Make Me Move! :-)

lrn327

So DH and I have always live in the same general area (major city in the South), but love traveling and have always been itching to live somewhere else.  While we love the business of the big city, we still have lots of crime, bad schools, bad air quality, and poor public transportation with MAJOR traffic.  Most of our family lives near us, but with the exception of DH's parents, it won't be earth shattering for anyone if we moved away.  At this point, unless we move way out in the 'burbs (which would make us poke our eyeballs!), we'll have to send C to very expensive private school.  As DH put it, he's too smart to send him to school in the state with the worst schools in the nation. 

So in the next 2-3 years, we think we'd like to move.  It would be a great time for both DH and I professionally (energy sales and university admin), we'll be ready to sell our condo, and C will get settled before starting real school.  We're thinking Pacific NW or maybe mid-Atlantic or even Northeast.  We'd like the opposite of what we have now - great schools, lower crime, better air quality, good public transit options but would still love to be in at least a moderate-sized city.  So please help us pick where to live!  :-)

jarebearsmom

No!!! No one help her! Unless you are moving 4 hours south!

Coltsdad

Can't really help you much here... we aren't in a section of country you listed.  We do live in a good sized city with the largest children's museum, a good zoo, and lots of sports options.   Don't know what your crime rate is, but this year has been bad for homicide here, one of the worst for the city ever (most of it has been relatively localized in the lower income sections of town) and our public transit options are minimal currently.

I know that the east coast can be pricey for cost of living... not as bad as California, but in Baltimore a house that goes for 300K there (and we aren't talking huge) can sell for half that here in Indiana.

Cheekers2010

Ah, Portland. HELLO!

tiffanyp

Where do you live now? I need to know what your idea of a "major" city is before I can properly make a suggestion My husband is from NY, so I had to convince him that Chicago was a major city. 

I lived in North Carolina (the Raleigh/Durham area) for a couple years, and I always thought it was a great choice for raising a family. It has a very reasonable cost of living, but there are a good number of job opportunities for a smaller market city. I'm not sure how the schools are since we didn't have kids at the time, but I imagine there are at least some neighborhoods with good schools. I always thought Charlotte NC would be good too, but if you need a job at a university then there are probably a lot more options in Raleigh/Durham (or Chapel Hill...). Anyway, I loved it there, and I'm guessing it wouldn't be too far from your family if they are in the South somewhere. Plus the winters wouldn't kill you like they would in the Northeast (just a hunch that you have thin skin after being in the South for so long...). 

EMOmamma

While not on your list CO, specifically NW Denver, is a nice place to be.

https://www.5280.com/magazine/2012/12/reasons-love-denver

lrn327

jarebearsmom said:

No!!! No one help her! Unless you are moving 4 hours south!

Ha ha!   you JBM!

lrn327

Coltsdad said:

Can't really help you much here... we aren't in a section of country you listed.  We do live in a good sized city with the largest children's museum, a good zoo, and lots of sports options.   Don't know what your crime rate is, but this year has been bad for homicide here, one of the worst for the city ever (most of it has been relatively localized in the lower income sections of town) and our public transit options are minimal currently.

I know that the east coast can be pricey for cost of living... not as bad as California, but in Baltimore a house that goes for 300K there (and we aren't talking huge) can sell for half that here in Indiana.

@Coltsdad, our crime rate is pretty high!  And unfortunately 300K won't even get you a house here in a nice part of the city.  We live in a condo right now.

lrn327

tiffanyp said:

Where do you live now? I need to know what your idea of a "major" city is before I can properly make a suggestion My husband is from NY, so I had to convince him that Chicago was a major city. 

I lived in North Carolina (the Raleigh/Durham area) for a couple years, and I always thought it was a great choice for raising a family. It has a very reasonable cost of living, but there are a good number of job opportunities for a smaller market city. I'm not sure how the schools are since we didn't have kids at the time, but I imagine there are at least some neighborhoods with good schools. I always thought Charlotte NC would be good too, but if you need a job at a university then there are probably a lot more options in Raleigh/Durham (or Chapel Hill...). Anyway, I loved it there, and I'm guessing it wouldn't be too far from your family if they are in the South somewhere. Plus the winters wouldn't kill you like they would in the Northeast (just a hunch that you have thin skin after being in the South for so long...). 

@tiffanyp, we live in Atlanta.  Our weather is fairly similar to Raleigh and Charlotte actually.  We've thought about both options, but schools can be hit or miss.  DH and I both do like Raleigh quite a bit but maybe need more of a city feel.  We both dislike hot weather too so while NE winters might be a bit much, we're not too scared.  ;-)

lrn327

Cheekers2010 said:

Ah, Portland. HELLO!

