Join Denise and James as they explore two of the best places to live in the Southwest: Sedona, Arizona and Santa Fe, New Mexico
This week, their journey continues to Santa Fe, New Mexico, which "far exceeded expectations" as a potential relocation destination. Follow along as this adventurous couple in their 50s sells everything to travel cross-country with their dog Roxy, searching for the perfect new hometown while exploring restaurants, accommodations, and tourist attractions along the way.

Recently, Denise and James visited 2 of the best places to live in the Southwest: Sedona, Arizona and Santa Fe, New Mexico. This is their recap of Santa Fe, New Mexico, which "far exceeded expectations" as a potential relocation destination. Follow along as this adventurous couple in their 50s sells everything to travel cross-country with their dog Roxy, searching for the perfect new hometown while exploring restaurants, accommodations, and tourist attractions along the way.

You can find out where we went here on our brand spanking new Google Map made just for YOU!

Sedona, AZ:

https://goo.gl/maps/NxzGrCxpTtYPAV9E8

Santa Fe (and a spoiler for Roswell which is in next week's episode):

https://goo.gl/maps/iF9XkTu6T1JRUZn28

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/0LY5k3G0n03N0pDtO8Zx72

Apple

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skiptown-all-stars/id1636817938 

Amazon

 https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c27fdc73-d7ad-495d-8931-3df036c4a8b5/skiptown-all-stars

Google

 https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQyODYxNi9yc3M%3D

Stitcher

https://www.stitcher.com/show/skiptown-all-stars

YouTube

 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYY1gCsalt6kItqF6yG2cqKJVLyGvW-OO 

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise

Facebook:

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Twitter:

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Web:

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Join hosts Denise and James as they explore Utah's best places to live and must-visit destinations. After moving their daughter into her college apartment near the University of Utah, they embark on a journey through Salt Lake City's clean downtown, exploring the opulent Grand America Hotel (where NBA teams stay when playing the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena), and discovering local favorites like Park Cafe and Taqueria 27.

Their adventure takes them to breathtaking Zion National Park, where they experience luxury glamping at Under Canvas, with stunning canyon views and gourmet dining. The highlight includes hiking The Narrows, wading through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls. They also visit Park City's charming Main Street and Olympic Park, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Whether you're considering where to live in Utah or planning a visit, this episode offers insights into Salt Lake City's affordable university options, efficient TRAX public transit system, and the natural wonders that make Utah a premier outdoor destination.

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0LY5k3G0n03N0pDtO8Zx72
Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skiptown-all-stars/id1636817938 
Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c27fdc73-d7ad-495d-8931-3df036c4a8b5/skiptown-all-stars
Google https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQyODYxNi9yc3M%3D
Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/skiptown-all-stars
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYY1gCsalt6kItqF6yG2cqKJVLyGvW-OO
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars
Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar
Web: http://skiptownallstars.com

In this heartfelt episode, hosts Denise and James welcome their daughter Mia Gordon, a University of Utah student studying criminology. Mia shares her experience living in Salt Lake City, one of the best places to live for those seeking both urban amenities and outdoor recreation.
The family discusses their journey from Los Angeles to Utah, including stops in Bend, Oregon (often cited as where to live for outdoor enthusiasts) and Washougal, Washington. Mia provides unique insights into Salt Lake City's appeal for college students and future legal professionals, highlighting her experience shadowing a public defender.
Salt Lake City's growing reputation as a top destination for remote workers and families is evident as the hosts explore what makes Utah's capital city attractive—from its renowned university to its proximity to mountain recreation. The episode also touches on key considerations when choosing where to live, including airport accessibility and affordability compared to Los Angeles.
Perfect for listeners contemplating a move or curious about how Salt Lake City ranks among best places to live for families, students, and professionals working remotely.

