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Generally I think it is to find a better quality of life. That could mean better jobs, better environment for the kids, getting away from crime, clean open air. There are so many reasons. For me it has actually been to experience something different to allow personal growth, to see how it is in other places. I've got a bit of an adventurer in me - I see many similar people in this forum. We want to experience things, not just read about it or just see it on TV. There are many risks and obstacles but with planning, hard work and a bit of luck - things work out. There are a lot of immigrants in the US seeking a better life. Certainly true in both Hawaii and Barrow (and Alaska as a whole). They have left not just friends and family and a familiar place, but have entered into a totally different culture, with different language, customs, food, value systems, etc.
However why must it be amongst strangers? As a normal course of life most people will make new friends and become new lifelong friends. Of course that takes time and some effort but I think it is the norm.
Those who grew up in Military families know this. Though it doesn't work this way for all, most people do.
The other side of the coin is why live your life in a place where you are unhappy if you have the power and/or opportunity to change that?
I had in mind someone I know who was getting ready to retire and had lifelong friends in that area, it just seemed sad to me to leave them in perhaps the last few years of her life, she was already in her 80's. I've moved to three different areas of the country, and since I have always been shy I had trouble making connections. It was like they already had their friends from childhood and had not a lot of time for new people. It can be hard on a person sometimes.
I had in mind someone I know who was getting ready to retire and had lifelong friends in that area, it just seemed sad to me to leave them in perhaps the last few years of her life, she was already in her 80's. I've moved to three different areas of the country, and since I have always been shy I had trouble making connections. It was like they already had their friends from childhood and had not a lot of time for new people. It can be hard on a person sometimes.
Ah, I see. Moving in your 80's has got to be really difficult. However she sounds like she's still active. I re-read your original post on this and it appears that she is just retiring now or just recently. Could be she wants a change. It would be interesting if you were able to ask her about it.
But I do agree there are times when it is sad. I know a number of people from Hawaii who moved to Vegas in their later years mostly due to the cost of living and standard of life. They get more in Vegas for their $$, even the ones who don't gamble seem to end up there. However I do hear about how hard it is to be away from friends and family. Though most I know seem to be doing well with new friends, family visits and able to travel through the continental US - by car no less. Of course with the cost of gas going up and up and up. This will probably happen less and less and less.
When I moved to Buffalo I knew exactly one person there. After about a year I had what I would consider 4 good friends. It's been over 20 years and I am still friends with 2 of them. Funny thing - I'm not that close with the original 1 friend I originally had there.
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