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Jump from a plane, volunteer in Mali, cut your hair--all good ways to shake things up. But we asked experts where to take a longer view on the new you, and talked with women who call these places home.
1. Orange County, California
Top spot to get a second wind. Nurturing, holistic and that coastline! The area offers lots of support to people recovering from loss or divorce. "they know what they want in life: to relax, drink coffee with a neighbor, enjoy the day."
-Lorriane Scott, 43, Instructor, BeautySeminars.com
2. Boise, Idaho
Top spot to jump-start a new career. This city has a hot, innovative economy, a lower-than-average cost of living, great hiking and the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. "I see a lot more experienced women starting their own firms or joining high-growth companies."
-Meg Carlson, 52, mergers and acquisitions specialist
3. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Top spot to avoid stress. A growing job market, an easy going mood and access to great health care. "I don't stay up nights worrying." What about those fierce winters? There's cross-country skiing in city parks. "And I can sleep through my hot flashes!"
-Meredith Low, 54, bank manager
4.Asheville, North Carolina
Top spot to reenroll. Within a week of moving here, "I had new friends who share my intellectual interests." At the Center for Creative Retirement, "I'm studying things I never would have tried before. Living here has completely changed my outlook."
- Marianne Kilkenny, 57, former executive
5. Montclair, New Jersey
Top spot to write a novel. "It's the Algonquin Round Table of the suburbs: Everyone’s a novelists. We fell like we're having a renaissance. They town got really fun once we didn't need babysitters anymore."
-Debbie Galant, 51, author of Rattled and an owner for the Baristanet.com community site
More Magazine, September 2007
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