Is Atlanta a Good Place To Settle Down? (Alpharetta, Washington: fit in, home)

[DennyCrane]

Is Atlanta a good place to settle down? I realize that's a pretty broad question. So let me spell out my dilemma. I moved here 3 years ago to escape the harsh winters of the Midwest. While I can't say I love it here, I don't hate it either. It's affordable, there are plenty of jobs in my field, and except for July and August, I like the weather. But culturally, I do feel out of sorts. I'm not religious, not politically conservative, and not a sports fan. I'm now debating moving to the Washington DC area. Why DC? First, there are lots of jobs there in my industry. Second, I have family in Virginia. And third, I feel like it would be a better fit in terms of the culture and I know there would be a lot more to do than there is here. Wanting to be near family is a big factor. My parents will most likely be relocating to Virginia. They're getting up there in age. And while they haven't had any serious health issues yet, I know that could change as they enter into their 70s. Frankly, I'd feel better if I was closer in case they needed help.

So here's what's holding me back. First, DC is EXPENSIVE. After looking at the cost of housing, I know the kind of home I'd want would cost 50% more than it does here. While my salary would go up, I know it wouldn't go up more than maybe 15%. The job I have now isn't ideal, but it would be hard to find something this good in DC. Second, DC is colder than Atlanta. It's not as bad as the Midwest. But the older I get, the less tolerant I am of cold temperatures. Third, I've made some good friends here. No one really close, but still a decent group to hang out with. Moving to DC would mean starting over and I know from reading the DC forum that making friends there isn't easy since everyone is so career-oriented. Schools aren't an issue since I have no kids.

I'm at a point in my life where I need to commit. On the one hand, I can't see myself staying here for the long term. But on the other hand, I wonder if the high cost of living and colder weather of DC will just make life there miserable. Obviously, we all have different priorities. For some, career matters more than weather. For others, it's family. But any advice you can offer would be appreciated.

[George Chong]

What part of Atlanta do you live in?

[Born 2 Roll]

Since you've already got a good foundation in Atlanta in terms of a good group of friends and you like the lower cost-of-living and warmer weather in Atlanta, maybe you should just stick it out in Atlanta and continue build on what you've already got going, which doesn't sound like it is all that bad and seems to have some potential.

[DennyCrane]

Originally Posted by George Chong

What part of Atlanta do you live in?

I'm near Perimeter Mall. I've thought about moving inside the perimeter, but I work up in Alpharetta. A 20 minute commute is pretty nice. I doubt I'd find that in DC.

[DaBurgh]

I wouldn't let the weather be the deciding factor - if you make enough $, you can get away on vacation(s).

[bhammaster]

I'd just move to DC.

You have family there and you already think there would be more to do, so why not?

[jsvh]

Originally Posted by DennyCrane

I'm near Perimeter Mall. I've thought about moving inside the perimeter, but I work up in Alpharetta. A 20 minute commute is pretty nice. I doubt I'd find that in DC.

Atlanta offers about any lifestyle you want to live for cheaper than most places. I think you might need a move. I think you could find what you are looking for in Midtown or Eastside in-town. You said you have lots of job prospects, so unless your current job is next to MARTA you may want to consider looking for new job with a short in town commute maybe even bike or take transit. Of course if you really want to give DC a try you should go for it.

[residinghere2007]

Originally Posted by bhammaster

I'd just move to DC.

You have family there and you already think there would be more to do, so why not?

I agree with this.

I have toyed with the idea of moving to DC as well due to increase in salary but housing costs are soooooo much more than here or in the Midwest and the husband would rather we move closer to "home" than to DC. We are both from the Great Lakes area.

I also have family there and job prospects in my field would actually increase my salary about 30% or more but I am cheap and know I wouldn't spend the money to live in DC and I am not a fan of suburban living. I wouldn't even mind living in the hood in DC but it is more expensive to live in hood DC than a nice area here lol.

[Iconographer]

I think you should go. It sounds like you want to.

[MattCW]

By the numbers, D.C. isn't significantly colder than Atlanta, more mild actually with an average low temperature only 4 degrees lower, and an average high temperature only 5 degrees lower than Atlanta. I say go for it.