Methodology
I work a 9-5 in tech and like to dabble in side-hustles. This narrowed down my list to kayaking & snowboarding locations within close proximity to a sizable city. Two large regions have not been included, Pacific Northwest and areas beyond a working mans' (woman's) budget. Pacific Northwest has incredible activities but I experienced living in an overcast area while in college in Erie PA and not interested in living in an overcast area ever again! Each ranked location I spent 2 or more months living in and during that time did as much time engaging with people and area as possible.
#1 Boise, Idaho
Nature's Symphony
Stole my heart. Cleanest downtown of them all. Fun mid-sized snowboarding and class V kayaking under an hour from the city. When asking people “So what do you do?” everyone responds passionately about their hobbies vs. job/status. Better love it though, nearest city is SLC 5 hours away! (Full review)
#2 Lehigh Valley, PA
Nature's Symphony
Easy living, climate proof, 2hrs from NYC and Philly. Large ski resorts and amazing rivers 4-6 hours away. Small 1000’ ski resort and class II river right in back yard. Unique affordability shoots this way up the list. $400k will buy a multi-story home with sizable yards and grass. (Full review)
#3 Denver, Colorado
Full of awesome outdoor activities for the weekends but being 2+ hour drive away the rest of your week is in the megatropolis. If you are prioritizing your career, Denver will be an incredible arena to work your way to the top. (Full review)
#4 Salt Lake City, UTah
Salt Lake City took me by surprise. I knew the skiing would be great but did not think I’d consider living there until I was there! The downtown was a mix of young, fit, and fashionable people. Additionally SLC had one of the friendliest community. Only 1 month of epic kayaking though brings it down below Denver. You can spend $60 at bars and still be legal to drive due to small amount of liqour in drinks. (Full review)
#5 GreeR, South Carolina
Greer is an hour south of Asheville. People are as warm as the weather. Snowboarding is not the best, but surprisingly does exist! Beech Mountain is just over an hour away with 830' of vertical and a 3-month season. For a better job market look into Asheville.
#6 Bend, Oregon
Mt. Bachelor is a top resort and offers unique terrain being that it is on top of a volcano! Handful of great backyard rapids for kayaking but the majority of the rivers are calm. This is made up by the fact that you'll be living in the sunshine while catching all the class V creeks west of the Cascade range. Little White Salmon and Mt. Hood being under 4 hours away doesn't hurt either.
Other Considered Locations
Syracuse, New York
Access to the fastest slopes in the country the Northeast tip has top to bottom groomers and some notable parks. Though there is a good chance you'll need your ice skates due to lower elevations. The best kayaking for the 9-5'r that wants to run some class 5.1 waterfalls and creeks. Ridiculous amount of mosquitos. Old industrial downtown. (Full Review)
Asheville, North Carolina
The Portland of the East. Lots of alt energy and world class kayaking in backyard. If you lean more towards kayaking than snowboarding than look into it as the Green River is right in your backyard. Snowboarding in the Southeast does exist but it is 830’ feet of vertical about 2 hours away. (Full review)
Portland, Oregon
If Portland was sunnier this would be it! Renowned kayaking, renowned snowboarding with no signs of drought in sight. Great transportation and a very involved community… But depressing amount of dreary weather and real drug/camping issue.
Anywhere, California
Good locations just too expensive for me to consider in near future. Many reasons for everyone leaving that can't afford Hollywood-budgeted neighborhoods.
