family relocation advice
Dec 16th, 2004, 05:00 AM
#42
I live in Midlothian VA. I highly recommend this town for good schools and good location. We are 1 and half hours to the mountains and 1 and half hours to the beach and two hours to washington. Lots of great history and good schools. Housing is still reasonable but rising every day. We are not that small of a town, but it has everything else you want.The Yankees like you and me live mostly in Midlothian which is the suburb of Richmond. Richmond is mostly confederate die hards!!! Ha ha... true Richmonders as they say. We have loved living here and now call this home. We both grew up in NJ.
Dec 25th, 2004, 07:42 PM
#43
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I am a transplant from the east coast and the midwest and I currently live on the south end of the Salt Lake valley in Utah. I have found no prejudice against outsiders (I'm Catholic) and have found only beautiful scenery and the proud western spirit among the people. Salt Lake City is a beautiful and clean city with a very diverse populations of Filipino, Asian, Pacific Islander populations and the University of Utah has a gorgeous campus and a great football team! Don't rule-out Utah even with the comments from the liberal bigots on this forum.
Dec 29th, 2004, 11:23 AM
#48
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I was born in Columbia, SC, grew up in Greenwood, SC and moved to Atlanta, GA as an adult in the mid-80's.
I did not like Columbia growing up as a child, but that was many years ago. My brother lived there until his untimely death five years ago, his son grew up there. They have never been crazy about it. My sister left Columbia to move to Atlanta 12 years ago. My oldest brother left to live in Goose Creek, SC 20 years ago.
My oldest brother now lives in Charleston and loves it. I like Charleston, too. But, keep in mind that none of these cities are small, at all.
I grew up in Greenwood, SC which is the county seat and it is also, not small, but close to the mountains. Schools are not the best as when my children came here (Atlanta) they had to "catch" up with their peers (we are in Gwinnett County which has many National Schools of Excellence).
There are several small towns around Greenwood (Laurens, 96-yes, that is the name of a town, Honea Path, Abbeville, Saluda)all of which are quaint and may fall in your size range. But, remember that the south is not renowned for its education even in larger cities.
I almost moved to Hickory, NC instead of Atlanta back in the 80's which I feel is a beautiful town and may be around your size range. You would need to research the schools.
Good luck. Try to get back and let us know where you end up.
DD
I did not like Columbia growing up as a child, but that was many years ago. My brother lived there until his untimely death five years ago, his son grew up there. They have never been crazy about it. My sister left Columbia to move to Atlanta 12 years ago. My oldest brother left to live in Goose Creek, SC 20 years ago.
My oldest brother now lives in Charleston and loves it. I like Charleston, too. But, keep in mind that none of these cities are small, at all.
I grew up in Greenwood, SC which is the county seat and it is also, not small, but close to the mountains. Schools are not the best as when my children came here (Atlanta) they had to "catch" up with their peers (we are in Gwinnett County which has many National Schools of Excellence).
There are several small towns around Greenwood (Laurens, 96-yes, that is the name of a town, Honea Path, Abbeville, Saluda)all of which are quaint and may fall in your size range. But, remember that the south is not renowned for its education even in larger cities.
I almost moved to Hickory, NC instead of Atlanta back in the 80's which I feel is a beautiful town and may be around your size range. You would need to research the schools.
Good luck. Try to get back and let us know where you end up.
DD
Dec 29th, 2004, 11:38 AM
#49
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USNR would you please move into the new millenium with the rest of us?
The racist bill of which you write was introduced into congress in the 1950s. Mr. Pearsall has been dead for over 25 years.
I don't think cc is planning on moving back to the 1950s.
The racist bill of which you write was introduced into congress in the 1950s. Mr. Pearsall has been dead for over 25 years.
I don't think cc is planning on moving back to the 1950s.
Dec 29th, 2004, 04:12 PM
#50
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CCTraveler, I apologize for the late replay but I just saw this thread for the first time (and I see you are still keeping up with it, so it's worth a response).
I grew up in Niceville. It has changed -- a lot -- since I lived there, but because I visit there often I still feel like I am familiar with the area. Based on your criteria I think this would be a great place to look into. The school system is great, and there is a lot to do there (besides the beach, which is obvious). Because the AFB is so close by, there is a wide tolerance for accepting outsiders--in fact, you'll find a variety of people from all over. Like a previous poster said, you'll experience the seasons without a totally dramatic change in summer or winter. It fits your criteria well... except for one thing: I think it is much bigger than pop. 10,000!
Good luck in your relocation.
I grew up in Niceville. It has changed -- a lot -- since I lived there, but because I visit there often I still feel like I am familiar with the area. Based on your criteria I think this would be a great place to look into. The school system is great, and there is a lot to do there (besides the beach, which is obvious). Because the AFB is so close by, there is a wide tolerance for accepting outsiders--in fact, you'll find a variety of people from all over. Like a previous poster said, you'll experience the seasons without a totally dramatic change in summer or winter. It fits your criteria well... except for one thing: I think it is much bigger than pop. 10,000!
