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First of all, I love this forum. Collectively, the thousands of posters here do provide great insight into our cities.
Second, I am not gay (not that there's anything wrong with it) nor am I a male nurse. Just happen to love the movie.
I have lived in Texas nearly all my life. 9 years in Austin (just a great, great city) and 20+ in Corpus, a ****hole. But, it's cheap.
I have some money saved up and realized that I am at that age where it's now or never. I've never lived outside of Texas, and I want a new life. I have a degree and a good employment record. I have experience in sales, tech, and restaurant experience (not just waiter).
So, why these five cities? 1. They're all in cool to cold climate. I want to experience four seasons and I'm tired of 85 degree days in December (yes, I will be begging for them after a few Philly winters, I know). 2. I have friends/job contacts here, so employment may be easier.
I'm also open to your suggestions, though I do want to avoid the deep south due to climate and culture. Would consider the Midwest, but I worry about job prospects. I love CAlifornia, but it's likely too expensive.
I also realize that on my budget, I would most likely have to live in a suburb. I'd like to get a 2 br for about 1000 if possible.
Thoughts?
Oh also, schools will be important as my 7 year old son will be with me.
Of your list in terms of budget I would point you toward Denver. You'll get more for your money there and it's less of a rat race. You might give the Midwest a bit more thought as cities like Madison, Des Moines, Omaha and Ann Arbor have very low unemployment rates, good schools and a moderate cost of living.
Denver is the most affordable of those, and NOVA has the best unemployment rate.
The Midwest west of Lake Michigan has very healthy unemployment rates, and it's cheaper than most of the places you've listed. No need to worry about job prospects there, and the schools are great.
Unless you can live with endless grey skies - I'm not talking about rain which really isn't even an issue for me - but the grey skies are - don't move to Seattle. I have been here since 1983 - can't wait for hubby to retire so we can leave.
Also cheap it is not. Check the rentals in the Seattle area. Can't find a decent house -maybe apartments are different - for under $1700 per mo.
Thanks everybody. Researching Midwest cities like Pittsburgh, Columbus and Ann ARbor as well. Maybe Madison too, but I've heard it is cold as hell there.
Unless you can live with endless grey skies - I'm not talking about rain which really isn't even an issue for me - but the grey skies are - don't move to Seattle. I have been here since 1983 - can't wait for hubby to retire so we can leave.
Also cheap it is not. Check the rentals in the Seattle area. Can't find a decent house -maybe apartments are different - for under $1700 per mo.
Im renting a 3 bedroom in columbia city area by the new PCC Market for 1200 a month ? And Seattle's been sunny for most of June And all of July we have had not a trace of precipitation. And sunny almost every day. Personally I would take cloudy Skys over deep freeze and cold durring the winter Seattle actually gets les rain than most east cost cities and snow is rare.
Thanks everybody. Researching Midwest cities like Pittsburgh, Columbus and Ann ARbor as well. Maybe Madison too, but I've heard it is cold as hell there.
Pittsburgh isn't Midwestern, but it's a good city.
Winters in the Upper Midwest (MN-IA-WI-ND-SD) are grossly overstated. It's not nearly as bad as it's made out. Remember that something like 15 million people do it every year.
Definitely add Minneapolis to your list, it's too good a city to ignore if you're going to look in that area.
I would also think about St. Louis and Kansas City if you're worried about winters getting TOO cold. Missouri offers a nice happy medium with summers that aren't as intense as Texas and winters that aren't as intense as North Dakota, and STL and KC are both really great cities - KC in particular has a very bright future.
Pittsburgh isn't Midwestern, but it's a good city.
Winters in the Upper Midwest (MN-IA-WI-ND-SD) are grossly overstated. It's not nearly as bad as it's made out. Remember that something like 15 million people do it every year.
Definitely add Minneapolis to your list, it's too good a city to ignore if you're going to look in that area.
I would also think about St. Louis and Kansas City if you're worried about winters getting TOO cold. Missouri offers a nice happy medium with summers that aren't as intense as Texas and winters that aren't as intense as North Dakota, and STL and KC are both really great cities - KC in particular has a very bright future.
What a great country huh? Ive heard Minneapolis is like a smaller NYC, but also heard it is crazy freaking cold up there. Never been.
I think the cities in your title are good options, we really do need additional information to suggest to you ideal cities. And no, Minneapolis is not like a smaller NYC. Minneapolis is actually more like Denver or Kansas City than St. Louis or Chicago.
What a great country huh? Ive heard Minneapolis is like a smaller NYC, but also heard it is crazy freaking cold up there. Never been.
It's much more like Seattle and Denver than anything else. It's not any colder than Texas is hot; i.e. you live with it and it even has its perks sometimes, plus the other three seasons more than make up for it - I don't know if there's a more beautiful spring anywhere in the country.
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