The Need To Go

[Nward]

Hi,
I've lived in this area for about 20 years and I love it. I made the move to Atl back in 2004 for 4 years and moved bcak to DC. The area has a lot to offer and is very convenient to travel to other states (NY, NJ, MA, SC, WV, PA, etc). If you are looking for good schools Montgomery county and Howard county are two of the better counties for schools. However, taxes and cost of living acan be higher then Prince Georges(PG) county. PG is predominantly black. Although, the entire school system is not on par with Mongomery or Howard, there are still some good schools there, but you will have to do your research. I recently moved from Montgomery county (Silver Spring) to Baltimore. The cost of living was killing me in Silver Spring, but I now have a 2hr commute to work in VA as opposed to 1.5 hrs when I lived in SS. The biggest employer in this area is the Federal Gov't. Even if you work for a private company they more than likely have a contract with the Gov't. If I were you I would check out the Fed Gov't employment site (USAJOBS - The Federal Government's Official Jobs Site). Good luck with the relocation.

[Tidbits]

I commend you for making the move. I currently live in Columbia County, GA which is very, very nice but it doesn't have the diversity and employment opportunities that the DC Metro area brings.
I lived in MD for ten years, a graduate of Howard U and the only reason I left the area was to pursue my MBA; and believe me, oh I was planning on going back! I was so certain. You are much braver than I am b/c I cannot foresee moving back without making 100K to live a lifestyle similar to what I now have in GA. My dollar stretches so much farther. Don't get me wrong, I am not living in the lap of luxury but I would definitely be taking many steps back if I don't command that six-figure salary.
This much I can tell you, it will be a very educational move for your children. The DC Metro area has so many things to do and see and it has a very professional atmosphere. Go forth with your move, make that change and don't look back. Just start off slowly until you can gradually improve your living situation.

[NeedANewBeginning07]

Originally Posted by Nward

Hi,
I've lived in this area for about 20 years and I love it. I made the move to Atl back in 2004 for 4 years and moved bcak to DC. The area has a lot to offer and is very convenient to travel to other states (NY, NJ, MA, SC, WV, PA, etc). If you are looking for good schools Montgomery county and Howard county are two of the better counties for schools. However, taxes and cost of living acan be higher then Prince Georges(PG) county. PG is predominantly black. Although, the entire school system is not on par with Mongomery or Howard, there are still some good schools there, but you will have to do your research. I recently moved from Montgomery county (Silver Spring) to Baltimore. The cost of living was killing me in Silver Spring, but I now have a 2hr commute to work in VA as opposed to 1.5 hrs when I lived in SS. The biggest employer in this area is the Federal Gov't. Even if you work for a private company they more than likely have a contract with the Gov't. If I were you I would check out the Fed Gov't employment site (USAJOBS - The Federal Government's Official Jobs Site). Good luck with the relocation.

Thanks! Actually, I have applied to the USAJOBS within the last 6 months and so far, have had only 1 decline (unsure if that's good or bad...). I met the qualifications, I just wasn't selected and I'm sure my current location had some weight on their decision.
Working w/ the state govt, I know it takes some time b4 a response is even given, but I try not to let that deter me from being optomistic...

[NeedANewBeginning07]

Originally Posted by Tidbits

I commend you for making the move. I currently live in Columbia County, GA which is very, very nice but it doesn't have the diversity and employment opportunities that the DC Metro area brings.
I lived in MD for ten years, a graduate of Howard U and the only reason I left the area was to pursue my MBA; and believe me, oh I was planning on going back! I was so certain. You are much braver than I am b/c I cannot foresee moving back without making 100K to live a lifestyle similar to what I now have in GA. My dollar stretches so much farther. Don't get me wrong, I am not living in the lap of luxury but I would definitely be taking many steps back if I don't command that six-figure salary.
This much I can tell you, it will be a very educational move for your children. The DC Metro area has so many things to do and see and it has a very professional atmosphere. Go forth with your move, make that change and don't look back. Just start off slowly until you can gradually improve your living situation.

Thank You For Your Words of Encouragement! I have a cousin who lives about 45 miles from Augusta (Richmond County). She, her husband, and three daughters would love to move to Columbia County..however she feels as though it's too expensive for her..mind you that, she lives in Jenkins County, Ga (need I say more.. But not to be side-tracked; moving to the DC or either the SS area, I know my children will have a GREAT education compared to what they're receiving now!!
Overall, I know this will be for the BEST for all of us...and I know it's not something that's going to happen over night; therefore, I know I'll have to gradually build upon it. I just want them to readily see and understand all the opportunities (and disappointments) life has to offer. I've always believed that the more information u have, the better decisions u can make! Again, thanks!

