Where is the best place for a Jalop to live?

"CAR_IS_MI" (car-is-mi) 04/21/2014 at 16:43 • Filed to: None

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I know everyone has their own idea of paradise, for a car nut it involves smooth, winding, traffic free roads.

The reality of it is thought, picking a place to live requires a lot more thought than "how nice are the roads?". In the real worlds adults have to deal with things like taxes, local economy, location (how far from available work, stores, etc), weather (does it rain 340 days out of the year?, average temp, etc), and much much more.

Being an automotive enthusiast, things like road conditions, population density, and weather patterns come into play (because lets face it, owning a car you can only drive 3 months out of the year sucks). So I thought to myself that maybe we could put together a comprehensive list of areas that are great places for car people to live, but not just based solely on car related reasons (because southern CA is a great place to go driving but the taxes might literally kill you...).

As per me; I chose the desert.

Great roads, some decent driving roads, lots to do, no state income tax, and a relatively low cost of living. On the bad side of it, its hot, there isn't much water, dealing with the massive influx of tourists can be a PITA, and it's HOT...

So Oppo, what place(s) would you recommend and why?

Brian Silvestro > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 16:43

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California or Colorado.

Kailand09 > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 16:44

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nowhere north of the belt that separates the north from the south.

505Turbeaux > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 16:45

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Denver, not alot of rust, great cruising in the mountains and roads through the mountains. Decent car culture out there. I'll be back

For Sweden > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 16:45

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http://jalopnik.com/5906967/the-te…

Nibbles > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 16:46

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Colorado is such a good state for drivers, someone made a video game about it one time.

CAR_IS_MI > Brian Silvestro 04/21/2014 at 16:46

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These are both huge areas. For example, Denver area might be great, but what does Maybell have to offer?

Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 16:46

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For American knowledge, heritage, and events? Michigan.

Everything else? Somewhere else. Roads suck, salt sucks, winter sucks...

CAR_IS_MI > Kailand09 04/21/2014 at 16:46

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Reason being?

Brian Silvestro > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 16:48

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I have no idea where in those states are good to live, but that's what I've read. People always say that Colorado has the best roads in the country, but I've never been there.

daender > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 16:48

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The Carolinas. You have epic mountain roads to the west including Tail of the Dragon, you a major NASCAR super speedway and one of only a few (if not, the only) 4-wide NHRA-approved 1/4 mile drag strip at Charlotte, the old and famous Darlington speedway, sandy rally courses (Sandblast Rally), and the weather's pretty mild for most of the year. Oh, and SC doesn't give a shit about emissions or cars as long as it has turn signals, a handbrake, and reverse lights.

CAR_IS_MI > For Sweden 04/21/2014 at 16:49

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Yes Yes but this is based solely on the car ownership part. I mean, Detroit might have been a desirable place to live 10 years ago, but today, how many people are moving to Detroit proper?

Jagvar > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 16:49

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Monaco.

CAR_IS_MI > Nibbles 04/21/2014 at 16:49

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A terrible video game that over promised and under delivered.

Nibbles > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 16:49

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Maybell offers excellent offroading locations and some of the best undiscovered country in Colorado

Nibby > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 16:51

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THE OCEAN

Nibbles > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 16:51

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I wouldn't know. I was too busy hooning about Colorado mountain roads to go and buy a game that simulated hooning about Colorado mountain roads

CAR_IS_MI > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis 04/21/2014 at 16:52

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So essentially, not Michigan.

JEM > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 16:52

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Salt.

Nibbles > Brian Silvestro 04/21/2014 at 16:53

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Colorado doesn't have the best roads in the country [quality and engineering] but does have some of the best roads in the country [variation and hoonability]. I love taking a 15 minute jaunt out of the city to find another windy mountain pass I haven't driven yet or a crevasse I haven't gotten stuck in yet

JEM > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 16:53

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Not Boston and not NYC, that's for sure.

Personally, I would pick somewhere in the Appalachians, maybe western TN.

Team6.1 > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 16:54

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Other strong points for Vegas: Car shows, 9 months of great weather, offroading, a drag strip that opens to the public, autocross, world class racetrack, winding roads (my Charleston & valley of fire), no one cares about tint, free parking everywhere

CAR_IS_MI > Jagvar 04/21/2014 at 16:54

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I agree, but first, you must either own stock in Google or Microsoft and be worth at least 300 million dollars...

