Moving from away from family to be someplace cheaper

[Radaghast]

Originally Posted by dippity

You've all made some valid points. I appreciate your help. Here are some of my thoughts:

1. "Move from strength" / "Don't you have any other valuable skills?"
I should have stated in my original post that I'm looking at jobs in administration. I'm currently a technology teacher and I've seen a couple Director of Technology positions open up in other states that we would consider moving to. Yes, I realize that because the cost of living is less, so is the pay, but if I'm moving up into administration -- and based on my research -- my salary will probably stay somewhat similar. In addition, I'll gain experience in management. Is that moving-from-strength enough to justify a move?

There's also our equity. We could probably sell our 2 bedroom condo and buy a 5 bedroom house in NC. Even with a slight pay cut, the payments would be manageable.

2. "Move somewhere local that's cheaper"
That's easier said than done, but it is certainly something we are considering. Next year, we will look at the available positions and I will apply anywhere we would consider moving.

3. "Family is so important"
I agree completely. Family is important. Staying here I'm looking at raising a family in a 2 bedroom condo, and soon probably spending 15-20 extra hrs./wk on a masters so we can eventually afford a small house. Is that what's best for my family? It's hard to say.

4. "North Carolina is too broad a search"
Fair enough. I'm going to apply where the job is, but I won't know where that is until next year. If someone asked me about California, I'd try to point them in the right direction, or at least tell them about where I've lived. I will do some research and come back.

Where are your getting your Masters? My dad got his M.Ed here at Chico State and worked in administration for several years before opting to back into the classroom. You guys might find the area is a good fit, housing is a seller's market right now, but you still might find that the equity in your condo would go a long way for a decent house here.

Have you looked at teaching positions in Salinas? I'm sure you know this already but they're considered the best city in America for teachers. Good pay, good cost of living, solid curriculum.

[Jowel]

Originally Posted by RoaminRebel

If you saw the deplorable state of many of the rural and formerly manufacturing areas of NC you would know why they are cheap!

I don't disagree with this, but it's a problem that's hardly unique to NC.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by Radaghast

My dad got his M.Ed here at Chico State...
You guys might find the area is a good fit, housing is a seller's market right now,
...the equity in your condo would go a long way for a decent house here.

Salinas? ...they're considered the best city in America for teachers.
Good pay, good cost of living, solid curriculum.

Originally Posted by Jowel

I don't disagree with this, but it's a problem that's hardly unique to NC.

And if the OP were proposing to move to one of those states...
then that state would be getting used as the example.

Regardless, the OP doesn't have to travel across the country, 3000 miles from family,
in order to have the sort of "better life" he wants. More to the point... he really shouldn't.

[RoaminRebel]

Originally Posted by Jowel

I don't disagree with this, but it's a problem that's hardly unique to NC.

My point is that an outsider should not just look at raw numbers without getting a feel for the available employment in an area which determines real estate values. When using that rationale an outsider may say "Kinston here I come!"..