Is Honolulu the place to be? (appointed, crime, house)

[tom88]

Hi:

How is everybody doing?

Who we are:

A couple (no kids or pets) from Northern New Jersey considering a move to Honolulu:

What we are searching for:
· A safe area
· Excellent Job Opportunities (Paralegal or Office Job)
· An area that is reasonably priced
· Arts and Culture (Classical Music, Museums)
· Public Transportation (to have one car or if possible become car free)

In summary, we are seeking a balanced place where we can live happily ever after. We are attempting to confirm one way or the other if Hawaii is the place to be. Any comments or suggestions regarding our search would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[hotzcatz]

Well, it's pretty safe. Generally you have to do stupid stuff to get hurt but folks still manage it occasionally. Most of the crime isn't violent, more along the lines of theft although the violent stuff is showing up now and then.

Probably not excellent job opportunities, more than likely, if you can find a job it will pay less than a similar job would on the mainland. Oahu would be the island for paralegal and office jobs.

Hmm, well, Oahu has more arts and culture than the rest of the islands put together, although once you've gone to the museums you have to wait for them to change the displays. It isn't like you can drive to the next state when you've seen all the ones in your area. There is a lot of different music, not a lot of classical specifically but there is some classical.

Oahu has The Bus which is a pretty decent public transport system. They are also working on a rail system of some sort but that's not built yet.

Unless you like ocean sports and beaches, Portland might be a better choice. Our cost of living in Hawaii is astronomical and more than likely you'd never be able to afford to buy a house on Oahu.

[Boxcar Overkill]

What we are searching for:
· A safe area
· Excellent Job Opportunities (Paralegal or Office Job)
· An area that is reasonably priced
· Arts and Culture (Classical Music, Museums)
· Public Transportation (to have one car or if possible become car free)

There are lots of really great things about Honolulu. But it hasn't got much of what you want.

Because "excellent job opportunities" and "an area that is reasonably priced" aren't the first phrases that jump to my mind when I think of Honolulu.

In fact, everyone in the world would live in Hawaii if it had excellent job opportunities and crime free, reasonably priced areas to live. But alas, Hawaii, like almost anywhere, is about compromises. Its about finding a place that's has the upsides you want, and they downsides that you can avoid.

From what you have said, I don't think Hawaii has the upsides you want, and so I think you would be disappointed.

I don't currently live there. I have in the past, and probably will in the future, but I don't right now, so you may want to take that in account.

[Lovetheoutdoors]

Originally Posted by Boxcar Overkill

Hawaii, like almost anywhere, is about compromises. Its about finding a place that's has the upsides you want, and they downsides that you can avoid.

Nicely put.

[fugu-u]

I have lived in Hawaii all my life. Right now Hawaii is 700 million in the red. Think twice before moving here. Unemployment is the highest ever. The State hasput government workers on furlough. Go on the Internet and look Up Hawaii news. Also there is a big Meth problem too. Traffic is real bad and the State wants to build Mass Transit. I'd say- " Wait ten years or so"!
· Arts and Culture (Classical Music, Museums)
· Public Transportation (to have one car or if possible become car free)

In summary, we are seeking a balanced place where we can live happily ever after. We are attempting to confirm one way or the other if Hawaii is the place to be. Any comments or suggestions regarding our search would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.[/quote]