Should I relocate to Nashville, TN from Schaumburg?? (Chicago, Atlanta: environment, vacation)

[SPTLSS1]

I am married in my mid 30's w/ two young kids. My wife & I were born & raised in Chicago.

Frankly, I'm tired of the winters along with the pace of life and cost of living. I travel quite a bit for work and while in Nashville I really liked the area. Plus I have read mostly good things.

In a very nice Nashville suburb for $300K you can get a 3,000 new sq ft all brick house. Try doing that here...plus taxes are far less, no state income tax and a 9% sales tax (not far from ours I know).

My wife and I would basically be leaving behind everything...family, friends, jobs, etc. We would have to find work, a home, friends network, etc. Reason for choosing Nashville aside from me liking while there on business is that it's an 8 hr drive from here and my wife HATES to fly.

I guess I am calling out the locals to see what keeps you here vs going somewhere w/ a milder climate, lower cost of living, and slower pace.

Thanks. (my 4 yr old asked me to click the smiley).

[Windy City John]

If your job allows you to move to Nashville and live for cheaper GO FOR IT dude-- just realize your friends wont follow--nor will family--

How much do you rely on family for childcare or support? Holidays won't be the same-- You'll always be coming home to Chicago or celebrating with just your family.

[via chicago]

Personally, I would rather cope with a higher cost of living and reside in Chicago because I love the city. And things you don't appear to like (fast pace of life), I enjoy.

Basically, theres almost nothing that could get me to leave Chicago. Money, career..its nice and all, but personally my environment determines my happiness, not the other things. I could be making double my salary elsewhere, but its unlikely I would be enjoying myself and be at peace. I love the museums. I love the 4 changing seasons. I love the culture. I love the architecture. I love the people. I love the endless street fairs in summer. I love huddling up near the radiator with a couple good books in winter. I love the sports. I love the food, both street and fine. I love the music and arts scene. I love the neighborhoods. I love the fact I dont need to own a car and take public transportation, walk, or ride my bike anywhere I need to go.

Whether to relocate or not is a decision only you can make. I'm personally fine with living in a small cozy bungalow for the rest of my life. That may not be the same for you.

However, Schaumburg is my own personal vision of hell, so my reasons for liking/not liking Chicago I'm sure are vastly different than yours.

[ahava]

Originally Posted by SPTLSS1

I guess I am calling out the locals to see what keeps you here vs going somewhere w/ a milder climate, lower cost of living, and slower pace.

This is what keeps me here: My family is here. I love my job. I love the town where I live. My friends are here. Chicago's public transportation system is far better than almost any other city. (Well, I may not be able to say that after Jan. 20, but for now, it is.) For a short time I seriously considered moving to Seattle, but I realized that nothing close to what I have here exists out there. It depends on what's important to you. I have a close-knit family and being near them is important to me, as are good public schools (which Tennessee is not known for, fyi) and not having to drive everywhere I want to go.

[SPTLSS1]

Our famailies will never leave plus my wife is not gung ho on change so moving would be a major deal.

Living in Schaumburg we have pretty much everything we need so we rarely go into the city. Of course if we want to hit a museum, the auto show, or visit friends who live on Michigan Ave but otherwise that's about it. I was talking to my neighbor this morning and he said they are all going to the 720 club for New Years (never heard of it). I guess we need to get out more.

Just seems that everywhere I travel it is less congested and just easier going. When we have customers in town they are always amazed at two things. One is how clean the city & suburbs are for being such a major city. Two is the sheer number of people and accompanying suburbs.

The county in TN that I would move to has the highest ranking for schools in the state. Nashville schools are not great...this is one thing we take advantage of here in that the public schools for the most part are quite good. Plus with all the activities, parks, etc we have many things to offer...I'm starting to talk myself out of moving.

[ahava]

Originally Posted by SPTLSS1

Just seems that everywhere I travel it is less congested and just easier going.

You do live in Schaumburg, which is one of the most congested suburbs. Have you considered simply moving to a different suburb?

[SPTLSS1]

We really like Schaumburg since it has so much to offer plus it's close to our jobs.

We're used to the crowds & traffic.

[dmayson]

Hello

I moved to Nashville from Ft Lauderdale almost 11 years ago. It took me awhile to adjust as I was use to hot weather and going to the beach. The winters here are not to bad. There are lots of things to do and see here. I suggest you make a list of pros and cons. If you travel alot here for work, you are away from your family and friends alot any way. I am sure your family would like to see you more often.

What i suggest is taking a family vacation and get to know the area.

So in a nutshell, take the family for a visit here, get to know the area and weigh the pros and cons. If you need any information on the area. feel free to ask.

Deborah Mayson


I wish you the best in your decision

[Love Cobb]

All I can say is get ready for the whole northern vs. southern issue. I've lived in the south for 15 years now and they still view you as a "yankee". I live in metro Atlanta which has a huge northern population with a little more diversity than Nashville. I love Nashville and could probably adjust better since I've been down south so long. Good luck, Nashville is one of my favorite cities. Hope it's good for you!

[supernerdgirl]

Originally Posted by SPTLSS1

In a very nice Nashville suburb for $300K you can get a 3,000 new sq ft all brick house. Try doing that here...plus taxes are far less, no state income tax and a 9% sales tax (not far from ours I know).

it's 9% sales tax on EVERYTHING, including groceries... well, if the groceries meet some special rule, they might knock it down to 8.25% for ya.

and i'm guessing you want to move to Williamson County? that area is basically Schaumburg with more hills. (unless you live in downtown Franklin, and I don't think that's in your price range.)