@Cheekers2010, I know, it's definitely on our list!  We have friends that just moved there too to work for Nike.  They love it, and I know you do too!  Are there particularly good areas to consider for schools?  Any areas you don't love?

lrn327

EMO-mamma said:

While not on your list CO, specifically NW Denver, is a nice place to be. https://www.5280.com/magazine/2012/12/reasons-love-denver

Thanks @EMO-mamma!  We've definitely not written it out!  Denver probably would tick off a lot of our boxes. :-)

tiffanyp

I had a feeling it was Atlanta. There aren't too many major cities in the South If you can find good jobs there, then Charlotte would be perfect. It would only be a 3-4 hour drive to visit your families. As someone who lives 2000 miles away from her family and 3000 miles from DH's family, I can tell you that it is a PITA to live so far away from everyone. We never get to take real vacations since we always have to visit family (and it's expensive to fly across the country). 

I also think Pittsburgh is one of the most underrated cities, and if you're really not afraid of the cold, then Chicago is a great city (although you'd have to live in a good neighborhood or a nice suburb if you wanted good schools). 

LibberDuck

I grew up in a fairly rural town outside of Rochester, NY and I would recommend the Rochester area to anyone with kids. Some of the schools in the neaby suburbs of the city are among the best public schools in the nation. There are many colleges in the area, the best grocery store EVER (hello Wegmans!), and many things to do with kids year round. Homes are affordable, though taxes are admittedly on the higher side. There is an amazing children's museum, an zoo, art galleries, a science museum, and did I mention Wegmans?? I would still be living in the area if it weren't for DHs job bringing us to the middle of nowhere Texas. It is centrally located, only an hour from Buffalo (home of an NFL team and NHL team) and an hour and a half from Syracuse. Only a few hours from the Adirondack mountains and Albany. Crime rates aren't wonderful in certain parts of the city, but I think that will be true anywhere.

I'm sorry for the rambling post, can you tell I'm a little homesick? I really love that area. You can easily find something to do every weekend and there are many family-friendly events.

bosha711

Come to nj where you are pretty much always close to everything - cities, farms, pine barrens, the beach. You can be close to NYC and close to Philly. You can be in a suburb, but still be near malls, movie theaters, museums, parks, sporting arenas, grocery stores, etc.

Oh & we also have wegmans. ;;)

missmuffin87

Well since no one has mentioned the Boston area.. I guess I'll put it out there that MA is obvs the best because of the schools, and the bazillion colleges you could work at, and I'm pretty sure I've heard that there's a lot of growth in the energy industry here these days. Most places are very low crime. I like the burbs in MA, don't think they're boring at all. There's lots of targets and shopping plazas (I could never live more than 10 mins from a target or craft store). Lots of people live in the burbs and take the commuter rail into boston for work, so you don't have to live in the city or even drive there to work there.... Oh and we have a wegman's now too, so there's that :P 

Cheekers2010

lrn327 said:

Cheekers2010 said:

Ah, Portland. HELLO!

@Cheekers2010, I know, it's definitely on our list!  We have friends that just moved there too to work for Nike.  They love it, and I know you do too!  Are there particularly good areas to consider for schools?  Any areas you don't love?

Yes, definitely. Some of the metro Portland area schools suffer in comparison to others tho most are pretty good. One thing I love about the schools here is the availability of Charter schools and language immersion, etc, in the public school system. But, like anywhere, there are definitely schools that are struggling. I'm not sure where exactly you'd be looking but if you are serious sout the area I can always do some extra digging for you.

lrn327

Cheekers2010 said:

lrn327 said:

Cheekers2010 said:

Ah, Portland. HELLO!

@Cheekers2010, I know, it's definitely on our list!  We have friends that just moved there too to work for Nike.  They love it, and I know you do too!  Are there particularly good areas to consider for schools?  Any areas you don't love?

Yes, definitely. Some of the metro Portland area schools suffer in comparison to others tho most are pretty good. One thing I love about the schools here is the availability of Charter schools and language immersion, etc, in the public school system. But, like anywhere, there are definitely schools that are struggling. I'm not sure where exactly you'd be looking but if you are serious sout the area I can always do some extra digging for you.

