Why are YOU leaving Long Island? (Charlotte: big house, schools, salary)

[arangoa79]

[SIZE=2]We moved to Madison, WI in late 2006, rented for the first year while our house was built. We still have the same mortgage amount but with triple the living space and triple the lot size. LI just got to damn expensive for what you could own, we lived in a nice neighborhood but it just got to crowded and stressful. Having to add an extra 30 to 40 min. to any commute due to traffic is horrendous, I never really noticed it till I moved to WI. I love visiting NY, which I do at least once every other month but after a few days I see a change in my attitude and personality. Quality of life here is just much better, that is when you add kids into the mix. [/SIZE]

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by HandsUpThumbsDown

As it turns out, this was not directed at you, professor Junior, as you are not a native Long Islander. You do not understand. You may think you do, but you don't.

There is a prevaling notion among LI natives that transiency is not the answer. My friends and family cannot fathom why I left. It's almost like I've died. "Why wouldn't you want to bust your ass to merely participate in the rat race? Why wouldn't you want to be around the same people your entire life?"

Problem is, even if you win the rat race, you're still a rat. Sure, it's okay to leave to go to college - SUNY Albany maybe, or maybe something private in New England if your parents want to take out a third mortgage - but you MUST come back.

Of the people I grew up with, I'd say that I'm among only a few who did not return after college. Most didn't leave for college, actually, and I didn't either until I went to Suffolk for a few years. I've lived in several states now, and Long Island is one-of-a-kind in its shunning exploration.

That should explain my "It's a big world" comment a little better. Please take it less personally, professor.

I'm jumping in here to state that what you've written earlier (aka Big World) might have been a little bit tongue-in-cheek, a little bit of a prod, but it also comes across as a tad insulting to those of us who love where we live. Not all of us have lived in a bubble or entire lives.

It's myopic to assume that simply because we love it here, that we haven't been elsewhere. I was born in NYC and my family moved to LI when I was 5. My family has since moved down south leaving me the sole LIer.

I nearly relocated to Tampa in the 1980's as my (then)fiancee was from that area. At the time, my concern wasn't about leaving LI as much as it was about leaving my family (I was 22.) It was a different place, it was exciting and new to me.

Some people are open to change and the adventure it might bring them. Others are more comfortable with what is familiar and known to them.

There are people in my community whose families have been here for hundreds of years. Is it wrong for them to want to remain in an area with such strong ties to one's ancestors?

Different strokes for different folks. Some like adventure in the big world, others like being cocooned in the same place. It doesn't mean one is any better off than the other.

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by I_Love_LI_but

More news for ya ... there's actually more than 1 bridge ... tunnels too!

Now you're messing with me!

First a bridge, now a tunnel?

[hotkarl]

Bridges and tunnels and ferries, oh my!
(repeat over and over until blue in the face)

[Crookhaven]

Originally Posted by lialleycat

I don't have a basement or an upstairs, so that's out. The house and the rooms are small AND I have a noisy parrot that I inherited from my Nana when she passed away. Since it talks in her voice and I miss her so - it stays! So even if I found some way to carve out part to rent, I'd have to find someone deaf to rent it! I did ask a girlfriend, but she said that my pets were evil after house sitting for me one night! So that didn't work out.

I'll be doing some job hunting online today while I'm home sick. Maybe something will turn up.

Hang in there.
Sounds like youre having a rough time.
Reach out for some spiritual support too?
Our local churches are pretty wonderful.

Best
Crooks

[Crookhaven]

Originally Posted by Chrisk327

Are you counting on the erosian on the LI beaches that is so previlant getting you waterfront? j/k


I haven't decided to leave yet, all that is keeping me here is family.

I'm just your typical materialistic youngun, I have a small house, that a sacraficed struggled and saved for. Now I want something bigger than 2brs and I don't want to struggle anymore.

Would be nice to have a few acres 4 br 2.5 baths and not need 2 incomes and work 60 hrs a week to pay for it.

And therein lies the rub.

My parents started small.
Builds character.
(God I sound old)


And yes...we are one Noreaster away from waterfront.

: )

crooks

[Crookhaven]

Originally Posted by HandsUpThumbsDown

left in '02, only come back to visit family and Islanders/Mets games. I can't take the traffic, the attitudes, and the materialistic culture. I miss family and friends immensely.

If you do leave, you will never, ever lose your craving for your favorite pizza spot (Jimmy's in Greenlawn), bagel spot (Dix Hills Hot Bagels) and just certain things that we know only NYers can do (fast, reliable service, stand behind their work).

That said, I won't ever come back to live. Folks, it's a big world out there. Get out and see it sometime.

I have.

I've been to most of our States and I've yet to see anywhere as complete as LI (SoCal distant #2).
I know why it comes at a premium.

crooks

[Crookhaven]

Originally Posted by rocafeller05

Crooks, were you not trying to move to Connecticut a while ago?

Not I.

But an excellent choice IMHO.


crooks

[Crookhaven]

Originally Posted by hotkarl

I thought Rocky Point was South Connecticut

No Connecticut is Northern Long Island

crooks

[hotkarl]

I would love living here if it weren't for the high cost of living, traffic,
over development, rude and ignorant self centered people, ticks, lousy politicians,
and the fact that there are way too many McDonalds.
Other than that, LI is an awesome place to live.