Where to move: vegetarian, low cost of living, low crime (Greensboro: apartment, HOA)

[oberhartrl14]

I'm thinking about moving from Madison, WI to North Carolina and I really enjoy the progressive vibe of Madison but I'm sick of the cold. I'm currently on disability so I'm not too concerned about jobs, but at some point I might work part time or volunteer at an animal shelter. I'd prefer low cost of living, but I also want to be somewhere that the crime rate isn't worse than the national average. I'm thinking something that has a population of 30,000-200,000. For reference I'm 25, single, with no kids. I think I'd like the Carrboro/Chapel Hill area but it appears to be outside of my budget. Any ideas? Thank you!

[Coastal Planner]

Asheville, but it may be outside your budget too. Maybe Hillsborough too, smaller than you're looking for but very close to CH. What is your budget?

[oberhartrl14]

Well I'm thinking about buying a 2 bedroom condo for $60,000 or less (or a 1 bedroom if I need to). I have to keep my monthly bills under $750 unfortunately (but my food and health care are mostly paid for); I feel like I'll be able to save more over the long run if I can invest in a condo vs paying for an apartment.

[poppydog]

Generally NC is not less expensive than the Midwest. It's a bargain for folks coming from the Northeast and we attract them in droves, but folks in the Midwest tend to find NC more expensive. All bills under $750 is a tall order — what about utilities, transportation, etc? Not saying it's impossible, but it's certainly at the low end.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by poppydog

Generally NC is not less expensive than the Midwest. It's a bargain for folks coming from the Northeast and we attract them in droves, but folks in the Midwest tend to find NC more expensive. All bills under $750 is a tall order — what about utilities, transportation, etc? Not saying it's impossible, but it's certainly at the low end.

I agree with this poster, but other options exist. Jacksonville is not as vegetarian-friendly as Carrboro, but it is possible to find condos in your price range. It does have a bus line, and the crime rate is lower than average. The disadvantage is that it is a military town, and you will hear noise from artillery and helicopters.

The whole Triad area including Greensboro and Winston-Salem are cheaper than the Triangle (eg Carrboro). Other possibilities include smaller cities like Hickory and Goldsboro.

Another option is the Greenville/Spartanburg area of South Carolina.

[oberhartrl14]

Originally Posted by poppydog

Generally NC is not less expensive than the Midwest. It's a bargain for folks coming from the Northeast and we attract them in droves, but folks in the Midwest tend to find NC more expensive. All bills under $750 is a tall order — what about utilities, transportation, etc? Not saying it's impossible, but it's certainly at the low end.

Yep $750 has to include everything. I have an old car that's paid off and runs well, I don't have a TV/cable/netflix, and my cell phone is reasonably priced so those all help. I'm getting by in Madison but not if I want to live alone. I'm thinking that if I could find a reasonable HOA fee that includes most utilities, I'd be alright.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by oberhartrl14

I've been looking at the Triad area and it looks like crime is a little higher than I'd prefer, but prices are ok and I'm sure I could find good neighborhoods!

If you search the Triad sub-forum, there have been recommendations on specific neighborhoods in Greensboro. Winston-Salem is also a very nice city.

Wilmington might work also, but you might have to stick with a 1-bedroom apartment. The crime rate is higher than average, but it is confined to certain areas, and there are plenty of safe suburban neighborhoods.

[mlhm5]

Eugene or Bend, Oregon

[hey_guy]

crime rate emphasis is misguided

[Coastal Planner]

Originally Posted by mlhm5

Eugene or Bend, Oregon

Median home price in Eugene is $241,000. Finding something for under $60,000 may be challenging.