|
Relocating (help?)
Hello fodorites, <BR> <BR>I have a general question? I would like to know has anyone here relocated to another state? If yes, how did everything turn out? Were you happy with your decision? Where did you relocate too? We are considering relocating to another state. I'm just curious to hear from other people who relocated. <BR>Thanks!!
|
Pam, <BR> <BR>Can you please let us fodorites know more about your plans. OK. <BR> <BR>Fodorites, in general, can smell a non-travel topic, research question or troll. <BR> <BR>Personally, I will help if I believe the post is sincerely travel related. But the generality of the question begs more information, to authenticate your request. <BR> <BR>If you are a researcher, journalist or otherwise, please let us know up front. <BR> <BR>Gracias
|
Pam, I know a number of us have been through it and are very willing to help you, but your questions are so broad that it's a little hard to know what your major concerns are. <BR> <BR>I've relocated 4 times, from Mass. to western NY to Virginia/DC to Chicago area to NC, and I have to say that transitions are always hard, esp. if you are a family following someone's career around. <BR> <BR>Things that make it easier: having a good reason for going there for yourself (not just your partner) like a good job or to be close to family or friends or because you like the new state particularly; supportive family and helpful people in the new state, esp. future employers (be wary of helpful realtors); having someone pay for packers and movers and house-hunting expenses; long enough lead time to scope out the place; moving to a similar sort of community from your old one -- i.e., if you are city person, moving to a new city, or suburb to suburb, or college town to college town. <BR> <BR>Things that make it harder: unsupportive family or partner -- who either think you shouldn't move or expect you to be just as excited as he/she is about the new situation; having to pay for the move yourself; and particularly changing types of community as well as geography. One of the very hardest moves for me was moving from an urban area to a suburb much removed from its city. Not only did I have to get used to new regionalisms, etc., but a new way of life, from pedestrian to car and from very diverse and cosmopolitan to much more family- and school-oriented and homogeneous. <BR> <BR>There are loads of other things to say about this. But give us some more information -- why would you relocate? Are you changing regions of the country? Do you have some particular worries? <BR>
|
MA Berkshires->Long Beach->Virginia Beach->Baton Rouge->New Orleans->Boston->New Orleans->Boston (no, no typo)->Dallas->Savannah->Tampa. Along the route DH turned down Chicago, Nassau (okay with me), and Bermuda (will never forgive him) Now, what would you like to know? :>> As you can see, we've pretty much gone where we've been sent. <BR> <BR>You become adjusted to most any place you live if you work at it. Well, we may have failed at Baton Rouge. Heck, people move to Buffalo and love it! I've shed tears at most every relocation, and have been skeptical of practically every new city initially, but they all have worked out...except BR. :> <BR> <BR>Now if you are talking relocation at retirement.....that's an entirely different game. What are your circumstances?
|
Sorry everyone. No I do not have kids, and we don't plan on it. We are in our early 30's and me and hubby are considering moving to a warmer climate. We currently live in Michigan and we are just ready for a change. We are not "attached" to family so that's not an issue, they can come and visit us wherever we move, and it's not a job change. We are just ready for a different environment. I would love to move to Florida or Vegas (not near the strip). I've also considered Hawaii though I hear lots of negatives about Hawaii. We are not sure just considering it. I just wanted to hear from other fodorites if they've relocated to another state and if you were happy with your decision or regretted it later? <BR>Thanks!!
|
Pam, <BR> <BR>Odd how you are from Michigan. I lived there 23 years, before moving to the East coast (NJ). <BR> <BR>Everything turned out great. Happy with the decision. <BR> <BR>While I was in Michigan, I thought life was good. But once I moved near a metropolitian area, I realized how much Michigan lacked. Nothing bad about the Water Winter Wonderland (remember that?), but I would have a very hard time moving back to Michigan or the like after living in the East. <BR> <BR>The people are different and the same. You have your jerks and your very nice ones too. There are many, many more job opportunities out here than in MI. This gives comfort during tough times. <BR> <BR>You don't have kids, which I think is the biggest reason NOT to ever move. <BR> <BR>The hottest and coldest I've even experienced has not been in MI, but in NJ (-15 and 109F). <BR> <BR>On the other hand, I know someone who moved from MI to NH (Dartmouth area). Their experience was much, much different. They hated it as that area was not accepting to anyone. They didn't have the same amount of good stores; the winters were harder; They are away from many things. They had kids, which was a factor too. <BR> <BR>
|
Pam, the big real estate companies have relocation coordinators--kind of like the personal shoppers in department stores, if I can compare it. They can provide you with state/city/neighborhood reports as well as advice on what to see in the area and cost of living. coldwellbanker.com even has a home price comparison index that shows you what your home could be worth in another state and vice versa!