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0LY5k3G0n03N0pDtO8Zx72
Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skiptown-all-stars/id1636817938 
Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c27fdc73-d7ad-495d-8931-3df036c4a8b5/skiptown-all-stars
Google https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQyODYxNi9yc3M%3D
Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/skiptown-all-stars
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYY1gCsalt6kItqF6yG2cqKJVLyGvW-OO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar Web: http://skiptownallstars.com
This is the 1st of 2 Salt Lake episodes. We'll recap where we went in the next one!

Join hosts Denise and James as they visit Washougal, Washington, interviewing former Los Angeles television producers Russell and Genia Stemper about finding one of the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest. The Stempers share their journey of leaving behind the LA traffic and work grind for a peaceful property overlooking the Columbia River, while maintaining successful careers through remote work.

Located just 20-30 minutes from Portland International Airport (PDX), Washougal offers the perfect balance of rural tranquility and metropolitan access. The Stempers highlight Southwest Washington's tax advantages (no state income tax) while still having proximity to Oregon's tax-free shopping.

The conversation explores how living in this scenic area has enhanced their quality of life, trading LA's congestion for peaceful mountain views and better work-life balance. For those considering where to live in the Pacific Northwest, Washougal provides the rare combination of country living with easy access to Portland's urban amenities, making it an ideal destination for remote workers and empty nesters.

Follow and support this hyper-talented family:

Russell's production company.

Genia's  novels on Amazon.

Daughter Anica's music on Spotify.

Son Gary's insanely cool fly fishing channel on Instagram.

Hosts James and Denise share their surprise adventure to Vancouver, British Columbia. Located just 2.5 hours from Seattle, Vancouver proves to be one of the best places to live for water lovers with its stunning harbor views and walkable cityscape. The couple stays in North Vancouver (Lonsdale Quay), an up-and-coming area with abundant high-rise construction, comparing it to "Jersey City to Manhattan."
Their exploration includes Granville Island's artisan markets, waterfront dining, and Stanley Park—Vancouver's answer to Central Park—featuring hiking trails, botanical gardens, and a salmon habitat at Mosquito Creek. They discover Denman Street's international cuisine scene and marvel at the city's cleanliness, noting the absence of homelessness compared to American cities.
Though expensive, locals confirm Vancouver's value comes from its proximity to both urban amenities and natural beauty. While deciding where to live next, James contemplates Vancouver's benefits, including its social healthcare system and friendly residents. The couple plans to return to explore Victoria, suggesting British Columbia offers an appealing balance of metropolitan living surrounded by breathtaking nature.

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0LY5k3G0n03N0pDtO8Zx72

Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skiptown-all-stars/id1636817938 

Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c27fdc73-d7ad-495d-8931-3df036c4a8b5/skiptown-all-stars

Google https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQyODYxNi9yc3M%3D

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/skiptown-all-stars

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYY1gCsalt6kItqF6yG2cqKJVLyGvW-OO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar Web: http://skiptownallstars.com

WHERE WE WENT:

Lonsdale Quay Hotel in North Vancouver - Hotel was junky but it’s above a market near the SeaBus ferry which was really cool.

Mosquito Creek Park - great hike, and Roxy finally found her mojo here.

Granville Island - great community market with tons of food joints and farm goods, local artisan shops and a pier where the locals and tourists graze together while overlooking the harbor. Thumbs WAY up.

Stanley Park - As stated, this park has miles of gardens, views and play areas for the kiddies. It’s pretty big and it was busy, but it never felt overcrowded.

Denman Street - a solid few miles of every type of cuisine you could wish. So many areas in Vancouver are similar to Denman, but this street is right by Stanley Park so it’s a no-brainer for visiting Euros, Americanos and whoever the hell else wants to nosh.

Join James and Denise as they explore Seattle, WA on their journey to find where to live after selling their Los Angeles home. This episode highlights their adventures in iconic Seattle locations like Pike Place Market, Capitol Hill, and West Seattle, while navigating the city's distinctive character. They discuss Seattle's impressive public transportation system with electric buses, abundant parking options, and the stunning waterfront views that define the city's landscape.
The couple shares insights on Seattle's vibrant food scene, from Thai fusion at Ken Lin to diverse cuisine options around Seattle University. They contrast the colorful self-expression of locals (purple and green hair even in professional settings!) with the city's progressive recycling initiatives. While praising Seattle's walkability and the picturesque Lodge at St. Edward State Park in Kenmore, they also address challenges like high costs and traffic congestion.
Whether you're considering Seattle's urban core or the quaint neighborhoods of West Seattle as potential best places to live, this episode offers an authentic look at the Emerald City's lifestyle.

