Possibly Relocating to Saratoga County

[AZtoNY23]

Thanks for the welcome! I was born in Manhattan and lived in Yonkers for about 7 years. My parents moved my sister and I to Arizona. I've been gone to the state for 35 years +. I got into town yesterday. Frankly, I'm totally lost. It will take a while to get my bearings. It's a culture shock as well. Most of the people I have interacted have been friendly.

Would you suggest snow tires or chains? If snow tires, do people keep an extra set of wheels or just have a shop mount a balance the tires when the seasons change?

It will be my first time driving snow. Its going to be an andventure.

[exupstateny]

Originally Posted by AZtoNY23

Would you suggest snow tires or chains? If snow tires, do people keep an extra set of wheels or just have a shop mount a balance the tires when the seasons change?

It really depends on where you live and how much driving you will be doing in inclement weather. I lived and worked close enough to main roads and had front wheel drive cars so I usually only bought good all-weather tires and used them year-round.

If you live or work off the beaten path you may want to invest in snow tires. Some people buy an extra set of wheels and others just have them changed with the seasons. Chains are probably a bit of overkill for unless you live or work in a very hilly area.

[Ellwood]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

Eventhough that post goes totally off topic, the problem is that many other state governments do similar things, but in different ways. Governments are going to get their money somehow.

Also, if you do not like winters in the Capital Region, which gets much less snow than other parts of Upstate NY, then think about how hot and humid summers are in NC. So, it may be one season up here, but another down there.

You're right CKTHANKGOD. Every state has their own taxes, double dipping state workers, crooked politicians, etc. No state is without it's problems. Wherever you find your happiness, that's the best place for you. Just because one person's opinion is negative, doesn't mean others feel the same way. You have to decide for yourself...not listen to others, especially when it comes to politics and religion.

Give me the snow and cold over hot and humid south anyday! We may have to run the heat 6 months a year, but down south they have to run a/c.

[sarchivist98]

Originally Posted by exupstateny

It really depends on where you live and how much driving you will be doing in inclement weather. I lived and worked close enough to main roads and had front wheel drive cars so I usually only bought good all-weather tires and used them year-round.

If you live or work off the beaten path you may want to invest in snow tires. Some people buy an extra set of wheels and others just have them changed with the seasons. Chains are probably a bit of overkill for unless you live or work in a very hilly area.

Expustateny pretty much answered the question the way I would have. I've live in Albany and have also lived in Guilderland (suburb immediately to the west of Albany) and have never used snow tires. I've heard of more people using snow tires in the last few years than in the past, but I'm not sure why - have the tires become cheaper? Better performance? If you live in any of the cities or larger suburbs than it's a probably a personal choice. If you feel uneasy, I would use the snow tires. It is very cheap to have a shop switch them out. I know my neighbor even has Wal-Mart do it!

You will find that major streets are cleared pretty quickly when it snows, so driving after a snowfall isn't bad. Driving during snow is a little different, and you will want to be cautious until you get used to it. Your co-workers might tease you, but they will understand. Also, "wintry mix" (ice mixed with snow/rain) is misleading. It doesn't look bad because it doesn't accumulate, but it is actually more dangerous than snow when driving. AAA might be a good place to check for driving tips.

I don't know where you are coming from in Arizona, but you may find the weather to be not as bad as people have told you. I have a friend who grew up in Malaysia and never quite got used to northeastern winters until she lived in Bullhead City, AZ for a couple of years. She told me that Arizona was just like NY - she didn't go outside for an entire season, it was just the summer, not the winter. And at least in NY her kids COULD go out to play in winter; in AZ it was too dangerous for them to play outside much in the summer heat.

Welcome!

[Ellwood]

Have a FWD vehicle and have never had a problem up here in Saratoga, no snow tires or chains. Roads are cleared quickly, even in rural areas.

[AZtoNY23]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I'm living in Clifton Park and working at GF in Malta. It is hilly by the plant, so I will probably invest in the snow tires and keep one set of wheels.

[Roland 544]

You worry too much, people up here are nice, kinda slow, great place for employers, they can keep the pay rates down, not much complaining, roads are fine , even in Winter, beautifull scenerie, great shopping, very average restaurants (family style is the norm...) living here for 8 Years in Saratoga, great place, time to move on .

[Sally29]

I agree with Roland 544.. nice pace of life in Saratoga Springs.. roads cleared fast in winter etc.. easy to get around and get things done..if you want "excitement" about 4 hours from Boston and NYC...not to worry!

[j12308]

Try Nokian tires, our car would fishtail in the snow until we put that brand of all season's on. Amazing the difference. It's a lot easier than having to switch to snow tires.
Nokian Tyres North America

[AZtoNY23]

Hello all, change of subject. Can anyone recommend a massage therapist in the Clifton Park area? If there is a massage therapy school in which they allow their students to give massages would be best. Their rates are less. Thanks!