d like Colorado a lot. Very cool with snow, gorgeous scenery, skiing and very active population.

Hi, I love Palms Springs, been there twice! I ve stayed at the Viceroy Palm Springs both times, which is right in the centre of PS. Next door is a place called Melvyn’s, its a restaurant/bar of a hotel next door on South Belardo Rd. Its been there for a long time, has great history, Frank Sinatra used to go there a lot, very ‘Polo Lounge’. Otherwise there’s a restaurant called Copley’s, havent been there yet, not sure if its still around but it used to be Cary Grant’s home, and they ve made it into a restaurant. hope this helps, have a great trip! H.

There is an absolutely fantastic costume jewelry store in Palm Springs, and they sell the most amazing hats. Unfortunately, I don’t remember what the store is called, but I know it is in on North Palm Canyon Drive, somewhere within a couple of blocks of the Hyatt Hotel.

Williamsburg, VA… www.history.org

Colonial Williamsburg was *the* vacation spot in the 1950s, 60s, 70s. You can also bust out some of your 18th century clothing. The surrounding area also has decent vintage and antiquing options as well. If you want anymore information about visiting here, just contact me through my blog or email.

abby

So many people said Portland…..I say it has to many hippies for me. HA! Spoken like a true Angelino. I would say all of Cali….LA is huge and awesome nice/ghetto/glam/artsy/old school and new. I love it! But I’m really a Southern girl at heart. I love Austin TX, Nashville TN, the ATL, and of course New Orlean LA.