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While the state of North Carolina as a whole is somewhat conservative - how about Raleigh-Durham? The area is clean and green, with four distinct but not extreme seasons, modern infrastructure, top notch schools and universities, diverse population, and plenty of cultural and outdoor amenities.
But if you're set on either south Florida or metro Portland, I think the latter region would be an easier adjustment from Orange County. South Florida has a much higher concentration of undesirable areas and the summer heat and humidity drag on for months. In my opinion a nice place to visit in the winter, but not so much to live. Portland is a much more balanced region, and you could capitalize on the advantages of a Washington residence and shopping and other activities in Oregon.
BTW I was raised in Irvine ... which wasn't cheap a generation ago, but is now beyond ridiculous when modest homes on tiny lots are selling for seven figures. Moving out of Orange County in the late 1990s was one of the best decisions I ever made.
I know the Raleigh area quite well and I really don't like it. Looks like we're considering Portland, ME again. Visiting next week and the making our decision in May. Too much choice America!!!!
I chose Portland (OR) and Sacto. I haven't been to ANY of the cities listed though, and I know I'd be fine with Portland, ME if it weren't such a small city (relative to what I'm used to). Admittedly, I have little interest in living in ABQ or Miami, but would love to visit both (and maybe I'll change my mind).
*P.S. My advice would be to not overlook living in the cities themselves. Many cities have great inner-city neighborhoods with strong schools and are safe, and those that don't are turning things around as part of urban revitalization. I grew up in the "inner city" in Minneapolis, for example, and I loved it and would raise my family there in a heartbeat!
Last edited by Min-Chi-Cbus; 03-06-2016 at 11:26 AM..
So we've done our trip to Portland. It's beautiful in the summer. Loads of stuff to do, the downtown is cool. The Washington suburbs have some great homes and very affordable. Camas was our favorite. Good schools and a lot of investment by the looks of things. The 0% income tax in Washington may be the deciding factor.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mxcolin
Off to Miami in a few weeks to do the final piece of research. At this point it's between Portland, OR and Miami.
So I wonder which the OP chose. Washington, Oregon or Miami. If he chose Camas he could travel to Portland for fun on evenings or weekends.
Camas is a very nice town that would be a great choice. Or maybe by now he's in Miami.
It's not Atlanta I worry about it's Georgia. I have concerns about raising kids in a socially conservative state. Otherwise I would be considering Austin, TX.
I'm positive Georgia and Texas wouldn't want you, either
Maybe you should stay in California, then. You shouldn't mind the expense and taxes because liberals LOVE paying high taxes ya know!
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