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Hello everyone. The time to move is coming up in mid August and I am still stuck on where to settle in. I am prior military I will have my bachelor's degree in May (majoring in Business Administration). Most of my work experience is mostly in human resources and administrative work(due to prior military and civilian experience). I have a five year old daughter and I'm looking for a good school district as well since my daughter starts kindergarten this year. I want to be somewhere that has a good economy and is ideal to raise a family in. My mother will be moving with me since she's getting older in age (will have some type of support). Our budget is $1600/month on 3 bedroom (I will be buying a home in 2 years). The cities on my list are Houston, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Raleigh. Which city has the better:
Where is the child's other parent and does that parent have visitation rights?
He hasn't been around since she was born and made the choice of not being around (made threats towards me/my child; doesnt acknowledge her as his child). I only receive child support from him and that is it.
Location: Watching half my country turn into Gilead
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What branch of service were you in? As a veteran myself, I would go with the area that has the most job listings on USAJOBS for your field. Out of those four cities, I'm not sure which has the highest amount of military installations nearby. While you're now a civilian, military personnel-heavy areas still offer the most opportunity for veterans. And since it seems you've narrowed your choices to Sunbelt cities, I'd have to recommend Washington, D.C. and its environs. Though it's not a true "Sunbelt" city, it is THE mecca for veterans, and offers a lot of high paying jobs (especially in admin/HR work). It also bests every other city on your list for your criteria, with weather being the only disadvantage when compared to the others.
Are there any other personal considerations such as proximity to other family, healthcare for your mom, weather preferences, etc? And where does your mom prefer?
You mentioned Houston but not San Antonio. San Antonio has a huge military and veteran presence. Since you mention being a veteran first and foremost, I think a military presence may be very important to you.
Houston, Charlotte, Atlanta, Raleigh. In order, from my experiences:
Economy: All have great economies
COL: It's close between Houston/Charlotte/Atlanta. Raleigh's a tad more expensive, but not by much.
Nightlife: Have no idea.
Things to Do: Atlanta, Charlotte/Houston tie (before the hating starts, I've been to Houston. There's a lot to do, but people don't realize how much there is to do in the Charlotte area. I live here and we're never bored). Raleigh, not much to do compared to the other metros.
Are there any other personal considerations such as proximity to other family, healthcare for your mom, weather preferences, etc? And where does your mom prefer?
You mentioned Houston but not San Antonio. San Antonio has a huge military and veteran presence. Since you mention being a veteran first and foremost, I think a military presence may be very important to you.
Very true. That being said, and having spent a lot of time in both areas, I'd say that in Hampton Roads, the military/government presence is almost overwhelming, while in San Antonio it's a bit more balanced by other industries, cities, lifestyles, etc. Remember that Austin is not far away - in fact, it's nothing but one big metro area down there between Austin and San Antonio.
Both areas have some pretty awesome traits. Personally I could be happy, and comfortable raising family, in either one.
But neither of these made the OP's list - LOL!
Another city (albeit a smaller one) with military presence that's not overwhelming but is strong is Columbus, GA. And the area between Columbus and Atlanta is beautiful and offers close proximity to either city without having to actually live IN either city - it tends to be a prosperous, family friendly area (I'm thinking about 30 minutes north of Columbus in Harris County, GA for example).
What branch of service were you in? As a veteran myself, I would go with the area that has the most job listings on USAJOBS for your field. Out of those four cities, I'm not sure which has the highest amount of military installations nearby. While you're now a civilian, military personnel-heavy areas still offer the most opportunity for veterans. And since it seems you've narrowed your choices to Sunbelt cities, I'd have to recommend Washington, D.C. and its environs. Though it's not a true "Sunbelt" city, it is THE mecca for veterans, and offers a lot of high paying jobs (especially in admin/HR work). It also bests every other city on your list for your criteria, with weather being the only disadvantage when compared to the others.
I was in the Army. I was thinking about Washington DC and surrounding areas, but the cost of living made me change my mind lol.
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