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Hi everyone,
We're in our mid-twenties, self-employed and have two little kids. We used to live in Boston, which was great, but too crowded and cold for us. Now we're temporary in Florida running away from snow winters and looking for a place to be our new home.
Here is what really matters for us:
1. Climate. Mild winter is a must. Not too hot summers would be great since we love to be outdoors. Also we are typically out of country in the middle of summer for a month or two traveling to homeland.
2. Warm ocean or lake to swim, fish and boat
3. Large house in a private lot with huge backyard and garage, plenty of space to park at least two cars and an RV, space to play for kids.
4. Safe neighborhood
5. Should be close to a city so we can enjoy some culture life, say, once a week.
6. Lot's of parks and outdoor activities. Convenient location to explore other states and attractions around.
7. Affordable real estate prices: we plan to rent at first and buy a house in couple years
8. Good public schools are a plus (we think about homeschooling our kids, but haven't made final decision yet)
-- Not that important but would be nice to have:
9. Convenient location for flights to Europe
10. Diversity
11. IT jobs around if I decide to work for a company one day
12. Walkability to parks or playgrounds
I've done my homework reading tones of info, facts and opinions about different cities. We've also considered San Diego, West Palm FL, Savannah and Charleston. But stopped on Virginia Beach area and Austin. Please help to compare these areas, what is better to raise a family and why? Please share your experience.
I would count San Diego out as it is VERY crowded and very expensive. Austin is great as well as Hampton Roads. What about staying in FL? I used to live there and it's a great place to live for families....especially just outside Orlando.
It would choose Hampton Roads for the location, but Austin is a cool town its just more of a place to visit for me.
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