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Relocating anywhere in the USA, originally from the Northeast, ten years out West, smaller population town, nature friendly, decent growing season, Limited Energy or Renewable Energy field, solar and wind
Hi all, I have been surfing city data forums for a few weeks, and I am looking to relocate somewhere. I currently live in Oregon, and I want to move out of state. I am originally from the Northeast U.S., been out west for 10 plus years. I have found myself in a position where I can relocate to anywhere I want within the United States. problem is, I can't decide where to go. I don't have any issue's with weather (except the Gulf hurricane issues) as far as cold, rain, heat goes.
I have been in the telecommunications field for over 12 years, and I am looking for a change in the Limited Energy, or the Renewable Energy field (solar,wind,hydro). I am in the process of obtaining a NICET certification, and getting a license in a particular state shouldn't be a problem for me (I hope!).
Anyway, can I get some suggestions as to where to look into?
We like living in a smaller population, but be close enough to a large metro area for the usual things.
Like to be in a housing market under 325k, 3-4bd,2bth, 1800-2200 sqft.
married (under 40), 2 kids under 6 yrs old, decent school system. Would prefer to be in an area with a decent grow season, we are nature/environment friendly.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. We are not in a rush, but would like to be someplace new by spring '08.
What is motivating you to move?
Your options are almost limitless. My husband and I just relocated to the Kansas City, MO area. We really love it here. We are from NJ and the difference here in the people is amazing. The people here are warm and friendly; they are not in a rush but not super slow, either. Strangers say hello when they walk past you; people wave if you drive by their home. Many people who haven't been to the midwest think there is nothing but cows out here. That is totally false. Every amenity we had in NJ (except for Broadway), we have found out here. Same stores, same restaurants; there are clubs, museums, casinos, etc. Kansas City has so much to offer, and it is surrounded by perhaps a 25-30 mile donut of suburban area, and then it is country. You get the best of all three worlds. My husband and I are particularly interested in Parkville, a suburb near KC. Their school district was on U.S. News and World Report's list of Top 200 Schools in America. There are other towns (North Kansas City, Lee's Summit, Liberty, Kearney) and school systems in the area as well that are rated well. Many of the towns have a small, walkable downtown area, which I personally love. For your price range, you could get a beautiful home with plenty of space. There are all 4 seasons here. I have no idea what the job market here is like for what you do but I would encourage you to consider it. Best wishes.
Location: Midessa, Texas Home Yangzhou, Jiangsu temporarily
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Renewable energy you say? I have the place for you, while not all of it is renewable, it does have an emphasis on new energy technology. Midland/Odessa Texas. It has long been know as the center of Texas' petroleum production, but now it is branching out into other forms of energy. Wind is the most common. Of the ten new wind farm projects planned for Texas, eight are in West Texas. In addition the are area is also exploring clean coal technology (the futuregen project in Penwell just outside of Odessa) and melt down proof nuclear (the H3TR project in Andrews county just north of Odessa). There is also a number of Ethanol plants in West Texas. If you are serious about energy, there is one clear choice.
thanks for the suggestions. I didnt even think of those places. I have been looking into the denver area mostly.
The only motivation I have is being I cant get a job making the salary i was in where I am at now, and a move is inevitable, I figured if I gotta move, I might as well MOVE. we have no family out on this side of the US, (except seattle) and anywhere towards the east would be a lot closer to other family we have. We have family in colorado, and st loius. KC is right in between both. Texas is close to Co. so both are worth looking into.
Take a look at Edwardsville, Illinois. Great schools, good prices for homes and just 30 minutes from St. Louis. $325k would put you in a nice neighborhood with a house around 3000 square feet and up. And, St. Louis is a great city with a wonderful Botanical Garden, Zoo (which is FREE!), Science Center (Free!) that is awesome, Grant's Farm (Free!), Anheuser-Busch tours with the beautiful horse stables (free), beautiful theater (The Fabulous Fox), great outdoor theater (The Muny), great Italian restaurants (The Hill area), Blueberry Hill (little rhythm and blues for ya), Blues Hockey, Cards Baseball, Rams Football and .... (drumroll please...) THE ARCH! And Edwardsville is a bedroom community with a University, great YMCA, quaint downtown area and the schools are so, so so, so good. I've lived in NC, Fl, TX, IA and now here. Love it here for me, my husband and my kids. Oh, and lest I forget - the bike trails. Do an Internet search on rails to trails Madison County Illinois. We have one of the most impressive bike trail systems in the U.S. Cost of living is not bad here, either. Hope that helps!
Just moving this thread up, anyone have any other suggestions?
I went out to Denver to visit family, and have been reading the Colorado forums for awhile. The more I read them, the more I think I may not like the Denver area. I have lived there before, and have family there, with kids close in age to mine, thats what the motivating factor for Denver is, but I am still open to other suggestions on different areas/cities to research. I have been thinking of Portland, Ore., or Seattle as of late. Some east coast family members have mentioned North Carolina to me, but it just doesn't seem to "jump out" at me.
Thanks in advance.
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