Moving from Florida to (?)
Jan 29th, 2017, 04:53 AM
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Moving from Florida to (?)
Florida mom looking for a change. I have Alaska in my heart and Florida in my blood but I have this anxiety thing with driving steep roads. Trying to find a perfect home between Alaska and Florida. I am yearning for a change of seasons, a little snow, nice southern charm type of family community (Florida has a ton of family neighborhoods but not the kind that "everyone knows your name or cares to ��), with easy roads to travel any where in the U.S. Is it possible to live near mountains without having an anxiety attack from the drive? The 1 thing I love about Florida is its flat roads. I realize I'm asking and wishing for opposing things here but if there is anyone out there with some insight for me, I would be very grateful. Thank you!
Jan 29th, 2017, 05:47 AM
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Roads around Anchorage are pretty flat. Also around Kenai. But more than a little snow.
In New England, I think further north where there is snow instead of ice/rain is better. CT can have some awful weather. Even though we have some steep roads in NH, it wouldn't be hard to find a neighborhood and commute on mostly flat roads. Just make sure you have either front wheel or all wheel drive. Think of the benefits of hills: our granddaughters have an after school program taking ski lessons. There are some great swimming and kayaking places and NO alligators or poisonous snakes!
In New England, I think further north where there is snow instead of ice/rain is better. CT can have some awful weather. Even though we have some steep roads in NH, it wouldn't be hard to find a neighborhood and commute on mostly flat roads. Just make sure you have either front wheel or all wheel drive. Think of the benefits of hills: our granddaughters have an after school program taking ski lessons. There are some great swimming and kayaking places and NO alligators or poisonous snakes!
Jan 29th, 2017, 06:30 AM
#4
Where do your kids live and would you want to live near them?
The Willamette Valley of Oregon might be what you are looking for. If you wanted to stay on the east coast, check out Delaware. Our now former vice President got the Wilmington Amtrak station named for himself after riding Amtrak for over 2 million miles.
I liked Alaska last June but the -51F in Fairbanks last week turns me off.
The Willamette Valley of Oregon might be what you are looking for. If you wanted to stay on the east coast, check out Delaware. Our now former vice President got the Wilmington Amtrak station named for himself after riding Amtrak for over 2 million miles.
I liked Alaska last June but the -51F in Fairbanks last week turns me off.
Jan 29th, 2017, 07:10 AM
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Thank you for taking the time to reply! I have thought about NH... as well as Colorado; we did just vacation there but I was a bit intimidated by the roads. I drove for the first time on slushy icy roads the were very hilly (yikes); I feel I can handle driving in snow but not on constant hilly and swirvy roads. I lived in Alaska as a teen for a couple of years and it's magesticness still remains in my heart; though, in reality I don't believe I could truly live there being a native Floridian. I just think it might be too much of a change for me to logically commit to with children. If I were still in my 20's or 30's, you bet!
Jan 29th, 2017, 08:40 AM
#6
I used to live in Vermont. Brattleboro sounds a bit like what you describe. But I find the weather too extreme there. Besides that it's quite a cozy and friendly place. I've also lived in Keene NH, but preferred the VT side of the river.
Jan 29th, 2017, 08:51 AM
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Litchfield County CT and western MA could have what you're looking for if you can handle the snow. It's not the extreme weather of northern New England, and you have the Berkshire Mountains in the background. They aren't anywhere near as eye-popping as the White Mounatinds in NH, but still pretty. The housing in that area varies in price a lot depending on what town you choose. Litchfield County has a very different feel to it than the rest of CT.
Jan 29th, 2017, 12:36 PM
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I live in a neighborhood in Florida where I know my neighbors' names (and their dogs' names, 
), and they know mine, and there is southern charm aplenty. I know of towns besides mine where this is true.
The idea that you need to go somewhere snowy to find this is a fantasy, as is the idea that you will be fine driving on ice and snow 6-8 months out of the year as long as the roads are flat. I lived in Minneosta for three years, which is really flat and still is treacherous to drive in snow and ice.
And then there's the fact that when it's cold and snowy and icy, you and your neighbors aren't hanging around outside chatting. In Minnesota, we didn't see our neighbors for months except through the windows and when we were shoveling our sidewalks and driveways.
Are you prepared for all the work that a cold climate entails? Are you going to take up outdoor winter pastimes--skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing--or are you going to spend half the year inside?
If all you really want is a little snow, forget Alaska and most of the Midwest and the Northeast. Consider Oregon or Washington, keeping in mind that you will be in for a lot of rain and cloudy weather. Or North Carolina or Georgia, although only the mountains get snow, and they mostly get ice, and you will hate driving in that.
