single mom (Charlotte, Washington: real estate, rent, daycare)

[dawn36]

looking to move and make life better..... scared and looking for positives in NC

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by dawn36

looking to move and make life better..... scared and looking for positives in NC

You gotta give us something to work with! What kind of job will you need? Have you started looking for a job here? Money for downpayment on house or renting an apt? Need daycare?

Let me put it this way. It is very hard for single mothers to make a life here or anywhere unless they have a decent job w/ health benefits and child support. So just moving from NJ to NC hoping for a better life . . . unless you will have more money here . . . or something is substantially different - like lower rent here . . . then I don't think it would change your life at all for the better.

So it all depends on how you will be able to support yourself and your child.

[Mollym313]

Originally Posted by dawn36

looking to move and make life better..... scared and looking for positives in NC

Where abouts in NC are you thinking about moving?

[Brooklyn_QueenBee]

Single mom moved from NYC to Charlotte. Since, I don't know what you particulary want, I will answer on my own prospects.

I have more time with teenage daughter. She's able to grow here without the stress of NYC. My daughter is looking forward to having a car for her 16th birthday. Ability to be an average teen without the fast life. I have more time in 13 years in Real Estate than I ever had before. No more long hours or feeling over extended. We now have a quiet life that is full of so much promise. Nothing could beat Charlotte beauty, weather, , friendly faces, lower housing costs with so much more than NYC [big plus].

[FortMillBound]

Arussell above gave you some excellent points. I too enjoy much more time with my daughter versus the Washington DC area. No more 1 1/2 hour commutes!

That being said, I will point out the most important thing about relocating as a single parent. That is your support system. That is, who can you call when you are sick or injured on a moment's notice to take care of your child?

Who do you call now? Your child's father? Your parents? Close friends? Who will you call on after you move here?

I bring this up because I had a stroke, as a single parent of a 2 year old. I had no family in the DC area so I relied on co-workers and acquaintances to care for my child while I was hauled off in a ambulance and for hospital stays. No one knows when your health will suddenly trip you up. So you have to be prepared just in case.

I moved here BECAUSE my brother is here. Now, I can call on him at the drop of hat if my health falters again.

So, please keep in mind how tenuous a single parent's situation is in a time of crisis and don't leave behind your support system.