relocating to....
 

My husband, 3 children (middle and early high school) and I are looking to relocate to an area of the country where we can afford to buy a single family 4 BR 2 bath house for around 250K or below. Currently we live in a DC suburb and can only afford to rent due to some past financial difficulties that are now resolved. We feel like we will never be able to buy a single family house here and are interested in relocating to a lower cost of living area. He is a mechanical engineer and I am a nurse. Can anybody recommend to us areas of the country where people are friendly and welcoming to newcomers that would have employment possibilities and enable us to finally buy a home!!! Prefer a more moderate climate, not huge extremes either way. Thanks.

Mid florida is very affordable and many of the hospitals ae in desperate need of nurses.

If you move soon, the Raleigh/Durham area would be a good option. You are only 4 hours away from DC if you want to visit friends or old haunts. Plus, its a nice area for families. Again, you would have to get in now because costs are rising a bit, but I see things on the home buyers channel all the time for under 250K. Some of them are even brand new.

Hi Selah,

Have you considered western Michigan? We have four seasons like DC, but it hasn't been too bad in the winters here lately (I think maybe some of the credit for that should go to global warming though, at the risk of sounding too Al Goreish!) The reason I suggest it is because Grand Rapids is becoming quite a medical hot spot. We have a place downtown that is being called 'Medical Hill' and also two very large hospitals with 1-2 smaller ones. Your husband would have an easy time finding a job here too - lots of engineering, furniture & manufacturing companies.

You could also get a pretty decent house here for less than $250k. Northview, Forest Hills, East Grand Rapids & Rockford are all very good school districts too.

West Michigan is very friendly, and Lake Michigan is beautiful. Plus, from Grand Rapids, you're only a few hours away from Chicago and places like Traverse City & Mackinac Island.

Let me know if you want more info...

Heidi

Allow me to pitch my current hometown of Tulsa, OK.

1. Extremely low cost of living. You can *easily* find a lovely 4brm, 2bath home in a good school district for around 250K.

2. Very scenic - Really! Eastern Oklahoma is known as Green Country - heavilly wooded, with rolling hills and small mountains. Also -- very close to *wonderful* camping and outdoor activities in Arkansas.

3. Large demand for experienced professionals - because so many of them move away (more about that later). Especially in nursing and mech. engineering, you will have no problem securing comfortable employment.

3. *Very* family oriented - lots of activities: one of the best zoos in the nation, a first-rate aquarium, tons of city parks. Tons of opportunity for kid sports; churches of every denomination. Lots of restaurants and shopping, too.

4. Very *arts* oriented -- Several *first-rate* museums; outstanding ballet. Most travelling Broadway shows come to town (Lion King just finishing up a month-long engagement). Great live music scene.

5. Good education - Like most cities, suburban schools are your best bet. First-rate higher ed opportunities -- branches of OU, OSU, plus University of Tulsa and a good community college.

Drawbacks? Veeeeerrrrryyyy conservative. This is the bible belt. Lots of evangelicals who are not shy about proselytizing -- on a street corner, at the grocery store, at the PTA. The question people asked us most often when we first moved here was, "Have you found a church home yet?" It bothered us a lot in the beginning -- but we shrugged it off, and now it's not even a factor. And for what its worth -- it is changing, slowly.

The economy has been a question mark. Quite a few large employers have closed up shop or downsized dramatically. However, the healthcare sector is very strong here. Manufacturing seems to be making a resurgence, and there are several large aircraft companies headquartered here, as well as braches of major companies like Boeing and Raytheon. Oil and energy are on the upswing, too -- so I think there would be plenty of opportunites for your husband.

Salaries are lower - which is why we tend to lose a lot of young, college educated professionals to Dallas and Kansas City. However, the low cost of living tends to balance everything out.

Finally -- the climate can be harsh on occasion. We have four seasons -- winters are cold, though snowfall is low-to-moderate. Springs are beautifull, but can be viciouslly stormy (which I'm sure you've heard - but the tornado thing has been waaaayy over-hyped. It's not that bad.) Summer is usually brutally hot and a bit humid since we're near two rivers and several lakes. Fall is magnificent and my favorite time -- cool, dry and lots of brilliant, coloful foliage.

Probably more info than you need! I hope its helpful.

Best of luck!

This is great! Actually, both Raleigh and Tulsa came up when I took the quiz at find your spot. We are actually a pretty conservative Catholic family. I had never thought of western Michigan before because I pictured long, cold winters or middle Florida because I pictured long hot summers. Raleigh has the benefit of being still close enough to drive to see family and friends. But these other places definitely are interesting. About Tulsa, being it is the Bible belt, would a Catholic family be accepted?

My friends who left Charlotte for DC have just moved back...How about Charlotte ? BTW, there are a number of moving to the Carolinas threads on here if you do a search.

A note about Florida and its need for nurses...two friends, both nurses, recently relocated from Seattle to Tampa, thinking that it would be a year-round vacation. It may well turn out to be (they've only been gone a few months), but they were shocked by the disparity in pay considering their experience level. Both took a real hit.

