Thanks for the continued interest. I
am still here on Cape Cod. I do have
a job offer in hand for a position in
Suffolk, VA. I've traveled to the area
and not sure it is my cup of tea. My
research led me to consider Chesapeake
as a possible residence, but when I
visited it my gut said no. So... I'm
looking into the Yorktown area. I've
been to Williamsburg but not to Yorktown. The schools look good, but not sure what the town feels like. I
have to decide by Monday on the job.
ANY Yorktown feedback appreciated! I
may be getting on a plane tomorrow for
a last minute visit to the area.

Attn: mrsbu:

Could you expand on Charlotte a bit. I
believe that I have an offer coming very
shortly. The work location would be off
of Taylor Drive, which is located north
of the city between rts 77 and 95. Are
you familiar with this area? Are there
areas to focus on that would be within
a 20 minute commute? Good schools?
Thanks!

What an awesome thread!
I am not sure if you are still looking, but I might be able to help some. I have lived in many of the locations listed so far, and visited many, many, many others. Also, I grew up (thru high school) near to Boston in the 80's, so may have a good feel for how you'll adapt to some other locales.

Here are my brief thoughts:

Seattle, Tacoma areas: Lived there 6 years, less than 1 mile from Billy Gates' company. Unless you adore sitting in traffic, 75% of your days to be overcast, and high real estate costs ($2-300K for average home), don't. Pros: Moderate weather year round, VERY nice people, great place for business, and for software, well, its pretty good :)

Grand Junction, CO: Lived in the area (actually Delta - you'll need a good map to find it) for 5 years, during my college days. Tough to find a job, but if you are into outdoor activities, it's a great place to be. $110-200K for average home.

Asheville, Hendersonville, NC: Live here now (6 years+). Great place to live if you are into the arts/crafts at all, especially wood. Good schools within reasonable drives. Less expensive locations are 20-40 minutes out ($120-200K). Expensive locations are close-in ($200-500K), but continue to appreciate VERY quickly. Note that the further out that you get, the more 'good-ol boys' exist. Also, I have found it not the best place for business; "if the fishing is good, you're work will NOT get done on time."

Some places I would not consider with your initial criteria:
Utah (sorry, the LDS thing is still a social necessity).
Most of the south, including anything rural in NC, GA, SC, excepting most of FL and TN.

Some places I would consider:
Boise, ID
Areas outside Colorado Springs, CO
Hickory, NC (bigger than you're looking for, but good S/W jobs there), Charlotte (maybe), and Richmond area.

FWIW, I am currently looking at relocating to Richmond - that's how I happened across this thread.

Thank you to everyone for contributing to this very long thread!
My journey is going to take me to Virginia and the city of Poquoson. It is located on the peninsula adjacent to York county. It's not where I expected to end up, but I'm hopeful. I visited the area last week and stopped by a car wash being run by a local school group. I took the opportunity to speak with the parents about the community and came away convinced that it was what I was looking for. They even helped me with shortcuts to work! Once again, thanks for all the tips and suggestions.

I'm not familiar with the Panhandle of
FL, but do reside in the Tampa Bay area (Port Richey). I wouldn't recommend moving here, the people aren't friendly, a lot of them are very rude, everybody drives like crazy fools, etc. etc., etc. Also, we have all the hurricanes to deal with. My husband and I are going to move next year completely out of this state. This is not an environment for children--all the schools are over crowded and the local government runs on "slow!"

Hello everyone! I've read through this thread in fascination! What a great bunch of folks and information. Here's my question. My wife and I are considering relocation also--should I tag on to this thread seeking information or would it be better to start a new thread? Your input will be appreciated!

I'd start a new thread. Most people don't read all responses, just ask the first question.

Just curious, have you sent out any resumes to any of the technology firms located where you think you might like to be? I know that is what I would do first. I know that Colorado is expensive, and that you want to be in a town thats around 10k, but Intel is loacted in Colorado Springs. I have a very good friend who lives there, works for Intel and is extremely happy. Just a thought!

I've lived in Colorado and Utah and really loved both places. The mountains are great weekend escapes (and I disagree about the Mormon thing. I lived in SLC and am not Mormon, no problems whatsoever feeling like an outcast but can't speak for small towns). I think the schools system would be better in Utah as education is such a high priority there. Anywhere in these two states would be my choice if you can handle cold and snow. (I now live in CA because I love the moderate climate year around, my snow loving days are gone)

Niceville of want beach and hurricane evacuations

Asheville if want 4 seasons, mountains, and a community that is growing

You might think about the Triad region of North Carolina- 2 hrs to the mountains and 3 1/2 to 4 hours to the coast... small towns outside of Greensboro, NC like Oak Ridge and Summerfield are starting to have a community feel as more people move out of the city...plus the best public schools in the county. You're close to Charlotte and Raleigh as well.

Be aware that the rest of the country doesn't "do" small towns the way New England does -- not likely to be a downtown with ma and pa stores, just a gas station and access to some highway to the nearest WalMart in some other town. And outside of "cities," in the rural South, people tend to think in terms of counties more than towns. Also be very careful re: schools in such rural areas.

You might look at Chatham County, NC -- you're not far from the Research Triangle/Cary cluster of industries (and software is doing okay there, no worse than other places and a bit better than many). Or western or northern Orange County NC -- Hillsborough, for example, might come closer to a traditional small town because it predated many other places in NC.

Sorry for my ignorance, but what the heck is 'LDS' regarding Utah.

LDS is Latter Day Saints.

LDS--more commonly known as "Mormons".

Wow, I'm suprised this thread is still being posted to. I have relocated to Virginia. I'm in the process of moving to Poquoson. One of the reasons that I picked this "city" is because it is as close to what I think of as a town as anything I've seen in the area. That being said, I'm stil questioning my move, but I quess life is an adventure.
I'll check back in a month or so and let you know what I think of the area.

It so is hard finding the right place. I
live on expensive, materialistic Long Island (NY) and am considering Denver as I love the mountains and whitewater rafting, but am worried about hot summers (my dog hates the heat), the crowding, and cost of living. I have been through Boise, Idaho (it was OK)
and up to Montana - Missoula and up by
Glacier Nat'l Park (Whitefish etc). I was in NC through Asheville and to Bryson City for kayaking - not sure how bad the "good ole boy" scenario is in the Asheville area??? Raleigh was fair -
very hot & humid summers!!! I'm just looking for an uncrowded, affordable place with hiking, biking, and whitewater kayaking - some culture and good restaurants, and not overly conservative. I have evaluated tons of places - but maybe missed the place that would fit me??? Thanks for any suggestions and good luck to everyone who found the "right place" to live!!!