Good luck in your relocation.
Jan 2nd, 2005, 11:45 AM
#51
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Came across your message as I was looking for good places to visit in Colorado--lots of good responses!
I second "GirlontheGo" on recommending Midlothian, Virginia as a future home. I've been in Richmond since '76, having moved here from the suburbs of Chicago, and love this area.
Also, I work for Chesterfield County Public Schools as a therapist and recommend the county, as well as the neighboring counties of Henrico (well established), Powhatan and Hanover (growing in quality.)
The Richmond area offers lots to do. There are the classic items like theatre, symphony, Botanical Garden (small but every bit as interesting as the Chicago Botanical Garden in Glencoe.) For jazz lovers you can go to minor clubs in town or drive up to DC for shows. Although Richmond is quite conservative in many ways, just walk around the campus of VCU to see a variety of "looks." As a medical person, I feel comfortable with the range of health care here.
45 minutes away from town you can buy land for $10-12K per acre and have a 10-20 acre horse mini farm. Or, you can pay $50-100K an acre and live in a high faluting neighborhood closer in to town (northern Midlothian.) The housing prices are so cheap compared to Chicago suburbs.
People have been very friendly to me, although I retain my Chicago accent. People really do say hello here. I had to learn to greet people first and ask how their weekends were before settling down to business, but what's the harm in that?
Air conditioning in the late spring, summer and early fall is a must. It can be very humid here.
There are tons of soccer organizations, swim teams and other sports venues for kids. There are a couple of places for competitive gymnastics. Lots of stables for decent horsebackriding lessons.
I would definitely suggest renting and checking out which part of town suits you best prior to purchasing a home. With the opening of Rt. 288 it is much easier to get downtown than it was a couple of months ago.
Hope this helps.
I second "GirlontheGo" on recommending Midlothian, Virginia as a future home. I've been in Richmond since '76, having moved here from the suburbs of Chicago, and love this area.
Also, I work for Chesterfield County Public Schools as a therapist and recommend the county, as well as the neighboring counties of Henrico (well established), Powhatan and Hanover (growing in quality.)
The Richmond area offers lots to do. There are the classic items like theatre, symphony, Botanical Garden (small but every bit as interesting as the Chicago Botanical Garden in Glencoe.) For jazz lovers you can go to minor clubs in town or drive up to DC for shows. Although Richmond is quite conservative in many ways, just walk around the campus of VCU to see a variety of "looks." As a medical person, I feel comfortable with the range of health care here.
45 minutes away from town you can buy land for $10-12K per acre and have a 10-20 acre horse mini farm. Or, you can pay $50-100K an acre and live in a high faluting neighborhood closer in to town (northern Midlothian.) The housing prices are so cheap compared to Chicago suburbs.
People have been very friendly to me, although I retain my Chicago accent. People really do say hello here. I had to learn to greet people first and ask how their weekends were before settling down to business, but what's the harm in that?
Air conditioning in the late spring, summer and early fall is a must. It can be very humid here.
There are tons of soccer organizations, swim teams and other sports venues for kids. There are a couple of places for competitive gymnastics. Lots of stables for decent horsebackriding lessons.
I would definitely suggest renting and checking out which part of town suits you best prior to purchasing a home. With the opening of Rt. 288 it is much easier to get downtown than it was a couple of months ago.
Hope this helps.
Jan 3rd, 2005, 04:17 PM
#52
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Thanks again for the additional feedback. I'm still open to suggestions and do appreciate each and ever one.
For an update..just before Christmas, I interviewed for a job in Grand Junction, CO. But no luck this time.
For an update..just before Christmas, I interviewed for a job in Grand Junction, CO. But no luck this time.
Jan 3rd, 2005, 07:03 PM
#53
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I think Heber could be a good fit for you. Provo's population is over 100,000, which doesn't include the neighboring cities. Heber's housing is more affordable. I think the LDS influence in Heber isn't as pervasive as in Provo and you would be welcomed. I've seen lots of good-old-boys at the local rodeo. The neighborhoods are safe, the schools are good, and there are tons of recreational activities within minutes.
Jan 14th, 2005, 07:42 AM
#54
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Hey, if anyone is still following this thread, especially GirlontheGo and FabricMaverick, I have similar questions about Virginia. Rather than take up more on this one, would you go to my post "Relocating to VA" (or something like that)? I've had a couple responses but would like some more input about maybe moving to the Richmond/ Wmsbg area. Thanks!
Jan 14th, 2005, 09:12 AM
#56
slipperblue: Charlottesville is a lovely area. It is set near the picturesque Blue RidgeMts. It has the University of VA in town. It is a quaint town with many cute restaurants. It has beautiful homes in the area. I live near the Richmond area and I am only a visitor to the Charlottesville area. There is also the home of Thomas Jefferson (Monticello).
