Thoughts on relocating to Ft. Worth from Las Vegas, NV (Fort Worth: rent, credit)

[djslakor]

I'm originally from a smaller town about 2 hrs NW of DFW.

I moved to Las Vegas in late 2002 with a few thousand in my pocket and no job lined up, so I know what it's like to take a risk and make a jump. However, this go round I have something to lose.

I'm currently employed by a small business earning a little over 70k/yr as a software engineer & accountant (many hats, don't ask). I hold a B.S. Comp Sci degree as well as a finance MBA, both from accredited programs (the real accreditations, ABET & AACSB).

I've just turned 33 yrs old, no wife, no kids. I only have myself to take care of.

I've saved up about 160 grand, and am starting to think I'd like to buy a home, most likely a simple 1300sq ft home (for the lower property taxes) with cash to check that life to-do off the list.

Homes in DFW are so much nicer than they are in Las Vegas. If you've been here, you'll know what I mean.

So, my question of general advice is ... if you were in my situation, would you give up a 70k/yr job to try a new city with nothing new lined up? I work mostly in web development (PHP/Javascript/HTML/CSS/Linux skills 10yrs+ exp) and have managed the accounting, financial decisions, and strategies for an Inc 500 business for many years. I don't think I'm the cat's meow, but I have decent experience demonstrating measurable accomplishments.

I just feel it in my gut that it's time for a change, and I feel I have a pretty safe buffer to carry me. My sister also lives in FW and would rent me a room cheaply while I look, etc.. Anyone else move there from Vegas? Any sage advice would be appreciated.

[ebuch]

I personally wouldn't ever move til I had a job lined up... See economy.

[ChristieP]

Originally Posted by ebuch

I personally wouldn't ever move til I had a job lined up... See economy.

I completely agree. Yes, the unemployment rate here is much lower than in Vegas, but we still have a lot of unemployed people. And, the DFW area is HUGE! If you decide to live in Fort Worth, and you find a job in Plano, you are going to spend 2 hours a day in your car and you will hate it here. Better to start looking for a job now, get it, and then move down.