Thanks!  I'd love those school options.  We have a few charter schools but they're always struggling long-term (getting charters revoked, etc) and we definitely don't have any language opportunities outside of private schools or until high school.  I'll definitely keep you posted if any additional info would be helpful.  (I really appreciate the offer.)  DH and I are thinking of making a trip sometime over the next 6 months to the PNW (maybe Portland and Seattle) to see what we think. 

enjoylife

Just wanted to wish you good luck on your search for a new place to live. I'm in AZ so I live on the sun, literally, but wouldn't probably choose anywhere else to live since all my family and lots of H's family live here and we both have good jobs and moved to one of the better neighborhoods after A was born. Our winters are gorgeous but the summer heat isn't for everyone.

jnicolen1

i think youve got some great ones listed.  porland, denver, boston (my husband is from boston and LOVES it).

i also think seattle is great....if you dont mind the rain.  its beautiful, lots to do, and the city is awesome...with fantastic islands nearby.

lrn327

tiffanyp said:

I had a feeling it was Atlanta. There aren't too many major cities in the South If you can find good jobs there, then Charlotte would be perfect. It would only be a 3-4 hour drive to visit your families. As someone who lives 2000 miles away from her family and 3000 miles from DH's family, I can tell you that it is a PITA to live so far away from everyone. We never get to take real vacations since we always have to visit family (and it's expensive to fly across the country). 

I also think Pittsburgh is one of the most underrated cities, and if you're really not afraid of the cold, then Chicago is a great city (although you'd have to live in a good neighborhood or a nice suburb if you wanted good schools). 

I've seen Pittsburgh mentioned a couple times, will need to check it out!  My co-worker is from Charlotte. He doesn't love it, but then again, he doesn't have a family with kids to think about.  Totally different priorities!

lrn327

bosha711 said:

Come to nj where you are pretty much always close to everything - cities, farms, pine barrens, the beach. You can be close to NYC and close to Philly. You can be in a suburb, but still be near malls, movie theaters, museums, parks, sporting arenas, grocery stores, etc. Oh & we also have wegmans. ;;)

Must try Wegmans sometimes!  Thanks for the suggestion on NJ.  I know there are definitely so beautiful places that probably haven't been on my radar so will take a look.

lrn327

LibberDuck said:

I grew up in a fairly rural town outside of Rochester, NY and I would recommend the Rochester area to anyone with kids. Some of the schools in the neaby suburbs of the city are among the best public schools in the nation. There are many colleges in the area, the best grocery store EVER (hello Wegmans!), and many things to do with kids year round. Homes are affordable, though taxes are admittedly on the higher side. There is an amazing children's museum, an zoo, art galleries, a science museum, and did I mention Wegmans?? I would still be living in the area if it weren't for DHs job bringing us to the middle of nowhere Texas. It is centrally located, only an hour from Buffalo (home of an NFL team and NHL team) and an hour and a half from Syracuse. Only a few hours from the Adirondack mountains and Albany. Crime rates aren't wonderful in certain parts of the city, but I think that will be true anywhere. I'm sorry for the rambling post, can you tell I'm a little homesick? I really love that area. You can easily find something to do every weekend and there are many family-friendly events.

Rochester sounds like a neat place!  I'm going to assume lots of snow which we love, but don't really know how to deal with.  Will you move back there someday?  Should I assume your DH works in oil?  We had a good friend and a cousin both working for the same oil company that got stationed in similar locales.  It's tough!

lrn327

missmuffin87 said:

Well since no one has mentioned the Boston area.. I guess I'll put it out there that MA is obvs the best because of the schools, and the bazillion colleges you could work at, and I'm pretty sure I've heard that there's a lot of growth in the energy industry here these days. Most places are very low crime. I like the burbs in MA, don't think they're boring at all. There's lots of targets and shopping plazas (I could never live more than 10 mins from a target or craft store). Lots of people live in the burbs and take the commuter rail into boston for work, so you don't have to live in the city or even drive there to work there.... Oh and we have a wegman's now too, so there's that :P 

We loved Boston from our trip there and so did DS!  We definitely have Boston on the list of options.  Sure our housing would be more expensive, but schools can't be beat so savings there!

lrn327

enjoylife said:

Just wanted to wish you good luck on your search for a new place to live. I'm in AZ so I live on the sun, literally, but wouldn't probably choose anywhere else to live since all my family and lots of H's family live here and we both have good jobs and moved to one of the better neighborhoods after A was born. Our winters are gorgeous but the summer heat isn't for everyone.

I hear you!  My mom lived in FL and just love, love, loves the heat too.  Thanks for the good wishes!

lrn327

jnicolen1 said:

i think youve got some great ones listed.  porland, denver, boston (my husband is from boston and LOVES it).

i also think seattle is great....if you dont mind the rain.  its beautiful, lots to do, and the city is awesome...with fantastic islands nearby.

