I need advice - thinking about moving to HI (Honolulu: relocating, housing)

[acs.1979]

Hello All -

I currently live in Portland, Oregon and I am feeling a strong need to get out of here. Don't get me wrong, Portland is a great town, but it isnt quite for me. The winters are too long and depressing, and the people here can be too.

As far as what I am looking for in a place, i.e. climate, clean air, etc. Hawaii seems to be exactly what I am looking for. I am the type of person who feels most at ease wearing shorts and flip flops year round.

I hear there are lots of negative aspects about Hawaii though, and would like to hear from some natives about both the good and the bad.

Are there any areas that are close enough to Honolulu for an easy commute, but that are cheaper so I could afford the large increase in cost of living if I decide to move? Is the cost of living really unbearable?

How is the job market? Is it tough to find entry level jobs that can pay the bills?

Any advice or comments at all would be really helpful.
.

[foxy_a]

Hi,
Couldnt help but notice that you are in the same situation as me. I am a California native and AM SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING relocating to Hawaii (I have a cousin that lives on the big island near Hilo, I have no ties here, and am tired of the overpopulation here in southern Cali)

My cousin hasnt gone into depth, but from what he has told me, the big island has quite a few job opportunities as the area is expanding and there is a lack of qualified people to fill those positions. Housing is pretty reasonable, however, he lives near the Puna district and Ive heard contradictory opinions on the crime rate. I am visiting in November, but until then, I cant give you anymore insight. Good luck on your quest!

[aloha2003]

We've lived here on Oahu for almost 4 years. Came on a military assignment and stayed. It is expensive, and we know we could live larger in Butte, Montana, but you can figure out the tradeoffs.

It's beautiful here, the weather's great, most of the people are wonderful if you take time and effort to get to know them. There are almost a million people on Oahu, and with that many a few are going to be knuckleheads no matter where you are.

The unemployment rate is very low -- everybody's hiring all the time. Wages are low, too though. Lots of people work multiple jobs to make ends meet. You don't say what you do for a living, but do some research before you move. Best bet is have an offer in hand.

Housing prices are still rising, but a lot more slowly than they were a couple of years ago. Easiest commutes to Honolulu are from the windward coast to the leeward coast -- going against traffic both ways.

The Big Island is a cheaper place to live (outside Kona), but most of the jobs are in Kona. A fair number of people commute from Hilo -- a killer!

Good luck.

[HawaiianIslandHomes]

Do take the advice of so many others I've read here today. Visit first! I moved here many years ago and fell in love with the islands, but making a permanent move is a big decision.

Many people find themselves in shared living arrangements to defray some of the increased costs of living in Hawaii. If you are looking for truly affordable, it may be in an area that is different from what you are visualizing if you have only been in Honolulu. But it is done every day!! If this is the place for you, you will make it happen.

[TERRIE]

Keep In Mind Many People Work 2 Or Three Jobs To Make Ends Meet. The Reason Being Low Wages And Also, Hawaii Pays For Health Insurance For Full Time Empolyees, So What Happens, Is They Keep Your Hours Just Low Enough That They Don't Have To Pay The Insurance In Many Cases. If You Want To Move To Hawaii, Just Make Sure To Do Your Homework First. It's Very Different To Live Here Vs Visiting. We Found That We Are Working So Hard To Make Ends Meet That We Don't Get A Lot Of Time To Enjoy The Beauty Of The Island...

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

I second what Terrie said. Living in Hawaii is WAY different than visiting. We have a house on the Big Island, so my experiences focus on that island. Shortage of good jobs, high cost of living, very limited shopping options. Most people operate on "Hawaii time", which means that things take ten times longer than you want them to. Shipping things costs a lot, and some companies don't ship at all because they can't ship via FedEx ground!

Before making the big decision to move, spend a couple of months there living like a local to see if it is really for you. Lots more involved than just wearing shorts and flip flops!

[808crs]

jobs here at entry level pay 10 -12 an hour

here are some prices

3.80 for gas
5.00 gallon of milk
1000-1500 for apartment

u can always room up with a stranger ...

200,000 for a 1 bed condo in town
600,000 median price for a home

oahu has a million people on it and its only 26 miles wide

waikiki is 1 mile long, down town is full of homeless people and drug dealers

there are plenty of good things about hawaii but im sure youve heard all those so just to be realistic there are some negatives.