I like Connecticut and western Mass, but they don't have southern charm; ditto Delaware and New Hampshire. They have their own kind of charm, of course.
I think a lot more scouting trips are in order. And I'm sorry if I sound harsh. I have family members who are native Floridians who wax rhapsodic about remote snowy villages and white Christmases and snow capped mountains, but they have no clue what it would really be like.
), and they know mine, and there is southern charm aplenty. I know of towns besides mine where this is true.The idea that you need to go somewhere snowy to find this is a fantasy, as is the idea that you will be fine driving on ice and snow 6-8 months out of the year as long as the roads are flat. I lived in Minneosta for three years, which is really flat and still is treacherous to drive in snow and ice.
And then there's the fact that when it's cold and snowy and icy, you and your neighbors aren't hanging around outside chatting. In Minnesota, we didn't see our neighbors for months except through the windows and when we were shoveling our sidewalks and driveways.
Are you prepared for all the work that a cold climate entails? Are you going to take up outdoor winter pastimes--skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing--or are you going to spend half the year inside?
If all you really want is a little snow, forget Alaska and most of the Midwest and the Northeast. Consider Oregon or Washington, keeping in mind that you will be in for a lot of rain and cloudy weather. Or North Carolina or Georgia, although only the mountains get snow, and they mostly get ice, and you will hate driving in that.
I like Connecticut and western Mass, but they don't have southern charm; ditto Delaware and New Hampshire. They have their own kind of charm, of course.
I think a lot more scouting trips are in order. And I'm sorry if I sound harsh. I have family members who are native Floridians who wax rhapsodic about remote snowy villages and white Christmases and snow capped mountains, but they have no clue what it would really be like.
Jan 29th, 2017, 03:01 PM
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Yes NewbE your response is a bit on the rude side and void of adventure and passion for new experiences; I would appreciate advice from people who have the need to help not judge. If you want to scour around and nit pick posts, please do it elsewhere.��
Jan 29th, 2017, 07:59 PM
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<Yes NewbE your response is a bit on the rude side and void of adventure and passion for new experiences>
Not that your post warrants a response, but here goes anyway:
I have lived in 10 states and one country outside the US, and have visited many more than that, and more than once. I doubt my list is unusual on this board; most people here are much better traveled than I.
If you can accept constructive criticism, you will get useful advice, but it doesn't sound like you really want that. Good luck.
Not that your post warrants a response, but here goes anyway:
I have lived in 10 states and one country outside the US, and have visited many more than that, and more than once. I doubt my list is unusual on this board; most people here are much better traveled than I.
If you can accept constructive criticism, you will get useful advice, but it doesn't sound like you really want that. Good luck.
Jan 29th, 2017, 08:27 PM
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Oregon maybe? Eastern Oregon, especially. Snow, small towns, generally a bit boring to drive except a few places like the coast and gorge roads. But stunning scenery, lots of variety.
Eastern Washington fits too. Some places get lots of snow, some not so much.
But I agree with the above that in very cold climates you don't see much of your neighbors. I live in western Washington now and there's much more of a social presence in the winter because people are still outside. Whereas before I lived in a very snowy climate, and people pretty much went from front door to car to work. Same summer culture but very fdifferent winter culture.
Newbe came across a bit harsh but I generally agree with what he/she said. I also know a lot of warm climate people who have that snowy village fantasy. It's a lot less fun when you need to choose between winter gear and car repairs. Or when you spend three hours digging your car out, then get snowed in again next morning, get chewed out at work for arriving late because of a road closure..,.and then get sent home from work 3 hours later because all customers are too smart to go out in those conditions. Or realize you aren't going to be seeing your family for Christmas because the pass is closed again. I loved snow as a kid, and I suspect part of your fondness for Alaska comes from the fact you didn't have to worry about logistics and bills at age 12. Nearly went to Fairbanks for college. Very, very glad I didn't. -5 is cold enough for me.
....and...that's not taking into account the serious social isolation that comes from being inside for a very long winter. Snow is fun for the 1st two weeks. When it snows in February, not so much. When it snows in March, you'd almost rather gouge out your eyes than see that. When it snows in June...actually, that was fun, never mind. Point is, that my seasonal depression improved so much when I moved to from a place wher 10 degrees is average, too a place where 40 degrees is average. My heating bill fell to a quarter of previous years. And I also got sick far, far less.
So anyway, visit places. In January and February. Not in the summer, not around the holidays.
Eastern Washington fits too. Some places get lots of snow, some not so much.
