Looking for fresh start and relocation to southeast US
 

I am professional female 30 years old who is currently going through a divorce(no children). When the divorce is final, I plan to relocate to a small to medium size city. Wwill not live in the north, northeast, or out west! I have lived in Cinncinati, Louisville, Indianapolis, and Chicago in the past. I am looking for somewhere not so cold (but not florida!) with a variety of things to do and a good job market as well as a major airport being somewhat closeby. I need a friendly city where I can relocate and meet many people without feeling isolated or like an outsider. I really enjoy college towns as well. Most of my family lives in the middle Tennesse area and I would like to be within about a 6-7 hour drive of them.<BR><BR>Looking for suggestions. I have thought about Memphis, Birmingham, and Savannah but I need lots more info. Again, I don't expect my divorce to be final for another 6-8 months so I have plenty of time investigate cities and job opportunites.<BR><BR>I know this is not a relocation forum, but I'm hoping to get some input.

I wouldn't head south unless you enjoy being downgraded by a bunch of southern men who feel that they are superior. Having worked with Southern men over the past few years on deals, I can't say that I'd wish this on any woman.

How about Charlotte? Savannah has a few nice blocks but much of it is a ghetto.

I'm sorry that xxx feels the way she does, but it's DEFINITELY not that way all over the South. There are any of a number of locations throughout the South that would fit your criteria. My suggestion is to check out the job market in your area of expertise in any all of the the areas that meet your criteria. Also, what do you like to do with your spare time? Make sure that's available nearby. <BR><BR>Grab your atlas and start checking out the larger towns in every state you'd consider. Don't eliminate as being too big or small without first checking out it's vicinity to smaller or larger towns that you would accept. The South is a wonderful place. Welcome home.

I think it might depend on what you do for a living.<BR><BR>But let's see. Chapel Hill, NC is a lovely and fun town though perhaps a touch on the small side and too college-oriented. I have a friend who loves Asheville, NC, and another who loves Savannah. This is my bias, but based on my experiences I wouldn't recommend SC at all. <BR><BR>What about Washington DC? It actually feels like a medium-size city much of the time, and there are great neighborhoods and suburbs like Takoma Park, MD.<BR>

I know what the south is like. I guess I forgot to mention it but I grew up in the middle TN area where family currently lives so I have some experience!<BR><BR>As for DC, too big and too fast-paced! I am an attorney and do insurance litigation so there is a wide job market across the country for my work. Can anyone list some pluses or minues to specific cities like crime, traffic, cost of living etc? Thanks for the kind comments (with the exceptionof xxx) that I have received so far.

xxx I don't know why but I am surprised at what you found. Still looking at Movers request of Memphis, Birmingham, and Savannah her family lives there, the fact that she is excluding the Northeast and West Coast tells me that she is of a different mind set on this score. Too bad about the men they always seemed so darn charming!!! Oh well thems the cons you get the pros of nice manners, sweet disposition but it comes with the cons, not hard to be sweet if you think you are speaking to a child. <BR><BR>Not hard to believe that xxx is exaggerating it is not like the south is recognized as a hotbed of social change. If anything there is the overwhelming stereotype of religious zealots and conservative democrats. <BR>

Since your family already lives in middle Tennessee, why not move to Nashville? Nashville is a great medium size city that I consider very friendly. As far as it being a college town, there are several colleges in Nashville (Vanderbilt, David Lipscomb, and Belmont just to name a few), though I wouldn't necessarily consider it a "college town." Nashville seems to have just about something for everyone including fine dining, shopping, various cultural events, musical events, etc., etc.<BR> As far as Memphis, I lived in Memphis for three years while I attended law school. Memphis has its good points and its bad points as, I'm sure, any Memphian would say the same. There is a lot to do in Memphis, but I do not consider Memphis a "friendly" city. Unfortunately, the race relations in Memphis are extremely strained and this makes for an "unfriendly" city in my opinion.<BR> Considering other cities within 6-8 hours of middle Tennessee, you could always try Knoxville. I lived in Knoxville for 4 years while attending college at UT, and I found Knoxville to be a friendly small city. The only thing about Knoxville is that much of the town centers around the University of Tennessee. I never experienced living in Knoxville while I wasn't attending school there, so it is hard to say what it would be like to live there and not be a student at UT.<BR> My favorite southern city, other than Nashville, is Charleston, SC, though this is located probably 8-10 hours or so from middle Tennessee. Charleston is fabulous, and the beautiful beaches are so close by.<BR> Hope this helps. Best of luck in making your decision.

