I'm divorced and currently living alone in the Bay Area. Recently, I've been wondering why I keep living here, especially when the cost of living is so high (I work remote).

I don't have friends or family (or any support really) in the area, and something about the constant grind, the callous/transplant(?) attitude, and my abysmal dating life makes me wonder if I should start over elsewhere. I feel trapped here but also like I have the rare opportunity of starting over somewhere new. I don't think I'd be comfortable moving to a new city where there I would feel unsafe or "othered" as a single Asian woman (that subtle racist shit gets to me quick 🥲).

I'd ideally like to live somewhere with a lower cost of living than SF/Bay/LA (which I'm hoping isn't too hard???) and am past that point in my life where I want to be in crowded lively places 😅. I grew up in LA and know that is an option, but the traffic and congestion of home also kills me a little inside. I like being outdoors, by the ocean or mountains or trails and am definitely super introverted.

So...any suggestions on a good city to start over in?

Thanks so much in advance for any response~