But I agree with the above that in very cold climates you don't see much of your neighbors. I live in western Washington now and there's much more of a social presence in the winter because people are still outside. Whereas before I lived in a very snowy climate, and people pretty much went from front door to car to work. Same summer culture but very fdifferent winter culture.
Newbe came across a bit harsh but I generally agree with what he/she said. I also know a lot of warm climate people who have that snowy village fantasy. It's a lot less fun when you need to choose between winter gear and car repairs. Or when you spend three hours digging your car out, then get snowed in again next morning, get chewed out at work for arriving late because of a road closure..,.and then get sent home from work 3 hours later because all customers are too smart to go out in those conditions. Or realize you aren't going to be seeing your family for Christmas because the pass is closed again. I loved snow as a kid, and I suspect part of your fondness for Alaska comes from the fact you didn't have to worry about logistics and bills at age 12. Nearly went to Fairbanks for college. Very, very glad I didn't. -5 is cold enough for me.
....and...that's not taking into account the serious social isolation that comes from being inside for a very long winter. Snow is fun for the 1st two weeks. When it snows in February, not so much. When it snows in March, you'd almost rather gouge out your eyes than see that. When it snows in June...actually, that was fun, never mind. Point is, that my seasonal depression improved so much when I moved to from a place wher 10 degrees is average, too a place where 40 degrees is average. My heating bill fell to a quarter of previous years. And I also got sick far, far less.
So anyway, visit places. In January and February. Not in the summer, not around the holidays.
Jan 29th, 2017, 11:53 PM
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NewbB was not rude in the least. Sometimes to get a point across, you must be very direct.
Now, for some suggestions of places. Not sure of your idea of charm, but these are friendly places with flat roads and some to a lot of snow.
West Kentucky. Murray Kentucky and surrounding Area gets a bit of snow and has extremely friendly people and a university as well.
Lexington Ky is also beautiful with Rolling hills, horse farms and white fences.
Little farm towns in Southern Indiana. Flat with miles of farm land.
Kansas, very hot in Summer and cold in Winter, but towns just West of Kansas City are very friendly. Lawrence is nice and has a university, very flat, flat, flat, but gets real snow. Also, right in the surburbs of Kansas City is a charming town called Prarie Village.
Frederick, Maryland, lovely old buildings with new walking areas.
Annapolis, Maryland
Jim Thorne, PA.
Princeton, NJ.
Fredericksburg, VA
Asheville, NC
Nice to visit some of these places.
Now, for some suggestions of places. Not sure of your idea of charm, but these are friendly places with flat roads and some to a lot of snow.
West Kentucky. Murray Kentucky and surrounding Area gets a bit of snow and has extremely friendly people and a university as well.
Lexington Ky is also beautiful with Rolling hills, horse farms and white fences.
Little farm towns in Southern Indiana. Flat with miles of farm land.
Kansas, very hot in Summer and cold in Winter, but towns just West of Kansas City are very friendly. Lawrence is nice and has a university, very flat, flat, flat, but gets real snow. Also, right in the surburbs of Kansas City is a charming town called Prarie Village.
Frederick, Maryland, lovely old buildings with new walking areas.
Annapolis, Maryland
Jim Thorne, PA.
Princeton, NJ.
Fredericksburg, VA
Asheville, NC
Nice to visit some of these places.
Jan 30th, 2017, 03:39 AM
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I liked visiting Wichita KS and have friends in the area. Also enjoyed visiting Frederick MD where a friend's sister made quick contacts with her new neighbors in a condo community by volunteering at the community's very nice community center. Almost moved to the Asheville area which we also liked for the arts community.
Visiting an area is a great suggestion. We're retired so making contact with neighbors is up to us (and them). I would recommend researching the social activities of an area. For example, southern NH has a free weekly newspaper called The Hippo which lists all the events going on (or most the big ones). I belong to a local book club sponsored by our library plus a second one that is part of an educational program for people over 50. We are a short drive to two independent bookstores that have author events. I love my local gym. There are different organizations and volunteer groups you can join if you have a special interest. I remember researching one NC town and was shocked that it didn't have a bookstore.
Although one year we had snow for Halloween and the ground stayed white for many months, I think 6-8 months of snow is a little exaggerated. We live in a rural area where we choose to have infrequent contact with our neighbors but our son and dil who live in the same town are active with friends. The extra work of shoveling is important to consider but some housing situations take care of that for you. Our town does not have a clean roads policy so the plows don't come out if we only get one or two inches of snow. That is a rude surprise to some newcomers. The state and interstate highways are much better although commuting to a job can mean driving in a blizzard. I was surprised to meet people who chose to retire to ski country because they love skiing so much and winter in general. One guy volunteers to help his farmer neighbor collect sap in the early spring which is a job I would never choose. A young family we know moved further north so they could take advantage of winter. Latest activity is ice climbing lessons.