Try this site for city comparisons:<BR>http://www.bestplaces.net/

If you've ever been a woman having to deal with business men in the South, I think you'd see where xxx is coming from. I too have had some misfortunes in business dealings in that region. Granted some of the men are gentlemen, but there are a great many that are opinated women bashers. It was suggested to me on more than one occasion that I should be home barefoot and pregnant. I'm successful in business and have no problem working in the other regions of the nation.

I am a native Alabaman and DC is NOT in the south. Granted, Virginia, across the Potomac IS, the Maryland/DC side of the river is NOT. DC is neither Southern in temperment nor geography (Richmond/Norfolk/Roanoke are Southern, DC/Baltimore/Annapolis are Northern). NoVa is the South in geography alone.<BR><BR>I get "Southern Living" magazine and I find it so amusing the areas of our country the editors try to lump together as "the South" (Kansas City? Oklahoma? Maryland?). "The South" consists of the Gulf states, TN/KY/WV and the Atlantic states from Virginia to Georgia. Florida isn't The South, nor is anyplace west of the Mississippi (except Louisiana).

Never lived there (now I am in Auburn AL.) but have visited Huntsville, AL many times. It is smaller than Birmingham and may be too small, I don't know. I believe it is more sophisticated and cultural however than B-ham. The cost of living in both is low, but I think the educational system is better in Huntsville as well. As for being close to the middle TN area, it most definitely qualifies.

I'd vote for the Research Triangle Park area of NC- anywhere between Chapel Hill and Raleigh, probably not Durham proper- smaller communities include Morrisville and Cary- much new growth there. Nashville has some interesting aspects, but its airport (BNA) doesn't get the same level of direct flights that Raleigh-Durham airport (RDU) enjoys. Charlotte is another area that appears stable due to the high concentration of financial business. Its airport is a plus, but its traffic scene is a definite minus, IMHO. Good luck in your search.

I second Nashville. Great city with plenty of young professionals. <BR><BR>Avoid Charlotte & Atlanta like the plague. Charlotte has no soul and lacks entertainment; Atlanta is the black hole of Calcutta. <BR><BR>Good luck!<BR>

Does anyone remember the name of that website that compares regions/cities? Something like bestplaces? It gives all the crime stats, taxes, weather, etc, of any two places you enter. OR - you can rank what's important to you and it suggests places!

<BR>Asheville, NC<BR>Asheville, NC<BR>Asheville, NC<BR>Asheville, NC<BR>Asheville, NC<BR>Asheville, NC<BR>Asheville, NC<BR><BR>Happy Trails,<BR>Paul

Yikes! It's already listed here! Mind meltdown. Sorry.

Whoa, Sarah! Your take on Charlotte doesn't agree with what I know of it. To each his own and sometimes you get what you give.

Hey, most men think women should be barefoot and pregnant, some won't admit it, some just won't say it and others will, it has nothing to do with where the men live. <BR> Also, I wish more people would not choose Florida as their choice of places to live. I love the bumper sticker... welcome to Florida, now go home.<BR>Florida transplant, myself and love it.

Wipe Orlando off your list if it was ever on it. More people have been laid off here in the past three months than ever before. Mostly the service industry, of course, since the tourists aren't coming here in droves, but many high-tech jobs are leaving, too.

While most men think that women should be barefoot and pregnant, I would never choose to live in an area where men are so vocal about their sexist opinions. Give me the East or West Coast any day over that crap.

Winston-Salem, NC. You're less than 10 miles from GSO airport, 1.5 hours from CLT and RDU. Traffic is manageable, economy is improving, and this city has a soul. Definitely the place in which to put down roots. I relocated here in '93 from Minneapolis and never had one regret. Equidistant from incredible mountains and beaches (within 4 hours or less) and moderate climate, with just enough snow. I wouldn't live anywhere else now.<BR><BR>Good luck to you.<BR>

Everyone feels more or less comfortable in different type of cities. I recomend looking into the places you think you may like and staying there for a week. Go to the mall, shop in the grocery stores, talk to real estate agents, talk to locals, read the local paper, observe the scene. You will learn alot. My vote goes to Raleigh, NC. The highest percentage of college educated people of an area its size in the USA. Adds alot to a city. Also, lots of trees!

Topping!

You might not like the DC area but what about Richmond, Virginia. I moved here from Arlington 5 years ago and love it. Not nearly the rat race that the DC metro area is and less east coasty feeling as well. we are a smal but growing city with lots of professionals, little traffic and a great feel. The cost of real estate is a little higher here than in the south but compare it to Dc area and it is dirt cheap. LOL

How about Athens, GA? Sounds like it may fit your criteria -- not so cold, friendly and a college town. You're about a hour or so from Atlanta, just in case you ever want to visit or enjoy sitting in traffic.