|
My husband and I also are in our early 30s. A few years ago, we decided we needed a change. We almost moved to NYC (from DC), but ended up moving overseas for a few years. Had a great time, and are considering moving back again, but you also find that leaving an area really can make you see its good points. <BR> <BR>The big thing is, check out what the job opportunities are like in your field, unless you are independently wealthy. For example, if you're an accountant or teacher or lawyer, you can get a job anywhere. But if you're a grant writer or nuclear engineer, geography may limit you a bit. We've had friends move away from DC to get away from traffic, high-priced housing, etc., only to find it difficult to find a job. You get spoiled in DC, as even now it's pretty easy to find a good job. <BR>
|
Pam: <BR>My husband and I used to live in South Florida and grew to hate the heat, crime, and bugs. We travelled around the US and finally found the place where we wanted to live...Monterey California. It is warm during the summer days, but cools down in the evenings. Winters are, for the most part, mild, although we saw some nasty effects from El Nino several years ago. <BR> <BR>How did we make the move? In Florida, we both had good jobs (no kids), families nearby, and a home we loved. But everything else really sucked big time. So, we each decided to take a six month leave of absence from our jobs and go to Monterey during the winter time. It turned out to be one of the wettest winters in 50 years. Major land slides, roads flooded, bridges collapsing, and on and on. What made us move? The community of residents banded together and helped each other. Neighbors helped neighbors. The local city and county governments even helped its citizens. Local restaurants donated food. Churches and schools opened their halls for the homeless. This was something I'd never seen in South Florida, even after having lived through four hurricanes. <BR> <BR>The bottom line is, we now live in Monterey and we love it. Whereever you want to go, if you give it a try during the worst time of the year (for Florida, it would be the summer), and if you see some redeeming features, go there. <BR> <BR>Good luck.
|
Pam, <BR> <BR>I've never relocated, but my husband and I would like to leave the Chicago suburbs in a couple years. (Mostly because of the weather and for a change of pace). <BR>I just wanted to thank you for your posting. It's exactly the kind of stuff I am interested in reading about. I wish I could find a website dedicated to relocations that people could share their experiences on without some people getting so uptight that relocation talk shouldn't be included here. <BR>This is the best place to find the information you are looking for! I'm looking forward to reading more postings! <BR>
|
Pam, <BR> <BR>I relocated from a Chicago suburb to San Antonio for my husband's job. We were back in 6 months. I really missed my family and I felt isolated. It sounds like you won't have to worry about that, though.
|
Yeah Sally I agree with you. I wish we could find a website dedicated to people relocating and there experiences. <BR>This is such a HUGE decision.
|
I'm planning on relocating ... this is interesting. I second the call for more postings on the issue of relocating ... that's travel per se. Who could quibble? I'd be very interested in learning about how you decided on a place to move ... and did you first run a test run ... or did you just up and go? What were your issues in deciding? EWhat suggeste dthe need for moving? And what was your fallback in case the new place didn't work out? Thanks, and ciao
|
Pam- <BR> <BR>What sort of job are you and your husband invloved in? That could make a lot of difference in where you are able to set up shop.
|
Pam, <BR> <BR>I've looked through a couple books that I found very interesting. "Places Rated Almanac" and "50 Fabulous Places to Raise A Family." There's also a website www.findyourspot.com. They don't necessarily tell you what it's like to relocate, but they have lots of info on climate, education, jobs, etc. about several places. <BR> <BR>
|
Thanks again for all the insight! <BR>I'm in the insurance industry and hubby is in the banking industry.
|
Try <BR> <BR> <BR>
|
Does anyone regret there decision to move? We are thinking about relocating. It's a very big gamble. <BR>
|
I've moved twice- Alaska & Phoenix. Never regretted it. Now Virginia is my home outside D.C. <BR>Worked out great!
|
I'm just putting this topic back up here to get more responses.<BR><BR>I'm trying to decide if my husband and 3 year old should relocate from the Joliet area (an hour outside of Chicago). We have family here, but no one closer than an hour away. <BR>We both want to move, not only for milder winters, but for a change of pace. I'm not much of a city person, although I need lots of stores near me. I actually prefer small towns, as long as it's not more than an hour away from the city. <BR>I would love to hear from people who have relocated to another state, and what their experience was like.<BR>Anyone relocate from a big city to a small town? If things didn't work out, did you move back home?
|
My family relocated from a big city to a small town 5 years ago. We are now 4 hours from a mid-sized city.<BR><BR>If I'd thought about it in advance, I would have saved as much money as possible before the move. It pretty much cleaned us out financially.<BR><BR>I had a job, but my husband didn't. He had what seemed like some good leads that all evaporated when he got here. It took almost 3 years for him to find a good job here, and that one is in jeopardy right now. Don't relocate without at least one member of the couple having a job that can support you both. We almost packed it up once when he was unemployed and my job wasn't looking too good.<BR><BR>It has also been hard and comparatively expensive to visit family members.<BR><BR>All that said, right now we are glad we made the move. We have a slower lifestyle, and the overall atmosphere is less materialistic than in a city. We tend to get overstimulated even in smaller cities now, with the faster traffic, bright signs and billboards everywhere, and so many places to spend money.
|
OLIVE OIL---<BR><BR>Just relocated to Baton Rouge, can't say that I was excited about it. Why didn't it work out for you????
