Hey all New Yorkers I miss NY, moved south feel like I made a BIG mistake! (Buffalo: lawyer, neighborhoods)

[12buttons]

Originally Posted by silencedogood

It's all a matter of experience, perception, and viewpoint. I currently live in a small central Florida town and wish to return to WNY. We ponder the possibilities of relocating to a more progressive city in Florida; however the gains don't outweigh the costs. To escape intolerance and prejudice and to find a community with people that share common values, we would need to move to a larger city with bad traffic, more crime, and expensive property. People in WNY complain of property taxes; however a 250,000 home in suburban FL equates to a 80,000-100,000 home in suburban Buffalo. 4000-5000 taxes per year still don't jack the mortgage as high, and from my experiences, public services are much better in WNY. Sure, NY has its downfalls and intolerance can be found everywhere, seemingly not as much it can be in several small communities in the Deep South. Though we have met some fantastic people and friends, aggression, pride, and intolerance seem to be woven into the fabric of the current community in which we live in Florida. I find it easier to relate to people and find my niche when I'm home. Certainly we love the weather in FL, the beaches, and access to recreation. But, home keeps calling me back. It can't be replaced. It's all a matter of perspective.

where do you get 4-5k? Try 8-12k...and see how it changes the picture..Niagara County highest taxes in the country with Erie right behind em.

[12buttons]

Originally Posted by i'minformed

you are being kind of stupid....you keep saying bloom where you are planted, that means to stay where you grew up. You can go home again, I did, you are wrong, and again being stupid...so stop trolling these forums just to say the same thing over and over again. Especially since half of it is wrong, and half of it goes against the point you are trying to make. Not to mention you've said it in about every one of your posts.

It is not I who is being stupid. Bloom where you are planted means make the best of where you are. You should move back to Buffalo .

[I'minformed2]

I never lived in Buffalo...i was born and raised in Rochester, and moved to Raleigh NC and lived there for over 12 years before returning to Rochester in August. Making the best of where you are or, "blooming where you are planted" can apply to ANYONE...including those who live in WNY. So you are being pretty hypocritical when telling those who say they like living in WNY that they shouldn't, or for those who wantto return after living someplace else the same thing. And btw you are also wrong about your reply to silencegood's comment about taxes...not even in WNY does a $80-100k house have taxes that are 8k-12k a year, that person was correct with the $4-5k range. You seem so eager to "knock us back to reality" when people talk about liking upstate ny and wanting to live there or enjoy living there already...but why? You're gone now, it shouldn't matter to you at all.

[tsimmu]

Originally Posted by missNY

if anybody thinks the grass is greener in NC, think again, don't come here until your kids are grown and you are prepared to live in solitude w/your spouse or significant other.. BYE BYE ignorancy, hello integellency!!!

Ummmm...it's ignorance and intelligence.

[whit_x]

I'm one of the people that moved to Orlando, realized it was a mistake soon thereafter, was forced to make the best of it because I couldn't afford to leave Orlando, winding up instead with a better career (after finally getting out of Orlando to go to grad school at FSU). Now I am about to move back to Rochester with a better job than I would have imagined possible at the time I moved here in 1998, so it can work out in the end. BTW, even in the good suburbs of Rochester (Brighton or Webster) taxes are less than $5000 for a $140k house, at least from seeing the houses one of my buddies were looking at 6 months ago.

[oktaren]

Originally Posted by 12buttons

where do you get 4-5k? Try 8-12k...and see how it changes the picture..Niagara County highest taxes in the country with Erie right behind em.

You are living in the wrong area. You can own a nice victorian in western new york and pay LESS than 4-5k, just don't live in the most expensive areas.

[Mommyof2g]

I'm originally from New Hampshire, and I have to say that my oldest daughter, age 5 hates it here in Georgia. Her biggest complaint is not the people, but that there's no snow...lol. The youngest is too young to remember. I have noticed that the area, at least where I can afford to live as a single mom, is very depressing. I feel like there's no pride of home ownership. I can't say I've run into too many "yankee haters" but then again, I came here knowing transplants in the area..so most of the people I KNOW are their friends. But alas...my children and I are going to make a move...UP NORTH this time...and for good...cause darn it...I'm tired of moving my stuff...and I am hoping to buy a place outright and find work to support the family and keep up the house.

I love Upstate NY...unfortunately, my favorite places are economically depressed and I don't want an hour's commute. Maybe Buffalo area might be nice..not sure about the jobs though...will have to look into it. Any other suggestions for a place under 100k?

[Wisteria]

Mommyof2g: Maybe Buffalo area might be nice..not sure about the jobs though...will have to look into it. Any other suggestions for a place under 100k?

Buffalo can be a good choice, especially outside of the city -- the city, itself, has really high property taxes! But Kenmore, Williamsville, Amherst, places like that are good -- they're close enough to commute to jobs, are safe, and have enough amenities nearby.

If you're from New Hampshire, then you already know how to deal with the cold and snow. You may want to check into jobs at the University of Buffalo...they are one of the largest employers in Buffalo, and they are State jobs with good benefits (I used to work there and also graduated from there).

What about Syracuse? That's a really nice town. I think it's on an upswing too (don't quote me on it, but I thought I heard that). I used to work at the University of Syracuse. It's really pretty and so close to many beautiful areas.

Or even Albany. That might be a consideration, and you'd be close enough to get into New York City for a day.

Good luck -- I know how hard it is to move with kids!

[Mommyof2g]

Thanks Wisteria...will look into it. I've seen some really affordable places in the city...but not sure about it. I lived in Philly..and hated it...was too close to everyone (rowhouses are just glorified condos/townhomes).

Yes, I was also a truck driver before I had the oldest one...lots of experience driving in the snow...especially along what is now I-86. Gotta love those wing plows..lol. I gotta say...I miss the potential for a white Christmas. It just doesn't seem like Christmas without it.

Just one more question..daycare in the area. Do they do pick up at schools? Any ideas on rates? I've got a 3 year old. Also my 5 year old is in kindergarten...I wonder if I'll have a problem enrolling her in 1st grade at the age of 6, since most North East states start first grade at 7.

[Wisteria]

Mommyof2g: Just one more question..daycare in the area. Do they do pick up at schools? Any ideas on rates? I've got a 3 year old. Also my 5 year old is in kindergarten...I wonder if I'll have a problem enrolling her in 1st grade at the age of 6, since most North East states start first grade at 7.

I'm sorry, I don't know. I moved to California when my daughter was 6 and used Head Start while there, and that had a bus, but that is a whole different program from private day care.

I, personally, could not afford property taxes there, and the heating costs, so I wouldn't move back. I still have family there, and visit, but for buying property, I wouldn't do it for me. Plus, I have lived out west long enough that I am now used to the slower pace, and lots of sunshine.

I know that wages are low in Western New York....maybe someone else who is living there now can give better information. I moved because I couldn't find a job that paid enough....came to California, and now I'm making about twice what I would have there. And the heating costs....I heard they have gone up a lot -- so you really need to insulate your home very well.

I miss the people and the direct honesty, however, I no longer miss the weather or higher costs.

It's a friendly area, though, and they do call Buffalo the City of Good Neighbors for a reason! Good luck!