Tahnks again for all the replies. The website bestplaces.net was great for viewonmg statistics like crime, climate and economy of different cities. Does anyone knoe of a website which lists cities in order of size specifically? <BR><BR>My problem is many of the cities you listed are great but I am looking for something in the size range of 250k -750k people. There just doesn't seem to be a lot of "cities" other than Charlotte and Atlanta that qualify as big enough and having an easily accessible airport. I love to travel (reason I am a fodors addict) and will do it regularly. I do not want to have to drive 2 hours (or more!) to the nearest large airport. As for Nashville it is a very nice city that I have visited MANY tiems, but it is about 1-1.5 hours from my parents and other family. I am not ready to be that close, LOL!

Mover, I was a single woman of 30 when I moved to Charlotte and I've been extremely happy here. It's a fun and friendly town. Like you, I've lived in large cities (NYC, Chicago and Dallas), and I much prefer the small-town feel of Charlotte.<BR><BR>I'm surprised that Sarah thinks Charlotte has no soul -- she must have lived in a new subdivision and never spent time in the charming, older areas. <BR><BR>There's a group in Charlotte that is primarily made up of young professionals who want to make new friends. Check it out at www.choa.com. It will give you an idea of what there is to do here.<BR><BR>Good luck on your decision.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

Re. Charlotte, I agree with Sarah that 'it has no soul.' I've lived in the area for 6 years (practicing law) and do not plan to stay much longer. And yes, the traffic is horrible! Unfortunately Charlotte thought Atlanta was the city to emulate, and it shows in the cookie-cutter strip malls. <BR><BR>But, hey, if you like chain restaurants and the Gap, Charlotte is the place for you!<BR><BR>

"I know this is not a relocation forum"<BR><BR>Yet you feel you have to post anyway???<BR><BR>Give us all a break.

Hi Mover, <BR><BR>I know it might be smaller than what you're looking for, but I still vote for Raleigh, NC. <BR><BR>The airport is easily accessible here...I've never had any problems. There are plenty of museums, galleries, restaurants, parks, etc. to keep you entertained. You're 3-4 hours from the mountains, and 2 hours from the beach. There are plenty of opportunities in your career. There is also a club for single people that sounds cool (The name is Things to Do (TTD)I'm married, so I'm not a member, but I've seen their schedule, and it seems like a good way to meet people). <BR><BR>Depending on where you live and where you work will depend on traffic. Lots of the attorney offices are located downtown, which is easily accessible, and usually traffic towards downtown is not too bad. <BR><BR>Do not move to Chapel Hill...it is a beautiful town, but it is also a college town.

I believe Birmingham is underrated. I think it is a great town. It is large enough to have plenty to do, yet it is not too big. Birmingham is very hilly, and I think beautiful. The people are very friendly and the cost of living is low. Birmingham has a medium-sized airport, from which anywhere in the US is half a day away. At the same time, you avoid the crowds of airports like Atlanta Hartsfield. Take a trip to Brimingham and see what you think (be sure to explore the south side of the city, it is the nicest).

bj - why don't you relax and settle down. mover is looking for information on cities in the southeast US. what better place to find it than on a travel message board? if it bothers you, then don't read it.

In what state(s) are you admitted to practice law? As a fellow attorney, that would be a major consideration, as well as the admission requirements to take each state's bar exam. As you probably already know, most of the southeastern states require you to pass their own state exam, and some even require you to take the multi-state again.

We must be on the same wavelength Jeannie because I started checking into bar requirements this weekend (prior to seeing your post) I am currently licensed in 3 states Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. I had no idea that most of the southeast was so strict! I waived into Illinois with no problem, but it seems that most of the southeast has no reciprocity. Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi all require you to pass their own bar exam. Tennesse allows you to waive if you have practiced for 5 years (will meet this requirement in April). Virginia seems the easiest as you have to have only been practicing and licensed in another state for 2 years but most show an actual job within that state before you can be licensed. I am still looking for requirements for Norht and South Carolina. <BR><BR>Based on this info, I probably will not do Birmingham, not crazy about another bar unless that is the only option. Richmond or Norfolk/Newport News Virgina is looking good as is Memphis. I was thinking Charlotte sounded like a good option but I need to find out their requirements. Law is just not a mobile career!!!!!!

mover,<BR><BR>check the NC and SC bar websites (scbar.org and ncbar.com), but I think you will find that you must take the bar exam in each state to practice. I believe that there is an exception in SC that allows an in-house attorney to represent only his/her employer by way of a special license, for which the bar exam is not required.<BR><BR>Good luck.

ttt

Becky in NC, "living in the area" is not the same as living in Charlotte -- especially the more established and charming areas of Charlotte. <BR><BR>If you're living in Gastonia, Monroe, Rock Hill, or any of the small outlying towns, I agree. It's time for you to move. Your commute must be horrendous!