Well, heck, if you're a conservative Catholic family, definitely come on over to Grand Rapids! We have been called the city of churches before. I would say 75% of the people around here are either conservative Catholics or Christians, and the other 25% (i fall somewhere in this category) are any number of other religions or atheist, and more liberal.

Michigan, as a whole, is a Blue state but that's because of our 'liberal black sheep' cities like Ann Arbor, Detroit & Traverse City. Grand Rapids is very Red. (unfortunately for me!)

We have 2 very large Catholic high schools here too if that's something you're interested in.

Selah --

Catholic community is *very* strong here and you will find yourself very comfortable and welcomed. We used to joke (only half-kidding) that it actually helps to be catholic here, as many of the "old guard" families within the city's power structure are catholic. Lots of *excellent* catholic schools, too, if that's a consideration.

P.S.

Two very acclaimed catholic high schools, 4 or 5 middle schools, and (I think) 8 catholic elementary schools.

Raleigh is averaging 1,000 new people a month. Several Catholic elementary schools (maybe through 8th grade, I'm not sure), but only one Catholic high school, and that has to serve several counties.

You should be able to afford something in your price range, maybe not the newest, but w/in 10 years of construction date.

With 1,000 new people a month, Raleigh/Wake County is having a hard time keeping up with schools. Might be forced to go year-round and they won't guarantee your kids will be on the same schedule. And plan on them attending a different school each year because of redistricting because of new schools and many thousands of new kids each year.

As a nurse you shouldn't have trouble finding a job. Your husband might because there have been layoffs from companies leaving some tech/engineers/telecom people looking.

How about Hawaii? Moderate climate without huge extreemes :) Lots of people will visit.

I have some friends who were in your situtation and they moved to Atlanta Georgia. They bought a beautiful home for $305,000 3500 sq. ft. a great school system and are very happy.

Try, Princeton/Evasville Indiana. There is the Toyota plant and several other industries in the area, as well as several hospitals & clinics from Vincennes to Evansville. Several good schools particularly 9-12 school near Newburg called Castle. They have won numerous awards for outstanding accademics and sports. You'll find living expenses much, much cheaper. You get a variety of climate, being in southern Indiana it is less extreme than some of the midwest. I relocated from Portland Oregon to Vincennes Indiana and love the season changes. Something different about every 3 months. They have a saying here"if you don't like the weather, hang around it will be different tomorrow". Well it's not quite like that, but does have variety. Good luck.

I second travel addict's suggestion but would move it just a bit to Kalamazoo. Kalamazoo has something called the "Kalamazoo Promise" which if you moved now, would entitle all three of your kids for absolutely free college tuition in any Michigan state college/university including the one at Ann Arbor.

As long as you get into the system before Jr. year of high school, it is 100% free. No small thing to consider. And there are so many pluses including the medical ones that travel addict already posted.

Mechanical engineers will find work as well.

You've received lots of great possibilities!

Here's another option: Consider east Central Florida - Brevard County is home to a division of Northrop Grumman and to Harris Corp. both of which hire LOTS of engineers. NASA is locatd here as well. Housing prices are in your range, and there are excellent Catholic schools here. A nurse would have no trouble finding a good job as the population continues to grow in this area. The climate? Well, if you're used to a Washington DC summer, I'm sure you'd be fine in a Florida summer (and our winters are much nicer ;-) )

Good luck with your search.

D.C.'s humidity is pretty bad. People around here joke about D.C. summers. Sometimes it's hard to go outside, it's so bad. How about some of these other areas. I know Florida summers will be humid, but how about the other areas people have so kindly suggested.

bumping up

Tulsa humidity isn't the worst. I was in NYC last July, and it was wretched -- much worse than here. I could hardly stand to be outside. Ditto Chicago. (I've never been to DC/VA in the summer, so can't compare).

Actually we're having an OK summer (no pun intended). Highs in the lower 90s, but breezy enough to keep things bearable.

Oh yeah -- that whole "...where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain" thing is kinda true -- it can get breezey here. But I wouldn't consider it a deal breaker by any means.

Selah -- do you have a timeline for moving? How do your kids feel about it?

Well housing is a little more expensive here in Vegas not too bad right now, can get 2000 sq ft in nice area for about $300-$350....BUT, we really need nurses and they pay VERY well, and with Nellis and the test site nearby there are many civilans that work here for government contracted companies in need of engineers, they also pay VERY well.
Something closer to where you are, Tennessee. We have friends in Knoxville and you can get something very nice for $250 and under.

oh, sorry, didn't see the "extreme" weather part...scratch Vegas :)

Selah,
You said "when I took the quiz at find your spot" - what (and where) is that?