Brian Silvestro > Nibbles 04/21/2014 at 16:55

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Good to see we have some first hand experience and input.

Kailand09 > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 16:55

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The cold just ruins many things. First and foremost, driving a jalop car does exist during winters, but in much less quantity and far fewer jalop cars are capable of it. This means the majority of jalop cars are out 6-7months out of every year.

If that isn't bad enough, the cold destroys the streets. Even if I know of a very nice roadway, it likely has large potholes and cracks everywhere that will ruin your car if you don't avoid them. Obviously, because of the nature of roadways, you may not always be able to safely avoid a pothole.

That isn't enough to stop me from living in the midwest, in fact I went on an absolutely GORGEOUS cruise a few weekends ago. But it isn't ideal for a jalop.

CAR_IS_MI > JEM 04/21/2014 at 16:55

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It snowed in Atlanta, your argument is invalid.

SaabLife, because Gripen > JEM 04/21/2014 at 16:56

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Bingo.

CAR_IS_MI > Team6.1 04/21/2014 at 16:56

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All truths.

avens > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 16:57

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The place which makes you jealous, such as Japan and Monaco.

If it has to be in the land of the free, anywhere not much densely populated that isn't extremely cold or hot.

Nibbles > Brian Silvestro 04/21/2014 at 16:58

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Colorado has so much variation. Part mountain range, part high desert, part regular desert, part plains. It may not offer the best experiences - plenty of places offer better overlanding, hot rodding or corner carving - but it certainly offers the widest range :)

CAR_IS_MI > Kailand09 04/21/2014 at 16:59

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This is true in many cases, but not always. For example, I spent some time in Montana last fall (almost winter). It gets very cold in Montana, and they have lots of snow, which ends up with salt too. but the roads were very clean and clear, and where there were potholes and frost heaves, the roads were repaired properly. Now I am sure there are parts of the state in far worse condition than the area I was in, but that area (Bozeman area) was well maintained.

Rainbow > For Sweden 04/21/2014 at 17:02

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Going by this list, I have to say North Georgia is really #1. It seems that Mr. Orlove was too distracted by the mild weather, twisty back roads, and emissions-free diesels to remember some of the other fine points. Specifically, the best place is the northeastern Atlanta suburbs. You might know that that's where I live (you shouldn't know that, but maybe you're a stalker) so I'm probably biased, but it's a spectacular area for driving.

1. What world-famous "ROAD" is northeast of ATLANTA?

2. As long as you live here, you can get up to pretty great speeds on the freeways. Cops rarely pull anyone over as long as you're within 10mph of the limit (unless they're being pissy) and even then, as long as you're keeping up with traffic, they're more likely to pick out-of-state license plates because they're dicks, I guess, but whatever. I'm not saying you can get away with speeding all the time, but I am saying that there are plenty of stretches of clean, straight, empty highway with no hiding spaces that are just asking for a brief cruise into the triple digits.

3. Atlanta is huge and wealthy, and there's a pretty nice car scene around there if you know where to look.

4. Head in the other direction and you're in the middle of nowhere with all those badass back roads. There are also a good amount of dirt roads and, since this is the deep south, a ton of "totally legitimate" off-road trails scattered around in the strangest of places.

Long story short, there is something for everyone and if you disagree then shut up.

AthomSfere > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 17:05

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I would go central Texas. Just the right amount of everything, and no real winters.

Want Canyon roads? Sure they aren't southern California, but go around Austin or the Devil's Backbone and this is pretty typical:

Plus, you never get bored in central Texas... Lakes, rivers, backpacking, partying:

Kailand09 > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 17:06

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haha you found the exception to the rule I'd think! though there still is winter

banjo cat ghost of oppo past > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 17:07

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Amongst the vast nothingness that is NY state, a lush patch of green and gorges is Watkins Glen/ The Fingerlakes area. It is a suprisingly supportive area for the automotive enthusiast.

#1 The dude who taught Bernie E how to shake down race tracks for millions- Cam Argetsinger insisted the road course he laid out amongst the curvy roads that dive through dramatic cliffs was comparable to the classic Nurburgring.

#2 93 octane is available everywhere. 104 at WGI.

#3 Giant volvo/ classic salvage yard

in between a brewery with a great view and a distillery that makes a corn whiskey called Glen Thunder

Klaus Schmoll > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 17:07

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Nowhere on your map!

