I don't know if I will come crawling back but I might get drunk and call at 2:30am.

Walking along the lake last evening, I was overcome with affection for my love, Duluth. Maybe part of her charm is the beating she takes from you restless, misguided 'romantics'. You'll want to come back when you find your new lover too dry, too hot, too stormy, too quakey, too crowded with other suitors.

Roam if you must, but come home when you've seen enough.

I was at a party where we decided that Duluth is like an abusive spouse - slapping you around most of the time but when it's good, baby, it's soooo good. 

Best of luck!

God speed.  Venting a goodbye on a public forum, though, suggests issues other than being too chilly.

Somebody earlier mentioned that you might have a problem no matter where you go.  Pick your poison...

Seattle... nah, too wet
Denver... nah, too dry, doesn't have 4 seasons
Austin... nah, too hot
Alaska... nah, bugs
Canada... nah, those darn French and Inuit people

I was hoping your goodbye would have more mustard.

If you grew up in the Duluth Area, especially certain parts of Duluth, there's a strong chance you will return.

Pardon my nasty tone.

I think the old saw "if you're not happy here, you won't be happy anywhere" originated to keep 'em down on the farm. Small truth. Big lie. 

There are limitations wherever you live, just about finding the right compromise, at the right time. Sounds like BmT has re-weighted the inputs, and arrived at a new conclusion. Perfectly reasonable. Just as I wouldn't fault someone for leaving Texas, cause it's too dang hot for their liking.  

Some places have hidden pitfalls, others are legendary: like the cold weather in Duluth. I know the climate stereotyping makes the natives a bit defensive, but c'mon. It is one the coldest cities on EARTH. Doesn't necessarily make it a bad place.  Adapt to the climate and you'll find many hidden pleasures to compensate.

BmT- when you find Shangri-La, report back your findings. Every explicit detail. Good luck.

Madison, WI

Alright Matlock, you got me. :-) I, too, was in a good mood to debate ideas. Now I'm feelin' easy like Saturday afternoon; maybe livelier after more coffee.  

Clarification: myself being a long time transplant, life in Duluth has been interesting, rewarding, and... happy.  I only suggest/encourage others to find a place that suits them as well. Even if the naysayers tell you that geography won't make a difference.  What they might mean to say, is that they're gonna miss you.  Or maybe it's "crabs in a bucket"?  Assign your own subconscious motive.

Water, water, every where,
    And all the boards did shrink ;
    Water, water, every where,
    Nor any drop to drink.

    The very deep did rot : O Christ !
    That ever this should be !
    Yea, slimy things did crawl with legs
    Upon the slimy sea.

    About, about, in reel and rout
    The death-fires danced at night ;
    The water, like a witch's oils,
    Burnt green, and blue and white.