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I need help. I desperately want to move out of Miami, but I’m not sure where to go. I work from home so I could go anywhere. I have a young daughter so schools and safety are important. I could only afford to buy a home (preferably) that is less than $180k. The reason I want to move is 1) the humidity and 2) the traffic and congestion of people. I’m looking for a place to call home for a good while. I like taking my daughter to plays and concerts so some culture would be nice. Diversity is a plus too. I’m very middle of the road politically. I hate both extremes. The more I look, the more it feels like what I want just isn’t out there. I loved Washington state when we went last summer. No humidity at all. Then I hear of all the rain and that it’s depressing, and I’m confused again. I want a place that has low humidity. I know a lot of those places are very cold, but I don’t see myself shoveling snow 4-6 months out of the year either. Is there anywhere similar to Southern California but that has a much lower cost of living?
I need help. I desperately want to move out of Miami, but I’m not sure where to go. I work from home so I could go anywhere. I have a young daughter so schools and safety are important. I could only afford to buy a home (preferably) that is less than $180k. The reason I want to move is 1) the humidity and 2) the traffic and congestion of people. I’m looking for a place to call home for a good while. I like taking my daughter to plays and concerts so some culture would be nice. Diversity is a plus too. I’m very middle of the road politically. I hate both extremes. The more I look, the more it feels like what I want just isn’t out there. I loved Washington state when we went last summer. No humidity at all. Then I hear of all the rain and that it’s depressing, and I’m confused again. I want a place that has low humidity. I know a lot of those places are very cold, but I don’t see myself shoveling snow 4-6 months out of the year either. Is there anywhere similar to Southern California but that has a much lower cost of living?
Just to be blunt, with a budget of $180K, you’re very limited.
Maybe some areas of New Mexico or Arizona could work? If you liked Washington, Spokane is affordable enough for your budget, but it will snow.
The Charlotte area would be a great choice. Lots of political diversity and people get along well there. Nice, 4-season climate without extremes. It offers a good Arts scene (symphony, ballet, opera, museums). Lots of outdoor activities (parks, greenways, 2 state parks, U.S. National Whitewater Center, lakes/rivers, etc.). Housing is affordable. I'll put some examples below. Great buying power (wages vs. cost of living) and a really good quality of life. Good luck in your search.
Is there anywhere similar to Southern California but that has a much lower cost of living?
Actually, no. That's why SoCal is so crowded and so expensive.
I also thought of central to western Washington. I have family in Spokane and there is a lot that would check your boxes. Yes, they do get snow for maybe 4 months and it is not really what you would call diverse. Overall, the climate is dry, not rainy or humid, and the city is a manageable size (no bad traffic) with plenty of amenities. Definitely affordable, too.
Actually, no. That's why SoCal is so crowded and so expensive.
I also thought of central to western Washington. I have family in Spokane and there is a lot that would check your boxes. Yes, they do get snow for maybe 4 months and it is not really what you would call diverse. Overall, the climate is dry, not rainy or humid, and the city is a manageable size (no bad traffic) with plenty of amenities. Definitely affordable, too.
I second this. Spokane would be a good choice as well. It's actually one of the better small/medium metros in the nation. I've been there before and really liked it.
you guys are awesome! i was actually thinking of all those places, except i was thinking raleigh, nc area instead of charlotte. but charlotte is closer to the mountains. :-)
you all have made me more excited about spokane. the snow shoveling i've heard is rough. are there snow days for school every single time it snows though? that always seemed like a lot of missed school days.
i also thought new mexico, arizona, and even nevada. the only problem is i don't really know the areas there. plus i've heard the heat is dry, but dangerous. i've been to sedona and flagstaff in february. i loved both, but very expensive, especially sedona. it would help if i could find some smaller cities anywhere in that area that i knew were safe.
anyways, thanks to all of you. very helpful indeed. i was hesitant to post here, but i'm so glad i did!
you all have made me more excited about spokane. the snow shoveling i've heard is rough. are there snow days for school every single time it snows though? that always seemed like a lot of missed school days.
No, absolutely not. My sister has raised her two kids there (they're older teens now) and they almost never miss school for snow. The plows come out early in the morning. One time she mentioned that they had a surprise early snowfall in November, before people had put on their snow tires. They live at the top of a slight slope, and would have been able to drive down all right, but not back up the hill without the snow tires. So that day, they stayed home. It doesn't happen normally.
We grew up in SoCal so it was challenging at first for my sister to learn to live in a "four seasons" climate, but it's been many years now and she is used to it and likes it. She says she never lets the cold / winter weather stop her from doing what she wants to do.
you guys are awesome! i was actually thinking of all those places, except i was thinking raleigh, nc area instead of charlotte. but charlotte is closer to the mountains. :-)
you all have made me more excited about spokane. the snow shoveling i've heard is rough. are there snow days for school every single time it snows though? that always seemed like a lot of missed school days.
i also thought new mexico, arizona, and even nevada. the only problem is i don't really know the areas there. plus i've heard the heat is dry, but dangerous. i've been to sedona and flagstaff in february. i loved both, but very expensive, especially sedona. it would help if i could find some smaller cities anywhere in that area that i knew were safe.
anyways, thanks to all of you. very helpful indeed. i was hesitant to post here, but i'm so glad i did!
Yes, this forum can be really helpful. Glad to help........ Spokane does get a good bit more snow (50" per Winter) compared to Charlotte (6") and Raleigh (7"). So if that's an issue, NC might be the better choice. I'm VERY familiar with Raleigh and Charlotte and are both great. But I'd personally choose the Charlotte area. There's just more to do overall recreationally and the cost of living is a bit lower. Good luck wherever you land!
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