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Old 07-09-2011, 09:48 PM
 
26 posts, read 82,352 times
Reputation: 16

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Hi, I'm 40 yrs old and have been looking into moving to Hawaii for the past few months with my younest son-15 yrs. (mostly Oahu, but would consider the Big Island or others) Here's the problem.... I live on a small fixed income because I have been unable to work the last couple of years! My back was hurt and I had major surgury on it which only made it worse. This year I went to the Mayo Clinic and they did a lot of test and let me know my surgery was a failure. Lucky me! They also let me know there's nothing even they can do. If you're fimiliar with Mayo you know they're the best in the world! So... Anyway.. I live in Iowa and the cold winters here do not help me at all. My Drs. think with my combo of medical problems Hawaii would be a great place for me. Here's some of the some of the things i have questions about or advice or help with.. I need to find a large studio or 1 bedroom with all utilities included. ( I've looked and looked for 2 beedroom so I know thats not possible) I have seen apartments that go by your income that are not section 8, that the owners get some tax credit. does anyone know if all of these are in bad neighberhoods? I have found the names of some and emailed them to see if they have openings, but they just tell me to come visit. I really want to be somewhere where I can get to know the people around me and make close friends forever, does that sound more like the big island or one of the other islands instead of Oahu??? Any advice is welcome. I really want to move in the next 6 weeks. I do have a friend on Oahu if I had to stay there waiting for short time for my apt.
Thank You!
Tammy
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Old 07-09-2011, 10:08 PM
 
Location: Southwest France
1,413 posts, read 3,218,237 times
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Have you looked at Arizona? Its warm and much cheaper. I really can't imagine sharing a studio with a15 yr old. Not much privacy for either of you!
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Old 07-09-2011, 10:16 PM
 
26 posts, read 82,352 times
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Joliefille, Hi I actually lived in Arizona when I was younger so i'm not really interested in living there. I realize a studio would not be great so I hope to find a 1 bedroom. That would just be to get us there then I can take my time learning the area and meeting people. Online there's many people wanting roommates to share houses,but I;m not willing to do that this far away.
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Old 07-09-2011, 10:49 PM
 
Location: Lawai
75 posts, read 224,659 times
Reputation: 111
Are you sure this is the best thing for your son? It seems quite a change for a teen being raised by a single mom (at least it appears you're a single mom). I would strongly consider doing what's right for him. If you absolutely have to move with your son to a warmer climate, maybe Florida would be best? Less stress on the both of you. Then, when your son is off to college, you might consider a move to HI, especially considering that you'll be better off just supporting yourself on your limited income.
Just a suggestion . . .
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Old 07-09-2011, 10:54 PM
 
Location: Waianae, Hi
285 posts, read 1,078,825 times
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Dont commit to renting anything over the internet or phone without being here to see it in person! Or, at the very least have your friend here give it a look. That being said, you kind of answered your own question. If you could stay with the friend for a short time while you look for a place then the problem is solved. It is hard if not impossible to nail down a rental unless you are actually here, or have a local connection. Also, you have not stated what your small fixed income is not that we want to be nosey, but small to one may be large to another, if too small then you will not be able to find what you are looking for since some places have income requirements. My wife and I live on a small fixed income and do pretty good. It can be done just plan plan plan, and the plan again. Good luck to you.
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Old 07-10-2011, 12:48 AM
 
26 posts, read 82,352 times
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Hi,
Yes, I'm a single mom. I have raised 2 other children as well, my childrens dad pasted away. I truely believe my son will adjust fine or I wouldn't even consider this move. I have looked into Florida as well as Hawaii but I don't know anyone there and I have a very good friend in Hawaii.
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Old 07-10-2011, 12:55 AM
 
26 posts, read 82,352 times
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Hi, My income is about $2,300.00 a month right now and we also have health insurance so forth. I will also be coming with about $6,000-$8000. I'm not planning on bringing my car with me. I pan to wait about a year before getting a inexpensive used one. I have actually been talking to one of your friends about a condo she got for 1000. month with util. included. I have been trying to find one in the same place but I have only found vac. rentals there. She's looking into it for me. You did her walk thru. I have read many of your posts and learned a lot from them. Thank you for all that you write on here!
Tammy
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Old 07-10-2011, 01:02 AM
 
26 posts, read 82,352 times
Reputation: 16
I'm also hoping after Im there for awhile I won't be in as much pain and I will be able to work part-time. Maybe in one of the hotel or resorts at the desk or customer service. I've been in finance for years and also had a daycare in my home for 10 years, but I'm sure thats something I will never be able to do again and doesn't sound like there's much work there in finance that you can do pt. It will at least get me out of the house and give me a little extra cash. What do you think???
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Old 07-10-2011, 02:28 PM
 
Location: Molokai, HI
229 posts, read 924,764 times
Reputation: 209
I can understand your desire to get out of long, cold winters. Believe me, I've lived in Michigan. In your circumstances, though, I'm not sure I would move to Hawaii. Here's why:

1. It always costs more than you think it will. Just getting here, even with a minimum of stuff, will take a good part of your savings. I've been here two years, and even my best estimate of living costs has been exceeded by far. It doesn't take much. Dental work, an injury, a trip back to the mainland for a funeral, replacing a stolen bicycle. It adds up quick, and the stress of poverty can wear you down.

2. Good medical care is available, but not as readily as you are used to on the mainland. If you live on any island but Oahu, be prepared to fly there to see specialists. There can be very long waits for treatment and your choice of doctors is limited.

3. Schools, by and large, are not that great.

4. As a disabled single mom, (I'm a mom, and disabled, too, though my son is grown) you need a good healthy support group. A dear friend is nice, but not enough. Being closer to everything on the mainland, even if you live in a small town, means more than you think it will.

You might consider someplace like South Carolina. It's beautiful, the climate is much nicer than Iowa, and the cost of living is much, much lower. You still have access to excellent medical care and a lot of the amenities you expect living on the mainland, plus mountains, beaches and forests.

God bless!
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Old 07-10-2011, 08:51 PM
 
Location: Hawaii
1,689 posts, read 4,284,880 times
Reputation: 3107
You have a responsibility to you son. That responsibility entails assuring he gets good schooling and is safe. He will not get good schooling here on any island and as for safety it all depends of where you live. I would suggest you wait until your son is out of school ... for his sake.

Any rentals will want to verify income and will not rent to you if it appears you can't afford it. When I say verify you must show them your last 2 months work stubs. They say 1/3 of the income is the max to rent so ... you can afford a place that costs $600 to $700 or a little more; it ain't going to happen. Also the landlords and rental agencies will not rent to a single mother with a son unless you rent 2 bedroom. The idea that someone has to sleep and make the frontroom their bedroom is not good for a growing boy. If you're thinking about section 8 forget it. They stopped that program year ago.

You want to know how I know all this; I am a single mom with a teenage son. Though I would not consider renting anything other then a 2 bedroom I've talked to enough landlords and rental agencies to know what they think. I have not been to see the low income portion of Oahu but have driven by ... not exactly a place you would want to rent if you know what I mean.

Your son is your first priority. Don't put him through what is clearly a very bad idea.
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