Rural Southern Bavaria is quite a nice place. Tons of winding country roads for your driving entertainment. PLUS you have the Autobahns for high speed stuff. Also lot's of opportunities for road trips. A day's worth of driving takes you almost everywhere. Fancy a cafe au lait in Paris, or a Schnitzel in Vienna, some beers in Bruges, or in London if you are more into ales, some Labskaus in Hamburg (a local specialty there which looks like vomit and doesn't even taste much better), smörrebröd in Denmark or Palacinke in Budapest... it's all just a day's drive away. And isn't that what road trips are meant for? Learning about new cultures, meeting strange new customs etc.?

CAR_IS_MI > Kailand09 04/21/2014 at 17:08

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Yes, actually the only thing that stopped me from moving there was the fact that their four seasons are winter, still winter, summer, and then pretty much mostly almost winter.

CAR_IS_MI > Nibbles 04/21/2014 at 17:17

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Learn something new every day...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > AthomSfere 04/21/2014 at 17:23

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My brother's in Austin - looking forward to visiting again this year for the USGP!

Love hiking down and around Hamilton Pool, too.

JEM > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 17:27

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Well sure it happens occasionally but I'm sure not to the point that they're salting the roads 2-3 times a week for 3-4 months like up here.

banjo cat ghost of oppo past > banjo cat ghost of oppo past 04/21/2014 at 17:38

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Dammit kinja not letting me edit

banjo cat ghost of oppo past > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 17:42

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Dammit Kinja not letting me edit...

The cool thing about the Watkins Glen /finglerlakes area is that between Skanneatles and Seneca lake this scene can be found in many residential backyards and the roads that are cut between them are usually challenging even at posted speeds.

#4 A new motorsports/ horse racing park is opening near Syracuse , which is about 45 minutes from Ithaca, same as Watkins Glen to the west.

Cantech Automotive - centryal NY's premier motorsport, exotic and european service/ resale is also in Syracuse. Staffed by the most delightful group pro's one could meet in motorsport.

CAR_IS_MI > banjo cat ghost of oppo past 04/21/2014 at 17:47

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new motorsports/ horse racing park is opening near Syracuse , which is about 45 minutes from Ithaca, same as Watkins Glen to the west.

Hopefully they dont have races at the same time... I can see that ending poorly, mostly for the horses, but all parties involved...

Kailand09 > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 18:17

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yeah, luckily where I'm at it isn't quite that bad. This year's winter was quite long though.

Either way there are still some beautiful roads here, and I can't wait to have a decent car to drive on those cruises.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 19:08

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Colorado or Wisconsin

LuczOr > 505Turbeaux 04/21/2014 at 19:12

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Dat power loss from altitude, doe.

I can't do it.

Leadbull > Klaus Schmoll 04/21/2014 at 19:13

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We can just head up to Canada if we want our fill of socialism and "culture".

Leadbull > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 19:14

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'Merica

ly2v8-Brian > Nibby 04/21/2014 at 19:18

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oh you

Manuél Ferrari > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 19:18

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There is only one correct answer:

Hawaii

CAR_IS_MI > Manuél Ferrari 04/21/2014 at 19:19

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Lol.

ly2v8-Brian > Leadbull 04/21/2014 at 19:20

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Exactly all of it is wonderful, and the diverse natural beauty makes driving across the nation rewarding.

Klaus Schmoll > Leadbull 04/21/2014 at 19:35

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Well, you won't find socialism in Canada. Not going to start a political debate here but that's just ... Not sure about the culture part. Quebec is a little different, but the Western part of Canada seems to just be a less violent twin brother of the US.

Leadbull > Klaus Schmoll 04/21/2014 at 19:40

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:(

Alex B > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 19:48

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California and Hawaii.

Klaus Schmoll > Leadbull 04/21/2014 at 19:53

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My joke-o-meter must have accidentally turned itself off. I just hit the switch and the light is on again!

The Transporter > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 19:54

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Not here! Not on the coastal plain, anyway. While there's a healthy enough car culture here, the roads are absolute shit. If you enjoy a little bit of illegal stoplight to stoplight drag racing, Fast and Furious style, then this would be the place for you because this place is only slightly less flat than Kansas, but the roads are even straighter, somehow. If you did enjoy that, then you'd think this place was heaven, right up until you hit the first of the nearly infinite number of potholes that litter the roads. All these damned Yankees moving down here bringing in gobs of property tax revenue, but not a dime of it for road expansion or repair.

