Alternatives to Austin....warm cities (rent, student loan, how much)

[illinois_nc23]

I'm planning on moving in a month, and I've narrowed it down to Austin and Raleigh. However, I have concerns about both. I really love everything Raleigh has to offer except it looks like the job market doesn't really match my qualifications. I make 60k at the job I have now in Chicago, but something like this in Raleigh would only pay around 45-50k it looks like. I spoke to a recruiter in the area who acted like I should have a Masters Degree, asking if I planned to go back to school. Umm...no! I have plenty of student loan debt already, thanks. Also, it snows in Raleigh and I really really hate the snow and cold! I wish this wasn't such a priority, but it is.

Austin kind of has it all...the weather I like, the jobs, the liberalism. But I am concerned I will be priced out of this area in a matter of years. The rent is increasing rapidly and it's getting crowded. I'm single in my early 30s and don't want a roommate. I don't think I'd be able to buy property in this area with the increase in housing costs.

Is there anywhere like Austin? With a similar job market, warm weather (never snows), affordable, and not a huge metropolis like Atlanta or Houston. I don't like huge cities.

I'm thinking maybe Raleigh is my best bet and I'll just have to deal with the snow and lower pay. But I wanted to see if anyone had any other suggestions? I used to live in San Antonio and hated it, so that's out, and I can't afford California.

[kyle19125]

Rather than go where everyone else is going which dilutes the job market lowering salaries and blowing up housing prices you might look at some cities that offer up much of what you might like minus the drawbacks. Check out other cities in NC like Greensboro or Winston Salem as well as Richmond VA, Chattanooga TN or Birmingham AL. All are vibrant moderately growing cities with a progressive nature and while not "big city liberal" you'll find plenty of others like yourself, a place where you can afford to live well and not worry about being priced out of the housing market.

[projectmaximus]

What's your industry? Jax might be appealing. It has similar weather, low COL including housing prices, and it's slowly progressing in the direction of Austin though still far from it. It does compare to Raleigh though. Not the most liberal area but certainly you can live in very liberal neighborhoods.

Tampa area is another one to consider.

[annie_himself]

What's your job?

[PDF]

It barely snows in Raleigh. You are making it sound like it's a frequent occurrence! Raleigh has as mild of a winter as you can have while still being able to claim a four seasons climate. And while Raleigh is OK for a single person, I imagine Austin is much better. You didn't say how much of a priority meeting people is for you. That said, I like Raleigh. Just make sure your expectations are in line.

[illinois_nc23]

Thanks for the replies...I have considered Jacksonville, but have read it's one of the most conservative city in the country which is a huge con.

My current job is an Executive Assistant/Project Coordinator/Analyst position.

I also have a background in Accounting and Customer Service. Kind of a master of none type, which hurts when looking for a job sometimes

[FirebirdCamaro1220]

Originally Posted by illinois_nc23

I'm planning on moving in a month, and I've narrowed it down to Austin and Raleigh. However, I have concerns about both. I really love everything Raleigh has to offer except it looks like the job market doesn't really match my qualifications. I make 60k at the job I have now in Chicago, but something like this in Raleigh would only pay around 45-50k it looks like. I spoke to a recruiter in the area who acted like I should have a Masters Degree, asking if I planned to go back to school. Umm...no! I have plenty of student loan debt already, thanks. Also, it snows in Raleigh and I really really hate the snow and cold! I wish this wasn't such a priority, but it is.

Austin kind of has it all...the weather I like, the jobs, the liberalism. But I am concerned I will be priced out of this area in a matter of years. The rent is increasing rapidly and it's getting crowded. I'm single in my early 30s and don't want a roommate. I don't think I'd be able to buy property in this area with the increase in housing costs.

Is there anywhere like Austin? With a similar job market, warm weather (never snows), affordable, and not a huge metropolis like Atlanta or Houston. I don't like huge cities.

I'm thinking maybe Raleigh is my best bet and I'll just have to deal with the snow and lower pay. But I wanted to see if anyone had any other suggestions? I used to live in San Antonio and hated it, so that's out, and I can't afford California.

You could possibly afford Sacramento.

[cBach]

Originally Posted by illinois_nc23

I'm planning on moving in a month, and I've narrowed it down to Austin and Raleigh. However, I have concerns about both. I really love everything Raleigh has to offer except it looks like the job market doesn't really match my qualifications. I make 60k at the job I have now in Chicago, but something like this in Raleigh would only pay around 45-50k it looks like. I spoke to a recruiter in the area who acted like I should have a Masters Degree, asking if I planned to go back to school. Umm...no! I have plenty of student loan debt already, thanks. Also, it snows in Raleigh and I really really hate the snow and cold! I wish this wasn't such a priority, but it is.

Austin kind of has it all...the weather I like, the jobs, the liberalism. But I am concerned I will be priced out of this area in a matter of years. The rent is increasing rapidly and it's getting crowded. I'm single in my early 30s and don't want a roommate. I don't think I'd be able to buy property in this area with the increase in housing costs.

Is there anywhere like Austin? With a similar job market, warm weather (never snows), affordable, and not a huge metropolis like Atlanta or Houston. I don't like huge cities.

I'm thinking maybe Raleigh is my best bet and I'll just have to deal with the snow and lower pay. But I wanted to see if anyone had any other suggestions? I used to live in San Antonio and hated it, so that's out, and I can't afford California.

Some ideas:

Sacramento
Tucson
Nashville (snows there too though)

[a person]

Tampa

[ckhthankgod]

Charlotte may be a possibility as well.