Does anyone know why we get so many relocation threads on this forum?

Curious. Are we suggested on some relocating site?

Hey gotravel - have wondered the same myself... IS there a relocation site? I know about findyourspot.com - but what I think people like here is the personal insight to different areas.

First response: what's it to you -- are you objecting? If so, don't read them.

Second response: The essence of many questions here is "what is city X like?" and the response is often from people very familiar with the area. I think there's less difference than most seem to acknowledge between asking the question "what is city X like, because I'm going to visit it," and askind "what is city X like, because I'm thinking of moving there." You need much more info in the second case, but you have to start somewhere.

If you are just beginning your thinking about changing locales, you are probably still thinking "like a tourist" or like a traveler; and if you've spent any time on this board at all, you know there are many knowledgeable people who will give you the benefit of their time, honesty, throughtfulness, and personal responses to a given place.

I haven't, myself, looked for or found official "relo" websites, but I would distrust them to start, because many are probably supported by local boosters (businesses, chambers of commerce, etc.) I'd trust Fodorites first, and then maybe look elsewhere.

And OF COURSE I'd visit the place myself before committing, but I have no problem with people beginning their research here before they spend the time and money on a go-see.

GoTravel...I wonder the same myself. Also, with some responses like the one above, have we become a place to come and abuse posters or to pick fight online?

soccr, they don't bother me a bit and if you read any of them you'll find I post on many.

I was just curious.

We've had several about inter racial relocating and many about relocating in the southeast.

Also, many are started by first time posters.

Does anyone else find it odd?

Also, the threads aren't really started by "What is city X like" but "Raleigh or Charlotte" or "Relocating".

OK, GoTravel, glad you are helpful to these posters -- thanks on their behalf, and mine if I ever consider moving to your area.

You're being a little literal, however, about what I posted. What I meant was that people like those you mention are in essence asking "What is Charlotte like? What is Raleigh like? How do they compare for my purposes?"

And I think the biracial post shows exactly why people might ask Fodorites about their cities -- they were looking for very subjective impressions and asking a question they might not feel free to ask a realtor or a relo person -- and it would push the limits of ethics or legality for a realtor or relo person to answer race questions, for sure.

I think you are all making some pretty valid points. I have also wondered why a travel-related site would begin to have so many relocation inputs. But if viewed in the context of "what is this city (or area) like?" it can at least make sense. I personally ignore most of them, but if there is a question about an area I know in some detail, I try to provide an informational response.

I don't think Fodor's is being referenced by some other relo sites. I think it's just a matter of someone having come along and asked a question, then eventually others followed suit and the practice blossomed.

I have posted relo questions here b/c so many Fodorites either have two homes, or have lived in different regions, or have traveled repeatedly to the same region such that they have a more than passing familiarity with it. even those who have stayed put, as it were, are engaged residents, with a healthy perspective on their hometown; perhaps that's a result of traveling.

I don't actually agree that asking "what is city X like?" is the same as asking "what is city x like to live in?" Relo questions often focus on neighborhoods and driving routes that are not relevant to tourists, to say nothing of housing price, school and tax issues. But IMO, there's room on this board for the odd relo question...

I think soccr's point is that when you are just beginning to think about these things, "what is X like?" is where you start -- then you get more specific about what X is like "to live in." Obviously there's a difference between visiting and living in a place! But if you've never been there before, you have to start somewhere.

(Sorry, seem to be writing lots of PS's this morning). BTW, I actually have a problem with posts like the one the interracial couple's -- I completely understand why they would want this kind of subjective information, but it just begs for huge generalizations and stereotypes, something I'd hate to base a relocation decision on.

We're a peculiar group here, not always representative, and some have very strong opinions and impressions -- and particularly newbie posters may have no idea where someone is "coming from." We try to be friendly, but few of us actually know each other or where we're "coming from." Making a sweeping generalization about the reception of a interracial couple could be way off base and unfair, but could be enough to discourage the poster from even going somewhere to get their own information.

I think the relocation questions are often helpful even for travelers. One reason I think Fodorites are good resources for people considering relocation is that many/most of us are well traveled, so if someone says I live in X and would like to move to Y, you get informed answers--not only from people who live in X, but who have also lived or traveled to Y, so they can give insightful comparisons.
Moreover, these relocation questions also expand into suggestions for off the beaten track places to visit, things to see, restaurants to try--information visitors can use as well as potential relocators.

I just find it odd that so many are first time posters.

Oh, yes I've noticed. It was getting to the point where I was going to say just click my name and see what I've written before for general questions. If someone has something specific I'll try to provide an answer.

And I'm also amazed at the number of people who move without a job lined up.

I think it's simply that this is a VERY active board.

Especially the US which attracts posters from all over the country. If you want advice regarding an area you are thinking of moving to - you are going to get a response to your question.

I should think that most relocation forums are only used by people moving, who abandon the board the minute they've moved

I'm guessing the recent rash of posters is simply that they've Googled 'Relocation' and have found a link to Fodors

Hi all. I actually think this is a pretty good place to ask about relocation - because we live all over the country. So that doesn't surprise me.

What does surprise me is that someone would ever think of moving somewhere without visiting it first.

Military families move all the time without visiting first. And some corporate moves are virtually mandatory, so if one's budget doesn't allow for multiple scouting trips...I know these are exceptions, but one shouldn't assume all moves are elective.

E - I agree that if your company relocates you, you don't have any choice about where to move, or much time to go and visit. But I wouldn't purchase a house until I've been to a neighborhood a few times - I'd rent first before I got my bearings.

alya, that would certainly make sense and thank you.

I have personally done google searches and gotten links to this travel board.

I've relocated 5 times, lived in 5 states at least -- and wish I'd had the benefit of some people's comments here. In the last 2 moves, I had exactly 1 week to go househunting, and we really weren't in a position to rent out our house and rent a house in the new area before we actually chose a town or neighborhood (had to commit to a school system, etc.) Both times, we came out more or less okay, although knowing what I now know, I would have chosen otherwise.

So next time -- and I pray there's only one more time, moving is a major hassle even for the young and subsidized -- I will probably plan to rent first and then buy -- but I'll start here!

There is website that will help people locate you using your old address: just register at http://www.irelocated.com