Leadbull > Klaus Schmoll 04/21/2014 at 20:01

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Your boy, BJR > Klaus Schmoll 04/21/2014 at 20:28

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It's okay bro, we all go a little german sometimes.

TriggerTX > AthomSfere 04/21/2014 at 22:57

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Lime Creek Road is just a few miles from my house.

Out Anderson Mill, through Volente, up Lime Creek to 1431. Go west to Cow Creek, north through the back country then 1174>1869 for some high speed passes on those giant straights. Back down 183 to home.

Makes for a wonderful spring afternoon if you don't get caught behind the tourists looking at bluebonnets.

Now if they'd make track days at CotA affordable for the poor folk I'd say Austin should be high on the list. Without that, it's not a perfect spot. We have to go all the way to New Braunfels or College Station for semi-affordable track days but we have an F1 track _right here_.

webmonkees > CAR_IS_MI 04/21/2014 at 23:57

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North Carolina border. No, not that little go-kart track down south what with the dragons.

A 106 mile loop. Just ran the lower half Friday and Monday. may go for the upper loop..it makes ya a bit seasick in all the turns.

Tour guide services available. Just specify what type of BBQ you prefer.

AthomSfere > TriggerTX 04/22/2014 at 00:07

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True, but I'd say its about "best rounded" therefor best. Besides, New Braunfels is only about a 45 minute drive, not bad at all. Where I am now its further than that to go to an old airfield that is used for autox...

wiffleballtony > CAR_IS_MI 04/22/2014 at 01:01

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As much as it saddens me, probably Nevada. No income tax, weather is good enough for summer tires year round, interesting roads and race tracks. As for some of the other nominations, gas is too expensive in California along with everything else, Colorado's elevation robs your car of its power and Hawaii is one huge expensive traffic jam.

Stef Schrader > CAR_IS_MI 04/22/2014 at 01:19

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Depends what you're into, but duh.

No snow/ice/rust.

At least eight road race/trackday venues I can think of off the top of my head. F1.

NO STUPID SALTY ROADS.

Lots of good driving roads all over.

Lots of space. Land = cheap. 14 car garage? No problem. Build it.

Year-round track-hoon season.

Only downside: no rally. No ice racing, either, but I don't want to LIVE in that.

JDMatt > CAR_IS_MI 04/22/2014 at 03:38

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If Jeremy Clarkson is correct, the best place for a Jalop to live is the Isle Of Man. No Speed Limits!

TriggerTX > AthomSfere 04/22/2014 at 04:25

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45 minutes from the south side of town maybe. :-) From suburban hell up north it's damn near 45 minutes to downtown anymore.

AthomSfere > TriggerTX 04/22/2014 at 06:09

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I believe that! The last time I went back there I was blown away by how much it had grown!

505Turbeaux > LuczOr 04/22/2014 at 08:28

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that is why on the 2nd day, God invented turbos

thebigbossyboss > CAR_IS_MI 04/22/2014 at 08:59

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Lots of sun, no rain.

thebigbossyboss > CAR_IS_MI 04/22/2014 at 09:02

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Yeah....once. In Ottawa we had 30 days below -5F this year.

thebigbossyboss > banjo cat ghost of oppo past 04/22/2014 at 09:03

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Plus Black River Stages Rally up near Cranberry Lake (forget the name of the town).

CAR_IS_MI > JDMatt 04/22/2014 at 09:16

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This is true, I have often thought about retiring there. i also hope to be able to retire early enough in life that I can enjoy retirement...

LuczOr > 505Turbeaux 04/22/2014 at 11:01

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Even turbos can't escape from air density losses. They just lose a smaller percentage.

catkam623 misses his 944 > CAR_IS_MI 04/27/2014 at 09:33

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Southern California in the Orange County area. Trails close for off-roaders, the amazing back roads you can take for canyon drives, irvine cars and coffee the best free show in the nation, plus gorgeous weather all year long, and everytime you drive down the road you see some interesting car since their is so much money there.

I hoon, therefore I am > CAR_IS_MI 04/27/2014 at 16:00

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San Diego. The car scene is head and shoulders above Phoenix (where I live). Hands down. Plus the drives... drool face

pollenstein > CAR_IS_MI 05/01/2014 at 11:38

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The UAE aint bad... Fast roads, fast cars, a few great mountain roads on the borders and a couple of F1-grade racetracks where track days start at $100...