[NeedANewBeginning07]

Originally Posted by Brillig

I came here to get married. My then fiancee was out of work, and I took a job with Robert Half, and working part time at the Convention Center. RHT had a job for me before I even got home from the interview. I have an interesting background in tech support and they were able to keep me busy with small (under 50) Non-profits for months. I then went full time without them and have been at my current job for just over three years.
I'm not near the 80k a year that was mentioned before, but you'll do fine on 35 and up. Even DC's poverty level is about 25k. Just don't drive the Benz to The Palm more than four nights a week and you should be okay.
We are getting ready to buy a house in the Brookland area. We will be using HPAP as well. It's a good program, offering up to 70k in assistance. Deanwood looks nice too, but I don't know anything about it.

Cool...Thanks!

[NeedANewBeginning07]

Ok, so this may be a silly question but I have to admit-it is a concern for me and the family. With the recent snow storms, floods, etc that has occurred over the past wk in various states, I think about the possible electrical shortages, etc. that can occur in the DC/MD areas..My question(s): are there heavy snow storms in these areas and how safe are the Mongtomery/Howard/Prince George's counties during Mother Nature's wrath? My reason for asking is that down here in coastal GA 7+/- yrs ago during our hurricane season, we were advised to head towards ATL area; however there were some shelters for those who didn't leave, while others stayed in their homes to "weather the storm".

[saganista]

We rarely have storms of such a magnitude as to cause anyone except for those few in low-lying, flood-prone areas right along the Potomac to leave their homes. One exception was Hurricane Isabel in September of 2003. That knocked out power for most of the DC area, and many people lost phone service as well. In Fairfax County, we had no potable water either. Had to boil everything. Many people who could, simply left town and stayed with friends or relatives for a few days. The rest hunkered down. Things were mostly back in operation in 3-5 days.

Some winters, we don't get any snow at all, but we do get major snowfalls (12 inches or more) from time to time. Even 20+ inches isn't unheard of. These events simply shut the city down. The idea is to just sit inside and wait for it all to melt. Again, 3-5 days is typically enough to accomplish that, even for the worst snows. Good idea not to let the kitchen cupboards get too bare during one of those winters. As for the areas mentioned, Howard and Montgomery counties are wealthy, upscale counties. Particularly in and around the more densely populated areas, there will be good response to bad weather. Northern PG county would be in nearly the same boat. The southern half and down into the counties of southern Maryland might not be so well organized. In general though, even the worst weather doesn't do much but topple some trees onto houses and powerlines and across roads and Metro tracks. There will be some flash flooding in the creeks and runs, maybe some standing water in an underpass. Not really much to write home about, though...

[Bigbluelandrover]

Need a New Beginning
My family left Cincy, Ohio for the DC region (Silver Springs) this past summer and we do not regret our move. Hubby has a great job for a Govt contractor and I will have my MBA soon and I am starting to look agressively. I suggest trying the agencies first because they will keep you busy with work. Even the feds are using temps and who can wait 6 months for the Govt to call with a job.

There are many different outlets for jobs here, high tech, legal, political, contractors, non-profits etc.. Maybe you could target a sector and google companies that interest you. WORK your network. Also check local govt DC govt is hiring and so is PG county, Montgomery County and Arlington/Fairfax county.

The cost of living...I would say a MINIMUM of 60k. No joke. Food here is pricey and taxed if you get fast food. Groceries are steep, gas is steep, RENT is too high, but I always find good deals on clothes. You will want wiggle room for movies and entertainment--since there is so much to do here.

For apartments I would look in Silver Spring (mo county), Laurel, or over in Nova.

[NeedANewBeginning07]

Thanks for the advise, Bigbluelandrover.

Since I'm currently employed by the State, my preference is to transition into the Federal govt. I've been in this workforce for over 16 years {8 years with a well-know manufacturing company before the plant closure} I know that job security is on the low end of the totem pole.

I will however, take your advise and continue networking...I'm flexible and determined to succeed!

[Bigbluelandrover]

Since you have worked with a Govt agency I would just stay on that path You will find something! I'm sure.