Where should I move?

The time has come again for me to peace out. I’ve lived in Boise for a year and I’m done. I’m applying for a job that will require me to live near a major airport in the states. So I’m trying to find somewhere cool and affordable to live.

I absolutely want to live somewhere urban, no suburban crap. I don’t need a ton of space and I’m not necessarily opposed to finding a roommate (though finding a non horrifying one is a feat fo sho). I’m thinking something less than 800 a month would be doable, maybe a little more if it’s somewhere where I can ditch my car and just rely on mass transit. It may have to be a west coast city, not sure yet, depends on the job situation.

I wouldn’t be moving for probably 6 - 8 months but I want to start researching now and getting first hand input.

Currently my top choices are Boston, San Francisco, and maybe Chicago.

Places I’ve also put thought into that I would probably be okay with would be Portland, Seattle, New York, Minneapolis, and maybe Philadelphia.

I’m not sure really, I’m totally open to ideas. I just want to move somewhere active and have a decent pad that doesn’t cost a fortune.

Please throw thoughts at my face.