[Jwo85]

It's been 2 years since I have not been able to find a job in my field. I have been looking at places where I can jump start my career and advance. Places like Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Baltimore.They also have mass transit which is a huge plus for me, because I want to dump my car insurance, car maintenance, plate tabs fee and paying for gas; so I can put more money in my pocket.

[darstar]

Originally Posted by Jwo85

It's been 2 years since I have not been able to find a job in my field. I have been looking at places where I can jump start my career and advance. Places like Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Baltimore.They also have mass transit which is a huge plus for me, because I want to dump my car insurance, car maintenance, plate tabs fee and paying for gas; so I can put more money in my pocket.

After 2 years , I think its time to make your job . Start your own business.

[MittenDweller82]

Originally Posted by Jwo85

It's been 2 years since I have not been able to find a job in my field. I have been looking at places where I can jump start my career and advance. Places like Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Baltimore.They also have mass transit which is a huge plus for me, because I want to dump my car insurance, car maintenance, plate tabs fee and paying for gas; so I can put more money in my pocket.

All of your suggestions sound good except Baltimore ( high unemployment and dirty). Chicago may be my final destination, I have had more offers there in my field than anywhere else in the country. Transportation costs may be offset by living expenses though....riding the Metra or EL everyday can get expensive to. Its still not nearly as bad as driving in Chicago, the last time I took the Blue Line from O'Hare to downtown and back was only 4.00 total...can't beat that.

[Bittersweetsymphony]

I am living in Mount Pleasant MI right now. My mother moved from here to SE Texas and we know a great deal of michiganders in Texas, Arizona, Florida. I am moving to the lake Tahoe area. I cannot wait to get out of here because I have been job hunting for two years. I never want to look that long for a job again.

[trinkit]

Originally Posted by wrx04

I actually have a job opportunity lined up in Augusta. I was planning on taking a trip down there to check the area out. After reading a little bit on the Augusta forum, a lot of people made it sound like the area is run down, but i'm sure there is some very nice areas too. How big is the actual downtown in Augusta?

I live in Aiken, just 20 minutes from Augusta, in South Carolina. You might find more positive things being said about the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) in the South Carolina forum. I visit the Augusta forum every once in a while but, like you, I found it depressing. A lot of people that I work with live in the Augusta area. They prefer the "big city" feel -- although compared to Detroit, Augusta is NOT big. LOL

Good luck with your job opportunity. The biggest employer in this area is SRS.

[malamute]

Originally Posted by Jwo85

It's been 2 years since I have not been able to find a job in my field. I have been looking at places where I can jump start my career and advance. Places like Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Baltimore.They also have mass transit which is a huge plus for me, because I want to dump my car insurance, car maintenance, plate tabs fee and paying for gas; so I can put more money in my pocket.

I would also look at many other places. Look in some moderate size cities, because sometimes the road less traveled will offer up more than you realize.

[grhtex]

I moved to North Texas (Dallas area) in June of 07. We enjoy the mild winters and it's been much healthier for my wife which besides employment was one of the reasons we moved to a milder climate.
The economy is slowing things everywhere, but all things being relative the outlook here is still better than most other areas.
Regards,
GRHTEX

[Rapunzll]

Originally Posted by wrx04

I actually have a job opportunity lined up in Augusta. I was planning on taking a trip down there to check the area out. After reading a little bit on the Augusta forum, a lot of people made it sound like the area is run down, but i'm sure there is some very nice areas too. How big is the actual downtown in Augusta?

You might want to check out Aiken SC. I think a lot of people live there and work in Augusta. I almost moved to Aiken, I loved it there!

[chance2jump]

Aiken, SC -- Beautiful area and there are some very nice neighborhoods with outdoor activities as well. I was there for a job interview in 2002 and loved it.

To OP: Before you make any decision, research research research! We left MI in 2007 for a small step to Cleveland for jobs. It worked, we are both gainfully employed and doing ok. However, things are coming down the pipeline again and it is coming time for us to move on again for the sake of keeping said jobs.

I personally know many 20-somethings that have gone to TX, CO, NC, AZ, DC, and Chicago. It is all based on where you can find the best outlook for what you need. As for your requirements... If it is a "desireable" location, cost of living will be higher. If it is less desireable, you'll have cheap cost of living but fewer night life / day time / other people in your age group in the area. The best thing you can do is find out where there is a demand for what you do and figure out if that area will be best suited for you.

How is the unemployment?
What do the locals have to say? (example: CO/AZ/NM will have a water shortage issue, so water bills are being increased -> higher cost of living coming)
What about the area attracts you? -Is that something you could do without if the employment factor turns out to not be good?

There is a lot to take into consideration when it comes to relocating. Right now, having a job is the biggest.

[amac626]

I figured I'd chime in since my wife and I left the Detroit area about 3 years ago. We moved to Louisville, Kentucky and are very glad we did. We still miss old friends and family but the city has a ton to offer. It's a cosmopolitan city that is literally the northermost southern city and the southernmost midwestern city at the same time. The best part is the weather...all 4 seasons with a mild winter. It's only a 5.5 hour drive back to Detroit also.