Thanks everyone for being so helpful. Findyourspot.com is a free quiz you can take that helps to locate cities in the country that match your preferences. It's a great site. When I took the quiz, Greenville, SC, Raleigh and Charlotte, NC and Tulsa, OK and Plano, TX were in my top ten recommendations. I wanted to see if what they said would be validated by real people who actually live there. Also, it was interesting to me that I didn't get anything closer to D.C. like in Delaware or Pennsylvania where I wouldn't think the weather was too extreme and would be closer to family. Maybe the cost of living is not that much different than D.C. in those states. As for time table, if we could find jobs, we would try and go by the end of this summer which obviously isn't much time. The kids have mixed feelings. On the one hand they are excited and on the other hand they would miss family and friends. Our daughter would actually be happy to change highschools. Our parents are retired and in good health and travel, so if the area is appealing weather wise, I think we will have frequent visitors. :)

hen Plano relatives came to DC for an August wedding, all they wanted to do was sit outside and enjoy the more pleasant Virginia weather and look at the flowers.

Tennessee is similar in climate to Virginia but much cheaper housing. Florida is nice, too but much more humid for longer periods than the DC area.

Does anyone have any information on Wilmington, DE ?

Austin, TX is one of the top 5 for r.e. value.

I have to ask, why does anyone need a 3500 sq. ft. house, unless they have like, 10 kids ??

Selah,
Have you considered the Shenandoah Valley? There are hospitals in Winchester, Woodstock, and Harrisonburg. Most homes in the area seem to be three bedrooms, but I'm sure there are those with four also that are in your price range. We moved here from Fairfax seven years ago, and it is a much more relaxed way of life.

Sure, we have some humidity, but we also have breezes blowing through the valley that make it tolerable.

I hadn't thought of the Shenendoah valley. I'd be concerned about jobs for my husband as he is the main provider. I don't know if they would have the kind of high tech jobs that would need a mechanical engineer and the commute to D.C. from that area in Virginia traffic would be just too long. Any other ideas? Anyone with info on the Wilmington, DE area. Also, someone suggested Greenville, SC. Is the job prospect good there?

Read the book :The Long Emergency" before making any decisions about where to move in the US

Lived in DC 1967 - 1975 like a similar highly educated pauper.
Not much better in San Diego '75 - '80.
Still think Ft. Worth, TX is a great move for younger families. Austin is wonderful as well. I lived in Dallas for 25 years, but too much traffic and too many uneducated folks there.
Oh, SAnParis, I live in a 4500 sq ft, 4 BR, 5 1/2 BA house with 2000 sq ft of decks, multi level gardens and killer views 'cuz it's paid for and now I can.
Check it out www.miradorhomes.com
the feature and the virtual tour just after we moved in.
M (SMdA, Gto.)

Go SOuth.
Atlanta area. Houston TX.

Selah,
There is a lot of industry in the valley from Wichester down to New Market. Especially in Winchester along route 11 and the northern side in the routes 7 and 11. I was a sales rep before I retired and I was amazed at all the industry around Winchester.

Mikemo,

What an incredible house!! and that's the view of Austin??? Looks beautiful. I have never been to Texas and had no idea it had such lovely scenery. I don't know why but I pictured Texas more brown. Is there alot of industry for engineering employment? I know you can find 4BR 2bath homes for under 250K in Plano/Frisco area, but what about Fort Worth and Austin? Thanks for sharing the video tour with us!!

Selah, Mikemo lives in Mexico so I don't think you saw Austin on the website. But, I will tell you that Austin is beautiful. We have lakes, rivers, plenty of hills and trees, and it's very liberal and environmentally friendly. It's also very family and pet friendly. It is nothing like most people imagine Texas to be. But, housing prices are climbing like crazy so if you want to move here you better be quick! $250K won't get you near the city but will get you a place out in the burbs. The city is really booming right now with job growth. The climate is pretty hot though so I don't know if you'll like that, but believe me, DC is way more humid than Austin, at least most of the time!

Good luck with your relocation.

I believe Mikemo sent you a pic of his home in Mexico. Definitely not AUstin. If you consider Austin, it is definitely not Brown and actually quite green - hills and trees. However, it is the most liberal city in Texas. I'd count it out since the weather is extreme in that it is hot about 6 months of the year and quite humid. (today was about 95 with about as much humidity. Unbearable...) However, you can find a very nice home for $250K or below, and there are many family friendly subdivisions. You couldn't come close to the city for $250K - you would have to live in the burbs.

So, mikemo, you've got room for me to come & visit ? Just put me in the West Wing. I took the test just for fun & I ended up in Charleston, SC. Not a bad place, but also probably not somewhere where I would live due to the cost (for where I would want to live in Charleston). Jacksonville was #2, which I have actually considered if you count Amelia Island as part of JAX.

SAnParis,
Sure, we have rooms most times except when the Texas families escape the awful summers there.
M ([email protected])

For the record, the findyourspot quiz is pretty prescient, at least in my case. Although it did pick Las Vegas for me (!) as #1 choice, my actual home town was near the top. San Diego was #2, however.... If only I could-- I have a dream firm to work with in La Jolla...!

Brookside,

I've been looking further at Tulsa and saw that it is smack in the middle of tornado alley! How bad is it really to live through those severe weather patterns? After watching tornado chaser on TV it looks quite frightening. Obviously it wasn't a deal breaker for you.