The LA->NH Debate (Conway: best town, sales, mortgage)

[dyrewolf31]

My girlfriend and I are in our late 20s, she a native Los Angeleno, and myself a native New Yorker who has been here for 8 years. I just sold my stake in the internet company I owned, for a little bit of money (not as much as everyone seems to think ), and she is a preschool teacher.

Being that I am officially between jobs, I have flexibility I haven't had in a long time. We are pretty sick of the LA lifestyle, traffic, taxes, and especially the high cost of living. We bought this house just before the market peaked... and since LA has lost the most median home price value of anywhere in the country, we're down $100+K since we bought. It's getting frustrating making a big mortgage payment every month, for a house that is only so-so, in a neighborhood that is only so-so.

Over the past month or two, we have been discussing, for the first time, leaving LA. Speaking abstractly, southern NH seemed like the best fit to us. Minimal taxes, proximity to Boston and NYC (where most of my family is), reasonable cost of living.

My only real concern of moving is the ability for me to get a job in NH or nearby in MA, especially in these economic times. My girlfriend is easy - I'm sure preschool teachers are very employable there as they are here - but I do business development and project management for high-tech companies. Having done some preliminary looking on Craigslist and Dice, I'm concerned I won't be able to find job opportunities there. Does anyone have any thoughts?

PS - I've been lurking on this forum for a few weeks, and it is extremely imformative and helpful.

[dubthang]

South eastern NH would be your best bet because you are much closer to Boston. I'd assume that is where you would do most of your work. The job market is getting tighter which will make relocating tougher too.

Perhaps do a general search for jobs through out the country. Find an area that you don't mind living in, and that has good job prospects.

[WannaComeHome]

but even so, in this economy with so many companies cutting their workforce.. get the job first before you move, then look around your commuting range for the best town that fits you

[JMishy]

I know The Echo Group is hiring, but they're more in central/northern NH (Conway, NH). Feel free to Google them. They're a software/tech firm.

[GregW]

One of my nephews has started his own business consulting firm and seems to be doing fairly well. A niece has a web design development businees and is also doing OK. It may be time to make the change and hang out your own shingle. I think that permenant employment in the business managment/computer software fields is going away as companies switch to hiring contracters on case by case basis.

Southeast NH is a fine place to live. Check with ValerieC for any housing questions and with me for commuting into Boston.

[dyrewolf31]

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses. I'm sure I'll have some follow-up questions after I do some more research.

[sgthoskins]

If you like low taxes make sure you don't vote Democrat.

If you are a Democrat you will be loved in the socialist utopia of MA.

I lived in L.A. for a while when I was in the Marines (Bellflower to be exact). When I see someone moving from CA, NY, NJ, IL, or MA to New Hampshire I get concerned. They are usually leaving because of what the democrats have done to those states. Then they move to NH and continue to vote democrat. New Hampshire is what it is because it's not a one party state. The states I've mentioned above are all one party democratic states and they are all a mess.

[dyrewolf31]

Well I think I would classify myself as a "Ron Paul Republican" a/k/a a libertarian. Dr. Paul is the only candidate I gave money to in the 2008 race. The "live free or die" aspect of NH appeals to me along with the low taxes.

[sgthoskins]

Perfect, if you need any help PM me I would be glad to move you in.

[dyrewolf31]

I appreciate it. Tough to digest life in LA County with 10% sales tax and 8% state income tax.