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I'm male, mid 20s, live in Northern NJ, moved here from Oregon last yr, originally from Russia. Northern NJ is cool, but it's too expensive and too congested so I am thinking about moving in 1.5 yrs, once I'm done with school so got enough time to research and visit the possible destinations. I like the whole East Coast vibe, seems more real to me than the West and reminds me of Europe more so I def don't wanna go back to Pacific NW or the West Coast in general. I am considering moving to Philly area, either South Jers or the PA side, depending on where I find a job and all that. The way I see it-I don't like NYC that much, it's overrated and a bad place to live as far as QOL is concerned, but a nice place to visit. Basically, I could have a more laid back, more affordable living with an option to still visit NYC occasionally for entertainment or whatever. At the same time I'd have Philly too, which from what I understand is pretty live as well and has many things to offer. Location is what I really like about it cuz there is a great variety of things to do, from Jersey Beaches to AC (I like to party) to all the usual stuff like mountains, nature, etc. Having NYC and DC nearby is great too. One of the main negative things I heard about Philly-a lot of rotten hoods, and the hood of the hoods Camden right across the river. I'd most likely live in the burbs though so it shouldn't effect me as much plus I live near hoods now anyway.
I was also thinking about Boston, but cost of living is like where I'm at so kinda pointless really. I'll prolly end up at a govt job, and they pay similar everywhere so cost of living is a big thing in my case as I'm not gonna be rich any time soon, and I don't wanna live in a sh1t closet just to claim I live somewhere important like some people in Manhattan do. Chicago seems very attractive, and I knew people that lived there and told me great things, but the location kinda turns me off. I like to go to the ocean a lot during summer.
I have a similar thread in Philly section, but I'd like to see what others say who may have less bias and also maybe lived in different cities all around thus can provide a fair assessment.
Would Philly Metro be a good choice for me? Any other places I should consider?
Thank you.
Last edited by OleSchoolFool; 07-27-2012 at 06:17 PM..
It does appear that Philly would be your best bet. The Baltimore area may be another option, but that area has definitely gotten rapidly more expensive due to proximity to DC. Also, you'd be further from NYC.
There are plenty of NJ/NY relocatees in the area, so it's not like you'd be a pioneer. You can also easily avoid the more troubled urban neighborhoods which you'd have no business being in anyway. Assuming you can attain a similar salary, the cost-of-living difference in terms of housing expenses alone would give you a lot more breathing room in Philly.
It does appear that Philly would be your best bet. The Baltimore area may be another option, but that area has definitely gotten rapidly more expensive due to proximity to DC. Also, you'd be further from NYC.
There are plenty of NJ/NY relocatees in the area, so it's not like you'd be a pioneer. You can also easily avoid the more troubled urban neighborhoods which you'd have no business being in anyway. Assuming you can attain a similar salary, the cost-of-living difference in terms of housing expenses alone would give you a lot more breathing room in Philly.
Good luck!
Indeed. Perhaps these people can share their moving experiences and how it worked out for them.
What about the midwest?
much lower cost of living and yet there are many great cities to live in like Indianapolis/Minneapolis/Columbus etc.
oleschoolfool would you be open to the midwest?
What about the midwest?
much lower cost of living and yet there are many great cities to live in like Indianapolis/Minneapolis/Columbus etc.
oleschoolfool would you be open to the midwest?
These cities seem too small and isolated, as I already lived in a smaller, isolated city-Portland, OR. Plus Midwest, just like Oregon, is more like "average america", which I don't like.
If I forget bout the location drawback, is Chi a good choice? It seems affordable for a city of its magnitude.
It is a very large city with many amenities for a fairly affordable cost. However, since you were talking about the overall "vibe" of a place as why you want to stay on the East Coast, then I think you should consider making a trip there before really deciding. I assume you've already visited Philly, so you can sort of use your personal experiences for comparison.
It is a very large city with many amenities for a fairly affordable cost. However, since you were talking about the overall "vibe" of a place as why you want to stay on the East Coast, then I think you should consider making a trip there before really deciding. I assume you've already visited Philly, so you can sort of use your personal experiences for comparison.
I haven't visited Philly yet. Is Philly nightlife adequate? Someone who lived there told me its kinda corny and there is only sh1t to do in center city, otherwise it's jus a city of neighborhoods where people live with not much action.
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