Needing a change, but where?? (2009, rentals, how much)

[tammy920]

I little bit about me.....
I'm originally from a very (and I mean very) small town in WI. I have been in Phoenix, AZ for 9 years now. I'm looking to move with my son (6) next summer. I've always thought Tennessee would be nice. The weather sounds moderate (compared to the 2 extremes I have lived in), I have heard the people are nice, and the schools are good. The schools here in AZ are some of the worst!

I want a city (just more to offer) but don't need downtown. I have been looking at the Nashville area but there seem to be a lot of smaller towns/cities around it. I will most likely not be able to visit first. I will be moving with very little money. I am working at a job now making just above min. wage and trying to decide if I should take college courses to be a Dental assistant or just basic office management.

I was hoping you all might be able to help me narrow down the choices to some safe, yet affordable areas that are family friendly. Thanks in advance!

[Pam& Bill]

Tammy,
It doesn't strike me as wise to make a move to another state based on opinions from strangers on the internet.
Moving is expensive as well as deposits needed for utilities and rentals. Not to sound like a mother hen...BUT, geez have you really thought this all out? While Tn. is a great place to live and I love it here. It isn't the land of milk and honey that will be "cheap" to live here. The area you are thinking around Nashville is by no means cheap. I don't mean to sound negative, but I don't think you've thought this out and you have a child to think about. I also wouldn't make a move to another state without a job lined up. The economy sucks right now.
All the best,
Pam

[alleycat]

There are many nice, smaller towns around Nashville. All of the towns around Nashville are "family friendly" -- it really depends on what you can afford, and what commuting time you can put up with.

[tammy920]

I have thought this through very much. Living in Arizona is very expensive, not that it's not elsewhere also, it always has been more expensive here. I need a fresh start somewhere. It's not that I'm coming with no money just not a whole lot. I'm not coming with a years salary, or able to buy a house. Seeing as I have moved across the country 9 years ago (by myself, not with family if that's what you were thinking) I'm fully aware of how much it can cost. I will have things lined up before I move, it's not like I'm packing up the car and hoping for the best. Goodness! I would like to know what part of my post led you to believe that. So thanks for your concern but it's really not needed. Thanks also for the update on the economy, I had NO idea!!

[Pam& Bill]

First, I never said you were packing up your car and hoping for the best. You are projecting that, not me. If you hang around these boards long enough, you'll get seasoned enough to get tired of the posts after one moves where we on the boards are accused of having rose colored glasses on in our descriptions of places here in Tn. That Tn. doesn't offer the same things to everyone. Most of those who are unhappy or find Tn. isn't up to their expectations or is different then they expected are the ones whose researched sucked and they never visited in person first.So if that annoyed ya, sorry.
No need to flatter yourself that I feel concern, I don't.In fact, based on what you did assume I meant in my post, sounds an awful like second thoughts or doubts.

[rbesaw32]

Originally Posted by tammy920

I have thought this through very much. Living in Arizona is very expensive, not that it's not elsewhere also, it always has been more expensive here. I need a fresh start somewhere. It's not that I'm coming with no money just not a whole lot. I'm not coming with a years salary, or able to buy a house. Seeing as I have moved across the country 9 years ago (by myself, not with family if that's what you were thinking) I'm fully aware of how much it can cost. I will have things lined up before I move, it's not like I'm packing up the car and hoping for the best. Goodness! I would like to know what part of my post led you to believe that. So thanks for your concern but it's really not needed. Thanks also for the update on the economy, I had NO idea!!

I also am planning a move to tennessee soon, but with your attitude i don't think you'll find tenneesee or any other, a very nice place to live.

[JoeCartpath]

To answer your original question, Murphreesboro would seem to be a good place to start. It's close enough to Nashville (and somewhat less expensive) but is large enough that you won't need to go into Nashville unless you want to. There is a good college in town in case you want to further your education.

[tammy920]

All I asked for were a few suggestions as to nice, safe, and affordable areas to live in. I know around here for example, there are some little cities that are better than others. I'm asking about this stuff and starting to research now (more than a year in advance) to make sure that I do like the area. I am going to try to visit but not sure if I will be able to for sure. I know everyone's experience with areas are very different. What one person may like the other may not. I have no doubts about moving, I will be moving next summer, just not 100% sure where. I got upset with your post because I thought it was rude. You seem to have made (or hinted at) a lot of assumptions in your first post.

So.....seeing as Nashville has a lot of smaller cities surrounding it I would appreciate some opinions as to which areas you like/prefer and why. Thanks

Joe...thanks so much!

[JoeCartpath]

If you're pretty sure the Nashville area is where you want to go (and that's a good choice), you may want to post on the Nashville forum. You'll probably get more input from area residents there...

[marmac]

tammy920---------I doubt anyone was rude to you, they were just giving advice based on the only info they had---------your original post.

---" I will not be able to visit first. I will be moving with very little money .I am working at a job now making just above mn wage "-------

based on the info available, I thought Pam and Bill gave excellent advice to anyone who would post that same post inquiring about re-locating to any state.