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I'm a 30-year-old single female who has lived in a small town in new England most of my life. I am looking to move somewhere new where I can have a fresh start. The dating scene where I live is almost nonexistent. I currently work as a secretary and have work in childcare so I would like to stay in one of those two fields in my new city. Another big reason I want to leave my current town is weather. The winters here are way too long and seem to drag on forever. I don't mind some snow but when you're getting 18 plus inches of dropped on you several times a winter it gets to be a little much. I would love a city that only gets small amounts of snow if any during the year. rent wise I'm looking to pay no more than $1400 a month and would love for the city to have some form of public transportation. Anyone have any good suggestions?
Seattle has a male-female imbalance related to the tech industry. In most years snow might last a day or two. Transit is better than most. Just expect to pay more.
I’d take a look at the Southeastern Sunbelt, like the Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Tampa, or Atlanta metros. Very little if any snow. All are big enough to find a social life and gainful employment. Rents are in your budget. All have buses (Atlanta also has MARTA), but they’re all still very car-oriented, so you’d need a car to get around. It’s a part of the country you might like, but a real change from New England.
Virginia Beach area will take the edge off of suffering though long dreary winters away. Also would not be a big adjustment of going from a small town to a busltling city. Though if lack of public transportation is a deal breaker this might not work.
People inconceivably chirp about Washington DC being "too expensive" without even looking. It's a great city for young professionals with tons of options for meeting people ranging from the traditional bar scene to social groups for every sport/hobby/interest imaginable. Attached you'll see a link to a list of desirable apartments under $1400 a month in a city where salaries will be at the top of your pay range. The transit system is about as good as it gets outside of NYC and is largely quite safe despite higher crime rates, where nearly all random crimes are in areas you'd never set foot in. Check out buildings like 4801 Connecticut, 2800 Woodley, The Croydon, The State House, The Saratoga or 4107 Connecticut.
With your skill set as a secretary/childcare worker you might look at military towns/cities. The Fed Gov is paying a minimum $15 per hour, and childcare workers are always in demand on military bases. Secretary (or Unit Program Coordinators) rotate frequently. Many locations probably pay a bit more. Oklahoma City has Tinker Air Force Base, and the Embark Transit System. Not sure how great a transit system it is. Other places might be St Louis, Tampa Bay, Dayton, OH, Charleston, SC just to name a few. Seattle as mentioned above has an extensive Navy, Army, A.F. presence in the area too. Good luck searching. You've got lots of choices.
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