What would you do? (Fishers, Carmel: sales, renting, low crime)

[Arbre12]

Hi, I'm looking for some ideas about a possible move from Indiana. My husband and I live in Northeastern Indiana, we've lived here all our lives. We moved to more of a rural area and while we love our home, the area is full of trailers, lots of trash, and people that aren't always the greatest. We have had HUGE problems with our neighbors who like to let their dogs, cows, horses, and chickens roam our yard. I am tired of watching trash blow over from their trailer. We even installed a privacy fence and it hasn't helped much. We had considered moving, not only because of that, but because we've never lived anywhere else, and my husband woulnd't mind looking for a better job. We are only tied down here because our family is here. And, we've spent the past 5 years adding on to and remodling our house.. everything from the walls to the floors has been redone ourselves, plus we added on 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a large garage. We've put so much work into this place that leaving it now seems crazy. On the other hand, we wonder if it's worth staying somewhere you dont' really like only for your house... I love the low cost of living here and the change of seasons. I would be scared to move but at the same time, I think it would be wonderful to try something new. I don't think the grass is greener anywhere else, but I am just very tired of this whole area in general. What do you all think? I appreciate any suggestions.

[domergurl]

Could you move another place near the area you live? Sounds like it's a neighborhood issue that may be solved without a big relocation. My heart goes out to you ... we've been there!

[Arbre12]

Thanks for responding! We've thought about moving to a different location that's close by... and maybe this is silly... but it's like, after all the work we've done, why move in the same area? Why not make a real move? Maybe that sounds dumb... in my own little mind it makes sense.

[domergurl]

It's tough moving no matter what! It just sounds like you guys are established where you are with your families close by. Listing season is upon us. You may want to do some road trips. Pick 5 places and have some adventures. You can troll this thread to get ideas!

[OpenSpaces]

I am sure there has to be some kind of law that would help with the farm animal situation. I knew of someone who had the same problem, even after trying to reason with the neighbors/law/animal control and installing electric fencing turned up to full voltage! (It did help with the larger animals, but not the smaller.) So the animals started "disappearing" one by one. Chicken for dinner and dogs relocated to the pound sounds cruel...or does it? After realizing it was best for the animals because they weren't being protected and cared for and there were always some getting hit in the road...it makes you stop and think. Disrespect and neglect for someone else's property- sounds like they don't have much appreciation for their own stuff, either. It's gotta come from within. This person also put up a snowfence type system which kept the trash on their side and when it got pretty bad, would call the County (which had ordinances and zoning which regulated the appearance of the property). I would love to live in a home like yours, we live in the city now. Who's to say you won't get the same elsewhere? You could also try renting your home while relocating out of your current town and keep everything else the same. But, if the jobs are offered and it's a better standard of living for you and your family, and it would be less stressful for you not to have to deal with these problems, maybe it's the right time to move-take a family vote! You couldn't get me to pluck a chicken-free or not!!

[Arbre12]

Hi, again, and thanks for responding. We have been down the unfortunate route of calling the police, animal shelters, etc.... many times.... but when people (the neighbors) come and cuss at you, threaten you, it makes things a bit more difficult. And, like I said, it's not necessarily only that that gives us the notion to move. My husband has a good job, but he's not even 30 and there's not much room for advancement. I'm just not sure if the need to move is stemming from our neighbors or from the job or from our crazy family situation (my parents are divorced so that's a completely different story!) I guess I'm just looking for clues..... as to what we should do!!

[jmh0211]

Arbre12 - I too have been there with the neighbor and animal situation. People can be so inconsiderate of each other. It has gotten so bad for me that I am moving. I live in Texas and am considering a move to Indiana - so I know exactly how you feel. I just need a change - have been in Texas almost 2 years and it just doesn't feel like home. I just can't get use to this hot, hot, hot weather. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[ShadowCaver]

Sounds like a dilemma, for sure. You have put a lot into your home, much toil, love, and finances. However, the area immediately around you is much less than desired, if not also somewhat potentially dangerous. Since there are so much of an emotional battle regarding this issue, maybe write down the pros and cons of staying vs. those of moving to other possible areas, taking into account where potential employment could be found and desirable locations. During all of this, you might also recall that you only live once, and that also that there is a wide beautiful world out there - key is to find the place that fits your desires, dreams, and aspirations, and that is safe & healthy & happy. Best to yas, as you face this battle.

[OpenSpaces]

I was thinking about your situation again and there is another idea I came up with after reading an article-you could find another piece of land and move your beautiful home you love to that piece of property! I read it is cheaper than buuying land and building a home, but you would have to check that out for yourself. Just passing it along-have a great day!

[eric Karrfalt]

Tough moving no matter what. If you decide to move, here is a plug for my neck of the woods.
Hamilton County Indiana. Growing population and commercial base = Jobs. Some of the best rated schools in the state. Fairly decent taxes, ( although I still think they are all too high. ) Nice appreciaton on property value as long as you keep up on your property. Low crime. Now everyone heres about Carmel, Fishers, and Noblesville, ( where I have been a lifelong resident. ) I might suggest the more northern areas like Sheridan, Cicero, Arcadia, and Atlanta. Homes tend to be less expensive the further north you go. I believe your neighbor issues have been solved here many years ago by placing minimum acerage restrictions on building. All townships in the county have 3-5-10+ acre requirements for building new homes. With the cost of bare ground running 15-50K an acre, this has effectivly eliminated the "trailor" on every rural country road. Do places exist such as where you are now, sure. They are easy to spot so you just don't move there. Plus, once a trailor is out, new ones don't go in. If anything a nice Modular takes the infill space. Once the US 31 project takes off and converts to an interstate, There is a new north south corredor to indianapolis that I believe will make the northern 1/2 of the county more accessable, thus raise demand and property values. Rural homes fixed up command top dollar. Old farm homes are available occasionally, with amount of land being the determining factor in sales price. Reasonable expectations would be 1-4 acres with 1300-2100 sq ft homes priced $80-180k. Pricing dependant on home condition and acerage. If a move is in the works, all the cities mentioned have great resources available on the web. We are also centrally located to I65, I69 and 31 north, so the drives "back home" won't be so long. All the best.