Is this just another 'crazy laowai'?

@Dazzer Perhaps. There's plenty of them. As HFCAMPO said. Come and see for yourself. Get your ass down here and make your own damn mind. Only you can decide what's best for YOU.

I was thinking more of another alias for old friend.

ghost, i have yet to see a clear night sky in kunming or anywhere for miles around. i did however spot a cloud in the shape of a unicorn once. hope that helps with your decision.

Sorry, I am a bit drunk writing this, so I am not sure if it's coherent.

I moved to Kunming about two months ago from Beijing without visiting it first and was a bit disappointed with it.
About the weather, it depends what kind of weather you are used to. I grew up in a tropical place, and find current Kunming nights quite freezing. It's sunny during the day, but I still need a jacket.
Compared to Beijing, the skies are a lot clearer and the air much better in the outskirts. However, in the city center, there are a lot of vehicles that emmit thick exhaust smoke, and because of the city development and construction of the new subway lines, it's quite dusty a bit everywhere, and some roads are a bit damaged. But if you're going to spend more time hiking, that won't be an issue. There are lots of mountains.

Rent price in the center is similar to Beijing suburbs. Several communities there are located near roads, so it's a bit noisy, especially at night when there are more trucks on the roads.

Food is about the same price as Beijing, sometimes more expensive. There's a lot of variety, but you have to search through. At first I only saw rice noodle restaurants and street barbecue everywhere.
At the market, eggs, chicken/meat and some vegetables cost more. The quality of western food is a little bit lower than in Beijing. Coffee shops are smaller too.

Bus is the same cost as in Beijing. Using the bus card in Beijing will get you a cheaper fare. I think it will be 0.9rmb with the card here (for the 1rmb ticket).

The subway will be more expensive (additional fare after a certain amount of km).

Taxis are 1 or 2 yuan cheaper, and have unusual increments per kilometer.

There are a lot more people using electric scooters than bikes, and I've noticed that most of the e-scooters that are sold are for longer distance. New ones probably between 3000-4000rmb for approximately 70-100km.

Not sure about bikes, but ther are many bike shops. Especially for mountain bikes.

There are a lot more people wearing traditional clothes, and many cultural events, especially from minorities.

Service can be frustrating at times. It seems like there's a general feeling of not caring for the customer.

The accent is very different, and it needs to get used to. A lot of people speak the local dialect.

Like the other posters said, it would be better if you spent some time here first. At least two weeks and not living like a tourist.

Bring a coat too, ga.

@yankee00 You said it well. Kunming isn't what it use to be. It's getting more expensive FAST. As for customer service, forget about it.

Don't worry Yankee, it will warm up again. Despite the name, Spring City, it does have seasons. We might be south but we are also at altitude.
Although it doesn't get much colder here, and to be realistic it is much better than Beijing winter.

Although the temperature in the winter is obviously warmer than it was back in Canada, I still feel cold. I think that's largely because apartments here don't have installed heating, so you walk into a cold room all the time.

On the plus side, though, you don't get the sudden shift from warm to cold to warm when going in and out.

I am from UK and I put a coat on in the evening here.

If you are going to rent, it is important to get a south facing room/aspect. For the winter. In summer the sun is often quiet high and so less direct radiation on windows. But still some.

Many times you will find that it is hotter outside than it is inside. Probably has to do with the cement walls and no insulation. Enjoy! :-).