Thanks!  We're kind of excited to visit Seattle.  We do have some extended family there.  I looked up the rain counts compared to our current location and it's about 30 more rainy days per year.  It will be a little change but not as bad as I thought!

LibberDuck

lrn327 said:

LibberDuck said:

I grew up in a fairly rural town outside of Rochester, NY and I would recommend the Rochester area to anyone with kids. Some of the schools in the neaby suburbs of the city are among the best public schools in the nation. There are many colleges in the area, the best grocery store EVER (hello Wegmans!), and many things to do with kids year round. Homes are affordable, though taxes are admittedly on the higher side. There is an amazing children's museum, an zoo, art galleries, a science museum, and did I mention Wegmans?? I would still be living in the area if it weren't for DHs job bringing us to the middle of nowhere Texas. It is centrally located, only an hour from Buffalo (home of an NFL team and NHL team) and an hour and a half from Syracuse. Only a few hours from the Adirondack mountains and Albany. Crime rates aren't wonderful in certain parts of the city, but I think that will be true anywhere.

I'm sorry for the rambling post, can you tell I'm a little homesick? I really love that area. You can easily find something to do every weekend and there are many family-friendly events.

Rochester sounds like a neat place!  I'm going to assume lots of snow which we love, but don't really know how to deal with.  Will you move back there someday?  Should I assume your DH works in oil?  We had a good friend and a cousin both working for the same oil company that got stationed in similar locales.  It's tough!


I don't know if we will ever move back... at this point we would be happy with anywhere in the northeast that gets us within a days drive of family. There can be a lot of snow, but it just depends on the year. A couple years ago, they hardly got any at all! And no, DH isn't in oil, he's in federal law enforcement - though he'd probably make more working for the oil companies! He really loves his job, it's just living here that is tough.

dee12807

lrn327 said:

bosha711 said:

Come to nj where you are pretty much always close to everything - cities, farms, pine barrens, the beach. You can be close to NYC and close to Philly. You can be in a suburb, but still be near malls, movie theaters, museums, parks, sporting arenas, grocery stores, etc.

Oh & we also have wegmans. ;;)

Must try Wegmans sometimes!  Thanks for the suggestion on NJ.  I know there are definitely so beautiful places that probably haven't been on my radar so will take a look.


I would have to vote NJ also (born and raised here...). I personally don't like cities (I'm only in the town I'm in because we're 10 minutes from the beach!) but my future sister-in-law works/lived in Philly and has so many great things to say about it (lots to do, many good areas, great public transportation) but I don't know anything about the schools and cost if living.

I havn't been to Boston since I was little, but am dying to go now with the kids. Everyone always had so many good things to say about it. Good luck!

theuntaggablek

Nothing much to add, other than:
a) Wegmans is pretty great;
b) I hear you on suburbs, eye-poking & air pollution concerns;
c) home is where the heart is;
d) any city would be lucky to have you!

My husband is a native Charlottean and would endorse it, but my feelings are decidedly mixed.

theuntaggablek

I forgot about CD's orange obsession. Syracuse it is!

keags5496

Something else to think about. There are some suburby but fairly hip places in Ct that are an hour from NYC and a few from Boston. Schools are good and there's lots of colleges in the Hartford area. West Hartford is a cool little community.

You do had to deal with New England winters but they're not so bad!

lrn327

ken&kendra said:

Nothing much to add, other than: a) Wegmans is pretty great; b) I hear you on suburbs, eye-poking & air pollution concerns; c) home is where the heart is; d) any city would be lucky to have you! My husband is a native Charlottean and would endorse it, but my feelings are decidedly mixed.

Ahh, thank you, you're so sweet!  And yes, C LOVES orange so Syracuse would be perfect, haha!

lrn327

keags5496 said:

Something else to think about. There are some suburby but fairly hip places in Ct that are an hour from NYC and a few from Boston. Schools are good and there's lots of colleges in the Hartford area. West Hartford is a cool little community. You do had to deal with New England winters but they're not so bad!

DH and you were thinking the same thing!  He mentioned CT yesterday.  So many things to think about, thanks!

jnicolen1

reading all of these makes me so jealous that you have the ability to choose a place and go!  The job market for my DH's career is slim pickings!  we so miss the seasons...and being able to afford a house!

lrn327

jnicolen1 said:

reading all of these makes me so jealous that you have the ability to choose a place and go!  The job market for my DH's career is slim pickings!  we so miss the seasons...and being able to afford a house!

Ah, I'm sorry.  :-(  We both are in pretty general fields, but there is so much to coordinate (find two new jobs, sell house, find good school for C), that it does seem a bit overwhelming.  Is there a related field your DH could transition too?  What does he do?