|
relocated from Boston area to Denver. After 3 yrs moved back as I missed my large family & beaches. Kept seeing desert & plains & thought what a great place for a beach. Now live in NJ not too far from the Shore.
|
topping
|
tttttt
|
I live in Buffalo New York and have had 5 siblings or in law siblings move out of town and believe it or not 4 of the 5 have moved back to town, mostly for family reasons. If you have kids and a nice extended family situation in town, it's something to be missed when you leave. All of our relatives really missed raising their kids near extended family and that, plus their love of Buffalo, brought them all back. It's something to be considered.
|
My husband, 2 cats, dog reolocatd from Houston, Texas to boring slow pace Olympia, WA. Olympia is an hour south of Seattle. Hubby got a good offer that is why we moved. <BR><BR>Pros: pretty clean fresh air<BR>Cons: weahter: 9-10 months of cold dark damp rain/snow. Not much to see/do. Slow pace.<BR><BR>Hope to move to a warmer sunny climate within the next couple of years.
|
tttttt
|
THIS IS A FABULOUS THREAD! I don't think any one that lives in a great location will divulge their secret treasure, for fear we'll all flock there. I'm seaching for my utopia . . .
|
This thread is perfect timing for us - hubby just got word his copnay wants us to move from Baltimore to Schaumburg (near Chicago)- kids are grown, we are aware of the harsh winters but look forward to the change as an adventure in adaptability. We are upbeat- looking at this as a way to discover this part of the country while flying time home is less than 2 hours.
|
I have moved from Chicago>Frankfurt>DC>boston>DC>Hunt sville, Al> Frankfurt Germany, where I am now living. The only move out of all of these that was a major mistake was Alabama. That place just sucked. I quit an excellent 6 figure job to get the hell out of that redneck hillbilly haven...and decided that I was once again European bound and will probably not move back to the states until some sense of normalcy returns...if it ever does...
|
I live in upstate NY (Rochester) where the employment situation is becoming bleek. (This area lost over 12,000 jobs last year alone.) My husband and I are considering moving to downstate NY, New Jersey, or Philadelphia area. He is employed in the pharmaceutical industry and would probably have no problem finding a job at a pharmaceutical company in those areas, and they would probably even pay for relocation. I have been unemployed for almost 8 months and just cannot find a decent job in this area with so many people now out of work. I'm hoping that I would have better luck downstate or NJ. Has anyone relocated to these areas that can advise regarding their experience? We would miss our family and long time friends in this area, but also want to have decent jobs and a nice lifestyle which has become difficult to do here. (P.S. We have no kids and are in our late 30s, so schools are not a concern).
|
I love findyourspot.com - we both did the survey separately and came up with the same cities! Want to relocate from Chicago to Southern Utah.
|
Pam:<BR> We are in the same boat. I posted a similar thread for Colorado (some rude fodorians). We just returned from traveling 4 cities there and job interviews. Now, to decide. The trip was helpful in giving me some ideas of what felt right and what didn't. Also, pay vs living is a factor. Other fodarians helped too(once you have an idea of the area). We need a change but It will be hard especially moving from Florida. My husband needs mountains, I love the beach but life is too short to skip out on opportunities. So do it why you can (we are in our early 30s with cats). Good luck.<BR>
|
I just tried out findyourspot. Lots of fun, but I'd take its recommendations with a grain of salt. Its first-choice recommendation for me was a city that I've visited and hated. The city I do live in came in fifth (not bad), but there was misinformation i the little blurb about it. So use findyourspot for fun, but do a thorough followup, LOL!<BR><BR>Pam, with your quest for mountains and beach, did you consider New England states?
|
Sorry, that last question directed to Pam should've been directed to Daisy.
|
Warm weather? Mountains AND beach? I am sorry but all this all sound to obvious to me - California.<BR><BR>Granted, its too expensive, but lets face it, Southern California has great weather, you have mountains, and you have BEACH (even though the water is too cold).<BR><BR>I know there are a lot of Los Angeles haters out there, so how about San Diego? Ever been there? ITS BEAUTIFUL.<BR><BR>Me? I live in Florida. I love it here. Nice weather (some wusses say its too hot - make up your mind, its either too hot or too cold? Pick one). Unfortunately its too flat. No mountains. But the beaches are great - better than California IN MY OPINION, mostly because the water is a wonderful tropical BLUE, and WARM. Unlike Cali. Winters are mild (70 - 75 day / 60 night) and summer can get brutal (95 at its worst with 80-90 humidity) but heck, its worse up north!! 105 degrees and humidity!!<BR><BR>So take your pick. I'd live in South Florida or Southern Cali any day over anything else. And this comes from someone who HATES cold weather. If you love the Cold, or loves "Seasonal change." Then obviously my comments are garbage.<BR><BR>-grogargh<BR><BR>
|
topping
|
Ahh, c'mon guys,someone must have some stories.I'm SURE you weren't all born where you're living now!
|
ttttt
|
| All times are GMT -8. The time now is 10:07 AM. |