When you find a place that has theaters and museums, you would probably also find lots of volunteer opportunities, everything from animal rescue groups to acting on stage. A friend who loves being active is a volunteer usher so she can see plays and music events for free. I would also look at what's happening at a local library. Some are just places to borrow books while others host weekly knitting groups and craft clubs. Ditto for religious organizations.
Take a look at what a downtown looks like. What kinds of stores and restaurants are there? And how far do you have to drive if you want a change of scenery?
I would not be happy in a place that didn't have a lot of sun so I would choose a place with sunny snow covered countryside rather than a warmer area with lots of rainy days. Each person is different.
Good luck!
Visiting an area is a great suggestion. We're retired so making contact with neighbors is up to us (and them). I would recommend researching the social activities of an area. For example, southern NH has a free weekly newspaper called The Hippo which lists all the events going on (or most the big ones). I belong to a local book club sponsored by our library plus a second one that is part of an educational program for people over 50. We are a short drive to two independent bookstores that have author events. I love my local gym. There are different organizations and volunteer groups you can join if you have a special interest. I remember researching one NC town and was shocked that it didn't have a bookstore.
Although one year we had snow for Halloween and the ground stayed white for many months, I think 6-8 months of snow is a little exaggerated. We live in a rural area where we choose to have infrequent contact with our neighbors but our son and dil who live in the same town are active with friends. The extra work of shoveling is important to consider but some housing situations take care of that for you. Our town does not have a clean roads policy so the plows don't come out if we only get one or two inches of snow. That is a rude surprise to some newcomers. The state and interstate highways are much better although commuting to a job can mean driving in a blizzard. I was surprised to meet people who chose to retire to ski country because they love skiing so much and winter in general. One guy volunteers to help his farmer neighbor collect sap in the early spring which is a job I would never choose. A young family we know moved further north so they could take advantage of winter. Latest activity is ice climbing lessons.
When you find a place that has theaters and museums, you would probably also find lots of volunteer opportunities, everything from animal rescue groups to acting on stage. A friend who loves being active is a volunteer usher so she can see plays and music events for free. I would also look at what's happening at a local library. Some are just places to borrow books while others host weekly knitting groups and craft clubs. Ditto for religious organizations.
Take a look at what a downtown looks like. What kinds of stores and restaurants are there? And how far do you have to drive if you want a change of scenery?
I would not be happy in a place that didn't have a lot of sun so I would choose a place with sunny snow covered countryside rather than a warmer area with lots of rainy days. Each person is different.
Good luck!
Jan 30th, 2017, 04:21 AM
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Dfrostnh- a town with no bookstore? Those savages!
Where exactly to you live in NH? I keep thinking of moving to the east coast, but have no firm idea where to look. Sunny winters and driving distance to two indies sound mighty attractive, though! Does your area have good transit links- like to airports or Amtrak stations?
Where exactly to you live in NH? I keep thinking of moving to the east coast, but have no firm idea where to look. Sunny winters and driving distance to two indies sound mighty attractive, though! Does your area have good transit links- like to airports or Amtrak stations?
Jan 30th, 2017, 06:16 AM
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Sunny winters and good transit, etc. Have you considered Denver!! 300 days of sunshine, and the snowfall IN Denver is not all that much.
To the OP--there are lots of nice towns/suburbs/developments in NC. And even flat
To the OP--there are lots of nice towns/suburbs/developments in NC. And even flat
Jan 30th, 2017, 07:17 AM
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<and the snowfall IN Denver is not all that much.>
I've always heard this, it could be a great option for the OP. But don;t you have to drive over mountains quite a bit? She did say she wanted "easy roads to travel any where in the U.S".
I've always heard this, it could be a great option for the OP. But don;t you have to drive over mountains quite a bit? She did say she wanted "easy roads to travel any where in the U.S".
Jan 30th, 2017, 07:37 AM
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Well, yes, going west you definitely have mountains. I70 is about as good a mountain road as there is. She can just stay on "this" side of them!! LOL Actually the road through the Smokies on I40 at the Pigeon River Gorge is steeper/narrower than most grades in Colorado!! Beautiful, to say the least.
I'm not sure where she can live (except FL) where it is SO flat!!
I'm not sure where she can live (except FL) where it is SO flat!!
