I have enjoyed living in Basel, Switzerland. The only drawback is the high cost of living here. I surprised myself by loving living in the heart of a city and my 1426 built home. I love the Swiss people. Hate the food, but it is right over the border from France, so I eat out there. The weather is better than the northeast (where I also live) and the cultural events are plentiful...there are 40 museums. I can get to a multitude of different countries very easily.

I think, though, that I would like to live in Southern France. You have the ocean, mountains, country and city and you are only 2 hours from Paris by TVG, 4 hours - driving- to Barcelona; 1 to 1.5 hours to Nice, Antibbes, Cannes,St. Tropez, etc. Great food, wonderful homes, good weather, variety of topography, chic styles, historical sites, art museums, cultural events, affordable homes, sea, and importantly -- close to ports to jump on a cruise ship.