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0LY5k3G0n03N0pDtO8Zx72
Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skiptown-all-stars/id1636817938 
Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c27fdc73-d7ad-495d-8931-3df036c4a8b5/skiptown-all-stars
Google https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQyODYxNi9yc3M%3D
Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/skiptown-all-stars
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYY1gCsalt6kItqF6yG2cqKJVLyGvW-OO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar Web: http://skiptownallstars.com

In this emotional episode, hosts James and Denise welcome their youngest daughter Ellie as they embark on a life-changing journey to find the best places to live beyond Los Angeles. After selling their family home, the trio discusses the challenges of major life transitions while traveling to Bandon, Oregon.
Ellie shares her mixed feelings about leaving for Seattle University as a D1 volleyball player while simultaneously losing her childhood home. The family candidly explores how skyrocketing Los Angeles housing costs influenced their decision to search for where to live that offers better quality of life and future opportunities.
The conversation touches on Ellie's experience working as a PA on Bert Kreischer's cooking show "Something's Burning" during her final week in LA. The episode highlights the family's search for a small-town feel with big-city amenities, walkable neighborhoods, and public transportation options.
Join them as they navigate emotional goodbyes and new beginnings while scouring the country from California to Florida for the perfect place to build their next chapter.

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0LY5k3G0n03N0pDtO8Zx72

Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skiptown-all-stars/id1636817938

 Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c27fdc73-d7ad-495d-8931-3df036c4a8b5/skiptown-all-stars

Stitcher https://www.stitcher.com/show/skiptown-all-stars

YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYY1gCsalt6kItqF6yG2cqKJVLyGvW-OO

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars

Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar

Web: http://skiptownallstars.com

James and Denise discuss their ongoing journey to sell their Los Angeles home and embark on a nomadic lifestyle. They share three "bumps in the road": struggling to rent a minivan without a credit card, receiving a comically small storage pod, and challenges finding suitable Airbnb accommodations in Seattle with parking. The couple reflects on their emotional attachment to their family home and exchanges top five lists of what they'll miss about Los Angeles (including Dodger Stadium, Capitol Records, Mexican food, and the drive to Malibu) and what they won't miss (traffic, expensive dining, helicopter noise, and the "what can you do for me" attitude). They discuss their plans to help their youngest daughter move to Seattle for college while lamenting that she won't have a home to return to for the holidays. James and Denise's experience highlights both the challenges and excitement of leaving one of the best places to live in California to discover where to live next as they prepare for their cross-country adventure.

Web: http://skiptownallstars.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars

Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMW2WSZCk55rtXBZyIrxC_A

Before "I Could Live Here," there was the "Skiptown All-Stars" podcast. Empty nesters James and Denise share their bold decision to sell their Los Angeles home and travel across America searching for the best places to live. After 25+ years in expensive LA, they're leveraging remote work opportunities that emerged during the pandemic to explore affordable retirement options and find where their adult daughters might someday live nearby.

The couple discusses their financial strategy—selling their home to become debt-free—and their six-week travel plan from Seattle to the Florida Keys. They'll be visiting Salt Lake City, Santa Fe, Dallas, Oklahoma City, New Orleans, and Miami while documenting their experiences in hotels, Airbnbs, and local restaurants.

Their journey represents what many dream about: discovering where to live that offers better affordability, community connection, and quality of life. The podcast promises to share both mishaps and discoveries as they evaluate potential new hometowns across the country.

Web: http://skiptownallstars.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skiptowndenise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiptownallstars/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skiptownallstars

Twitter: https://twitter.com/skiptownallstar

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMW2WSZCk55rtXBZyIrxC_A