Hawaii vs Mainland (private school, universities, camping)

[HawaiiKaiMom]

I've been living on Oahu for the past ten years and basically loving life, but there are times when I get that feeling that I need more space to roam. I'm an art director, but open to changing careers. My husband is a boat captain and loves being out on the water for work and play. We have two young children. They enjoy horseback riding, hiking, swimming and camping.

Any ideas on places with a quality of life comparable to Hawaii that are far less expensive with better public school systems, lots of outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, decent weather (cold is okay as long as there is an abundance of sun), prefer areas less prone to fires, flooding, hurricanes, etc., safe, good music, great universities nearby, not too far from job scene, friendly and down-to-earth communities....

I have thought about Wyoming, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, Texas, but am open to more ideas.

[hothulamaui]

Originally Posted by HawaiiKaiMom

I've been living on Oahu for the past ten years and basically loving life, but there are times when I get that feeling that I need more space to roam. I'm an art director, but open to changing careers. My husband is a boat captain and loves being out on the water for work and play. We have two young children. They enjoy horseback riding, hiking, swimming and camping.

Any ideas on places with a quality of life comparable to Hawaii that are far less expensive with better public school systems, lots of outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, decent weather (cold is okay as long as there is an abundance of sun), prefer areas less prone to fires, flooding, hurricanes, etc., safe, good music, great universities nearby, not too far from job scene, friendly and down-to-earth communities....

I have thought about Wyoming, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, Texas, but am open to more ideas.

does it have to be in the USA? it is hard to find somewhere for us that fits as well as hawaii does, but still look for a place to retire. when you find less expensive it is either way too crowded or way too cold. in rural areas sometimes there are not enough to keep us busy. we would stay on the west coast but I am told places in kentucy and beyond are very nice. good luck.

[HawaiiKaiMom]

I've also thought a lot about New Zealand, which i've heard has an excellent quality of life. I've lived in Spain before and that was nice, but the air quality in the city was horrible, especially during the humid summer. Lots of smokers. One thing I remember is their recycling program. There were locations on every corner to deposit bottles, paper, etc. The supermarkets did not provide plastic bags, unless you bought them. This was over 10 years ago. Not sure how motivated we are to take the extra step in finding work visas or learning a foreign language. I guess the problem we are having in Hawaii is that we just don't make enough to afford to travel. I can't complain. It's a beautiful place to be stuck, but when you are used to sprawling terrain it gets frustrating at times. In certain areas of the mainland we would be able to afford a mortgage, private school and a summer vacation with our current salaries. In Hawaii we are lucky if we get a "staycation" once a year, we can't afford private school and we'll be lucky if we will ever be able to afford a home.

[hothulamaui]

I have a pal who is in NZ and from the looks of it it is wonderful. it is so expensive for us the only way to stay is work. every now and again the thought of being semi retired sure sounds good but it is hard to find somewhere that we can afford and want to live. lots of places we can afford but don't want to live there. or there really are no jobs to suplement your SS check. fort collins co. is said to be quite nice.