Jan 17th, 2005, 09:41 PM
#57
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Hi there. Don't know if you're still looking into this, but my vote is Utah! I am LDS and have lived here my entire life, but half my extended family aren't LDS and wouldn't live anywhere else.
As for places to live, Heber is beautiful, but I also love most of the cities in Utah county. My favorites are Alpine and Highland (about a ten to fifteen minute drive from Provo and twenty to thirty minutes from Salt Lake). The schools in Alpine and Highland, for the most part, are very good, the population is a bit smaller, and it's just a beautiful place! Provo's a great place, very clean and safe, but it does tend to be very LDS--more so than other cities. If you're OK with that, I really don't think it would be a problem. Orem is right next to Provo and has the same advantages.
If you want to go north, Kaysville and Farmington are also really beautiful places to live, but close to Salt Lake (about half an hour drive).
There is a majority of LDS here, but I think as long as you're OK with your kids getting involved in a few LDS activities (scouts, young women activities, etc.) if their friends are LDS, there should be no problem at all with them being accepted. If, on the other hand, you are adverse to them being involved with the LDS kids in some of these things (which, by the way are extra-curricular activities), it may be more difficult for them to be accepted.
As for someone's reply about LDS parents not socializing with you, it's a bunch of bologna. Sure, there are the few who are into themselves, but it's not necessarily because they're LDS, that's just the way they are. Isn't that the same with people everywhere? We live in Salt Lake and half our neighbors (and many of our favorite neighbors) are non-LDS and we do quite a bit with them because we enjoy them as people.
Good luck with this! We'd love to have you in Utah and recommend it highly. I think it's a perfect place for families and think you'd love it!
As for places to live, Heber is beautiful, but I also love most of the cities in Utah county. My favorites are Alpine and Highland (about a ten to fifteen minute drive from Provo and twenty to thirty minutes from Salt Lake). The schools in Alpine and Highland, for the most part, are very good, the population is a bit smaller, and it's just a beautiful place! Provo's a great place, very clean and safe, but it does tend to be very LDS--more so than other cities. If you're OK with that, I really don't think it would be a problem. Orem is right next to Provo and has the same advantages.
If you want to go north, Kaysville and Farmington are also really beautiful places to live, but close to Salt Lake (about half an hour drive).
There is a majority of LDS here, but I think as long as you're OK with your kids getting involved in a few LDS activities (scouts, young women activities, etc.) if their friends are LDS, there should be no problem at all with them being accepted. If, on the other hand, you are adverse to them being involved with the LDS kids in some of these things (which, by the way are extra-curricular activities), it may be more difficult for them to be accepted.
As for someone's reply about LDS parents not socializing with you, it's a bunch of bologna. Sure, there are the few who are into themselves, but it's not necessarily because they're LDS, that's just the way they are. Isn't that the same with people everywhere? We live in Salt Lake and half our neighbors (and many of our favorite neighbors) are non-LDS and we do quite a bit with them because we enjoy them as people.
Good luck with this! We'd love to have you in Utah and recommend it highly. I think it's a perfect place for families and think you'd love it!
Feb 12th, 2005, 12:43 PM
#58
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Hi again. I know I haven't posted in a while, but I'm still in the process of looking. Based on employment opportunities, I also need to consider Arizona. Specifically the Tucson, Phoenix and possible Flagstaff areas. My major concern here is the heat. From what I've read on other posts I'm a bit worried that I'll end up spending much of the summer inside. Is this true? Another possible area is College Station, Texas. thanks.
Feb 12th, 2005, 04:02 PM
#59
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Scottsdale is a great place to live. I have a good friend who relocated there 9 years ago. She always goes away during the month of July. I think man people plan their vacations at that time to avoid the heat. But other than that, she seems to love it there. I've visited a few times and wouldn't mind living there. Flagstaff was beautiful too. It's nothing like the Scottsdale area.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Feb 19th, 2005, 03:57 AM
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CC- I think the best thing you could do is take a few extended family vacations and check out some of these areas. It sounds like you are employed now, and so you don't have to move immediately, so this summer take a two or three week vacation and either head south or west and check out different cities along the way. I did that myself when I was looking for a place to move. I started in Wilmington, NC and kept driving almost till I reached the FL state line. I chose St Simons Island, GA, and Brunswick might meet some of your needs, although I don
t have a clue about the schools. My criterea is much different than yours.
As far as the heat in some parts of the country, in some ways, it's not that big a deal, you go from air-conditioned house to ac'd car to ac'd mall, office, whatever. However, in some places, it is really too hot in the summer for children to go out and play much. That might drive y'all batty with kids the ages of yours.
Good luck to you. Moving to a different part of the country or the world is always an adventure!
t have a clue about the schools. My criterea is much different than yours.
As far as the heat in some parts of the country, in some ways, it's not that big a deal, you go from air-conditioned house to ac'd car to ac'd mall, office, whatever. However, in some places, it is really too hot in the summer for children to go out and play much. That might drive y'all batty with kids the ages of yours.
Good luck to you. Moving to a different part of the country or the world is always an adventure!
