Anyone moved to NJ from the sun belt?

[MoorestownResident]

Lived in Charlotte, NC from 1992-1998, in my 20s at the time, was an eye opening experience. Made the most of it, had a reasonably good time, made friends with some good people but ultimately decided to move back to NJ and it was the right decision for me. Just be warned - those that are considering flocking to places like Charlotte now - the traffic can be horrible and jobs are no longer plentiful. In fact, many people are moving down there without a job and are having a tough time of it. Too many people, not enough jobs. I suspect Atlanta is similar. Also be warned that crime/murders per capita in Charlotte is very high. It's not all peaches and creme down there. There's a give and take.

[jrsygrl77]

I lived in Marlton, NJ, all my life (just next to Cherry Hill), and moved to Roswell, GA about a year ago. Everything everyone on here says is relevant when it comes to your standard of living being higher here in GA. That being said, it is a different lifestyle. I have come to enjoy living here in Roswell, however my parents and sister are still in NJ and I miss them a ton! Plus, there are the little things there that I really miss, like awesome Italian food for example! Then again, that was home for me for a really long time, so I think it's normal.

If you didn't grow up there, I find it surprising you'd want to move somewhere that is going to be that much more expensive to live. I transferred here with my company last year, and took a 4% raise to come here. Then, about 3 months ago I took a new job with a different company and am now making about $10k more than when I left NJ. So, I wouldn't count on making a ton more money if you move to South Jersey compared to Atlanta. I found the salaries to be very similar (I have a Business degree and work in Finance/Accounting). If you went to North Jersey/NYC area, you woud make more money but have way higher housing expenses. When you add in the astronomical property taxes, it doesn't paint a very pretty picture.

That being said, I still feel the urge to move back. But, that is more because I want to be with my family again and have the ability to see them whenever I want. I would have to take a cut in my lifestyle for sure, and probably would have to trade in my nice, new 1900 sq ft John Wieland townhome for a little 1200 sq ft condo that is probably 15 years old and has no upgrades It's all a personal choice, but if I hadn't grown up there and left my family behind, I don't think I'd be considering running back to NJ.