Best cities for young ex-Bostonians to relocate for COL, quality of life, etc. (Newton: transplants, 2013)

[Pear Martini]

This is inspired by the thread about someone being frustrated because they can't afford to buy in or around Boston.

I'm also in the same boat. No family money, educated, decent earning potential but its not enough. I GREW UP in Brookline and have rented in Boston/Newton for my whole time living up here and I simply can't imagine buying and living in some of the suggested place such as Salem, Malden, Revere, Dorcester if I'm lucky.

With my budget I will be lucky if I can buy a 1 bedroom in the outskirts of Brighton or Dorcester by the time I'm in my 30s. That would be with a 20,000-30,000 downpayment which is already super hard to save in this city.

It would actually be more conservative if I lived further out in one of the affordable towns mentioned above. Its simply not worth it to me. The winter here is depressing enough but to spend half of my home owning years living in areas I don't like is not worth it to me. The winter in Boston is depressing and I know its worse in Dedham.

So where are young, non trust fund, educated people who grew up in Boston/Brookline/Newton going? I'm not in tech...I can make 60,000 now in Boston and I'm in financial services.

I hear a lot about Texas...where can a regular person like me live in a nice city (good economy, employment opportunities, culture, weather) or near a nice city and buy a condo or small house for under 300,000?

*near beach or swimming holes
*warmer weather
*good job market
*affordable good quality of life & COL
*manageable crime

[CaseyB]

My middle daughter moved to Charlotte.

[495neighbor]

Pear, your frustration is felt by people of all ages and situations. The city vs city forum will better address your question.

[Pear Martini]

Originally Posted by CaseyB

My middle daughter moved to Charlotte.

Thank you...this one is actually on our list too! Glad to know there will be other Bostonians there.

[CaseyB]

Originally Posted by 495neighbor

Pear, your frustration is felt by people of all ages and situations. The city vs city forum will better address your question.

No, General US forum.

[CaseyB]

Originally Posted by Pear Martini

Thank you...this one is actually on our list too! Glad to know there will be other Bostonians there.

Well you said Financial services so it makes sense.

She lives in an area called the South End. Lots of young residents in that area. Light rail trains to Uptown Charlotte.

[kingeorge]

Atlanta is not bad at all. Compromise being that beach is probably 3 hours away. But you will not get it all anyway you go.
I also hear about Richmond VA being great place for younger crowd. Good luck!

[goyguy]

Beaches aren't necessarily alongside oceans. In another forum such as the 2 mentioned above, throw out the possibilities of Buffalo and Cincinnati (choices made based on core-city population.) Both are national laughingstocks along with Detroit. Plus, I was born/raised in the area of the latter & vow to never return if I can help it. However, financial-service jobs are plentiful and the distance from Boston smaller. As for beaches, those would be found along the Great Lakes ("right at" Buffalo and a 4-5 hour drive from Cincinnati.)

[jayrandom]

Not sure Buffalo is going to fly when the request is for warmer weather. Warmer than Edmonton. Not warmer than here, though.

Richmond and Jacksonville were in the top 10 for new financial industry jobs, are warmer, near the ocean, and affordable. Crime isn't great in Richmond, but maybe manageable.

The Cities That Are Stealing Finance Jobs From Wall Street

[UKWildcat1981]

I have met some Boston transplants in Nashville and most of them like it, I was shocked. I know a lot of Boston residents move to Atlanta and South Florida/Miami for a cheaper cost of living. I am surprised how many former Boston residents I have met in the South.