I'm fleeing Taxachusetts and VAB makes sense (Norfolk, Hampton: fit in, apartment)

[BostonJimbo]

I could go on and on about how we already have ObamaCare in the form of MASSCARE, which I tweak to it's real meaning, MASSACRE. Although the Tea Party sentiment is strong here, ultimately the voters kept us liberal.

This system works for some (state employees,upper-income, dependents of welfare, illegal immigrants) I NEED MORE.

I tried Chapel Hill, NC last year. Neither hated nor loved it. It reminded me of Eastern CT with a twang, I should have sucked it up and moved to downtown Raleigh where the jobs were.....

I also hated not being to be able to drive to coastline with a 1/2 hour. I lived 4 miles from a very cool, big lake and good woods. There were tons of jobs in Chapel Hill/Durham. Many for 30 hours and $9/hr. I left after 3 months with a plan to return someday closer to the beach because after Christmas snow sucks. New England is beautiful at Christmastime, barely tolerable weather-wise until May although this summer we saw near-90 in April due to El Nuno, or Al Porno or whatever they call the weather pattern.


Also, I'm a lifelong (since 8 years old) Redskins fan and Republican, VAB sounds like a place to POSSIBLY meet like-minded people in business and socially. Many of my friends are entrenched with mortgages and marriages, most are struggling because they didn't buy before 2001.

So I'm not an educated (1 year of college) guy, the opportunities are likely similar here to what they are likely to be in VAB/HR. Sales, customer service are my forte and eventually looking to run a home-based office rather than commute. I have good references and have lived in other areas before, so I know how to quickly adapt.

I'm going for a month this winter to check it out, getting a room by the week while I comb the available options and get to know the people.

Am I crazy? Sort of in a harmless way. Is where I live now (MA/RI border) going to get worse before better? Yup, and I am going to be wearing sandals in November in stead of Carhardt. A sweater in January instead of a ski mask sounds good to me.

So if if you were a barely educated, hardworking, Christian, blue-collar type which area would be ideal starting ground? Looking first at proximity to potential jobs, cheaper housing, closer to the water the better. I've lived in Providence & Boston, not a stranger to potential danger here. I paid $475 for a sweet studio apartment in NC, looking for similar bachelor pad. In my mid-30's, looking for practicality more than style, but I also don't want to get shot walking to the store.

Questions:

-Where to absolutely avoid
- Common mistakes of transients to the 7 cities
- Any native New Englanders out there who know live there?
- Are there any non-posh areas near the coast or is it all high rent?
- Is it more DC or NC influence culturally?
- The "Triangle" in NC seems a hotbed for transients, will this be a new "hot area" or has it already peaked?
- Any tips about state residency laws, anything you find relevant is much appreciated.

I'M A PROUD NEW ENGLANDER, YET THE FUTURE HERE IS BLEAK FOR MANY. YES I KNOW OUR NATION IS HURTING OVERALL, BUT NOT LIKE HERE. WHY FREEZE AND SCRAPE BY WHEN YOU CAN AT WORST DO THE LATTER ONLY?

>>GOD BLESS AMERICA, I WANT TO SEE AS MUCH AS I CAN BEFORE THEY SELL THE REST OF IT OUT FROM UNDER US.<<


THANKS

[Coconut1]

It sounds like you'll fit in just fine around here. Rent is going to be much higher than $475.

HR is more NC influenced... eastern NC that is.

Your political, religious and blue collar views will fit in perfectly with VA Beach. If you smoke and drink cheap beer you'll fit in even more

Come on down!

[BostonJimbo]

Thanks coconut, if you landed from Mars and wanted to set up in the 7 cities metro, where would ya go?

I liked picking up a carton of Marlboro 72s for $31 last year driving home from NC, only go through 2 packs a week and soon kicking them. Not a huge drinker, might have an edge there because I'm not there to party. Or do they drink to dull the pain? LOL

[Coconut1]

Originally Posted by BostonJimbo

Thanks coconut, if you landed from Mars and wanted to set up in the 7 cities metro, where would ya go?

Back to Mars

[BostonJimbo]

Anyone know which of the 7 cities may be most ideal?

[crashEHC]

Where to absolutely avoid

Every city has areas to avoid. It would be easier to answer your question if you had a particular city in mind.

Common mistakes of transients to the 7 cities

I think everyone would agree that you will want to live and work on the same side of the Elizabeth River. You don't want to live in Hampton and work in Norfolk. The tunnels are a nightmare to drive through during rush hour.

Are there any non-posh areas near the coast or is it all high rent?

In Norfolk, parts of Ocean View and Willoughby Beach are cheaper areas near the bay. Lafayette-Winona will also have some homes that back up to the river. Fair warning though; you get what you pay for. Every area I mentioned has a reputation for pockets of shadiness.

The "Triangle" in NC seems a hotbed for transients, will this be a new "hot area" or has it already peaked?

Most transients here are military related, so the make-up is slightly different than the Triangle. There will always be transients in Tidewater; for better and for worse.

Best of luck,