Phoenix, AZ VS. Nashville, TN
Nov 2nd, 2012 | 03:42 PM
#21
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 0
jent103-
I didn't even think to try and contact you! My bad. I was very overwhelmed with work and what was going on at home. I got back to NYC so I'm stuck here now (well, home) and we have a nor'easter coming next week. Oh good times! I LOVE NASHVILLE. I cried when the plane took off. My kid is at MLK. I've never even been to Phoenix and have desire to go there. Nashville for the win!!!!!
I didn't even think to try and contact you! My bad. I was very overwhelmed with work and what was going on at home. I got back to NYC so I'm stuck here now (well, home) and we have a nor'easter coming next week. Oh good times! I LOVE NASHVILLE. I cried when the plane took off. My kid is at MLK. I've never even been to Phoenix and have desire to go there. Nashville for the win!!!!!
Nov 3rd, 2012 | 04:29 AM
#22
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,169
Likes: 0
I too went to Vanderbilt for part of my education -- a long time ago -- and really enjoyed much of the city, though I lived in the West End and then Belle Meade, a long story.
The climate in Nashville is the best of anywhere I ever lived. It had four distinct seasons, and the summer was not too hot and the winter not too cold. We would have a couple of snows in the winter -- once magically on Christmas Eve -- that would promptly melt. Daffodils appeared about 6-8 weeks earlier than in the north, and fall was colorful. Very satisfying.
Nashville also has a good location. It is a day's drive from Chicago in one direction, the mountains and Gulf are reachable in another, and it is a quick flight to a lot of other places. The Symphony was excellent last I knew and it has a terrific public library system.
I would carefully explore the schools in any town where you might want to settle. Next to employment, in hand before you move, it is the most important thing in your situation.
Several people mention the fundamentalist ethos. Churchgoing in the south is generally much more important than in other parts of the country. I don't have a problem with this as I am a churchgoing, would-be Christian, but I belong to a mainstream denomination that is accepting of all kinds of diversity. Depending on how and why you are a single mother, you may find yourself in uncomfortable situations in situations where religion and evangelism may intrude. Or not.
If you have extended family there to offer a supportive center to you and your children, it is a really nice city.
The climate in Nashville is the best of anywhere I ever lived. It had four distinct seasons, and the summer was not too hot and the winter not too cold. We would have a couple of snows in the winter -- once magically on Christmas Eve -- that would promptly melt. Daffodils appeared about 6-8 weeks earlier than in the north, and fall was colorful. Very satisfying.
Nashville also has a good location. It is a day's drive from Chicago in one direction, the mountains and Gulf are reachable in another, and it is a quick flight to a lot of other places. The Symphony was excellent last I knew and it has a terrific public library system.
I would carefully explore the schools in any town where you might want to settle. Next to employment, in hand before you move, it is the most important thing in your situation.
Several people mention the fundamentalist ethos. Churchgoing in the south is generally much more important than in other parts of the country. I don't have a problem with this as I am a churchgoing, would-be Christian, but I belong to a mainstream denomination that is accepting of all kinds of diversity. Depending on how and why you are a single mother, you may find yourself in uncomfortable situations in situations where religion and evangelism may intrude. Or not.
If you have extended family there to offer a supportive center to you and your children, it is a really nice city.
Nov 3rd, 2012 | 11:41 AM
#23
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,248
Likes: 0
Skiergirl - I wasn't offended! 
I would totally have taken you for coffee or something, though. If you had to be stuck somewhere, I'm glad you got to be here! I bet it seems a little like a vacation now.
Ackislander, the symphony is still excellent. Have you seen the new symphony center (well, new five or so years ago)?
I would totally have taken you for coffee or something, though. If you had to be stuck somewhere, I'm glad you got to be here! I bet it seems a little like a vacation now.Ackislander, the symphony is still excellent. Have you seen the new symphony center (well, new five or so years ago)?
Nov 3rd, 2012 | 01:14 PM
#24
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 0
Jent-I knew you weren't offended, I just felt really bad and kind of dumb that I didn't think to get in touch. I was too busy either working or working out at my friend's country club. It did turn into a vacation I didn't plan but was totally happy to have.
