[goolsbyjazz]

Originally Posted by Geomaster2004

I’ve lived many places (though only for a short time)including out West (CA, AZ, NV). I’m now here outside NYC . As a true outsider (I’m from the UK originally), here is how I think much of this falls:

The scenery out West is simply amazing = period. The vast deserts, ,mountain ranges, prehistoric valleys, it’s an oasis of ruggedscenery. I would think you could live many lifetimes and not get tired of exploring.

The problem is with the West (other than CA, which you seemdead against), is that beyond the natural environment, there are social and cultural challenges that make moving there questionable:

First, socially (again other than CA ) many folks in theWest have (at least in my experience) a very conservative few of things, likerace, religion, social norms…etc. True, in some of the cities like Las Vegas or Phoenix, there is a more moderate minded folks - but for most of the rest of the rural West(and MUCH of the West IS rural) these are small town folk who seem to have little knowledge (or interest) in things outside their sphere. We were driving through rural Nevada and stopped several times for hotels, gas, …etc. and one could just tell these folks were not very cosmopolitan. Additionally, the rural West is a place OF GREAT social similarity - and the glaring opposite of the multi-cultured East Coast (and CA), and of course the many parts of Europe. On the East Coast it seems that the influnces of Europe, Africa, Central Amerca, the Caribbean…etc have created a teeming population with exciting cultural affinities for music, food, dress,…etc. In much of the rural West, it seems not only is there little interest in anything that’s not local, but a great lack of knowledge about the outside world. It was a bit unnerving having lived in cities like NYC, London, Madrid…etc.

The next issue is the climate: While the SOUTHwest has niceweather in the winter – it’s hotter than hell in summer. For at least 3 months(JJA) the air temp is 110F +. Don’t let them tell you it’s a “dry heat” – once the temp hits 110 F or so, there is little comfort to be found outside. For much of the rest of the middle and northern Western states – winters are cold and snowy. I was in northern Nevada had it was 10 F with 50 mph winds (-20 F windchills)- much colder than I ever felt in NYC or Washington DC. As far as the look of plants and trees – I also agree with others that after awhile the “dead looking” landscapes out West can become depressing. The deep green forests on the East Coast seem to be much better on the soul in the long term. When it's cold and you are in vast rural places, it can seem quite lonely. On the upper East Coast (much like the UK), even on a cold night, the denser population seems to take away that feeling of being the last man on earth. (Though I would guess this is less an issuein the PNW).

Nailed it!

[goolsbyjazz]

By the way nep, I was born and raised in New England (MA), and worked as a reporter in CT. I have lived out west (AZ) for 15 years and while I have enjoyed everything you mentioned, I still find myself missing things about the northeast (Fall!) and the east coast, in general. What I enjoy about the west is the "live-and-let-live" attitude, the amazing scenery and milder winters. I have really missed the culture back east. It sounds like you need a change of scenery and you should definitely do it while you are young. I have been in your position before and I moved the first chance I was able. I say go for it after you do your due diligence.

[Geomaster2004]

Originally Posted by nep321

The places that really "spoke" to me were Oregon and Nevada.

My only concern with OR is that apparently, it rains and has overcast excessively. Heck, almost the entire time I was there, the sun didn't even make a peep out, all day long. It was ultra cloudy and rained on and off a LOT. Between rain showers, sometimes it was mildly drizzling. But I've never seen a state so beautiful in my life. Portland is probably too big and hipster-like for me though. However, Oregon isn't exactly good for accounting jobs. But I do see some on Indeed lol.

Oregon summers are awesome. 80, sunny and dry.

I would just a few more things that might help you in your search:

One is...you nailed it (at least in part) about the overcast weather in the PNW. While it is untrue that it rains a lot in Portland (NYC or Miami get more rainfall annually), the rains up in the PNW come in very SLOW drips and there are LONG periods of low overcast clouds. If you a fan of the sun the PNW might not be such a good choice. Yes, summers are great and often DRY, but the dryness and sunny skies of summer is fleeting in the PNW - from late September often right though April one would be lucky if there was 4 days in a row with sunshine.

Next, I would seriously look at Nevada and really visit there several times before settling there. Outside of Las Vegas, this is a VERY conservative region, with simple (but good I'm sure) folk. I would keep my views about politics, race, religion, ...etc to myself if you want to fit in. Also, despite the image of Nevada (maybe due to Las Vegas), much of central and esp northern Nevada has cold and windy winters and is colder than the NYC/CT area on the East Coast. MUCH of Nevada is VERY rural, esp if you come from a populated area like the East/West Coast or Europe.

[nep321]

I'm glad I made efforts to travel extensively. Now, I would not really consider living in the south or Midwest ever. Just northeast and west.

[nep321]

Originally Posted by Geomaster2004

I would just a few more things that might help you in your search:

One is...you nailed it (at least in part) about the overcast weather in the PNW. While it is untrue that it rains a lot in Portland (NYC or Miami get more rainfall annually), the rains up in the PNW come in very SLOW drips and there are LONG periods of low overcast clouds. If you a fan of the sun the PNW might not be such a good choice. Yes, summers are great and often DRY, but the dryness and sunny skies of summer is fleeting in the PNW - from late September often right though April one would be lucky if there was 4 days in a row with sunshine.

Next, I would seriously look at Nevada and really visit there several times before settling there. Outside of Las Vegas, this is a VERY conservative region, with simple (but good I'm sure) folk. I would keep my views about politics, race, religion, ...etc to myself if you want to fit in. Also, despite the image of Nevada (maybe due to Las Vegas), much of central and esp northern Nevada has cold and windy winters and is colder than the NYC/CT area on the East Coast. MUCH of Nevada is VERY rural, esp if you come from a populated area like the East/West Coast or Europe.

Well in Nevada the only area with any potential for jobs in my field would be las Vegas. But I thought the whole tourist and casino vibe was a little too intrusive. Reno is crap IMO.

Accounting jobs are almost exclusively limited to larger metro areas usually. If there was a way I could still make good money and walk away from my career I would totally do it. I don't love my career.

Also, traveling from the west to CT even by plane takes a LONG time. I'd like to see my family a few times a year at least.

[Armyvet1]

I would have to agree that I'm glad to have been different places when I was younger too. I'm happy to call the east coast home but grateful to have been able to see other places. My list is this:
1. Germany.
2. Washington State.
3. Florida.
4. New York.
5. Virginia.
6. Kentucky.
7. Maryland.
8. Massachusetts.
9. Connecticut.
10. North Carolina.
11. South Carolina.
12. Pennsylvania.
13. Washington DC.

These places I've been cause I either lived there, was part of my military service, or was visiting friends and or family.

[8to32characters]

Originally Posted by Geomaster2004

Next, I would seriously look at Nevada and really visit there several times before settling there. Outside of Las Vegas, this is a VERY conservative region, with simple (but good I'm sure) folk. I would keep my views about politics, race, religion, ...etc to myself if you want to fit in. Also, despite the image of Nevada (maybe due to Las Vegas), much of central and esp northern Nevada has cold and windy winters and is colder than the NYC/CT area on the East Coast. MUCH of Nevada is VERY rural, esp if you come from a populated area like the East/West Coast or Europe.

I have said it before, and I will say it again--the sheer ruggedness and remoteness of Nevada make it one of the most scarily beautiful states in the US.

Also, since over 3/4 of Nevada's population lives in Clark County, chances are pretty good that if you move to Nevada, it's going to be the Las Vegas Valley, since that's where most of the jobs in Nevada are located. And despite what naysayers will have you know, it's not that difficult to get a job in LV as a college-educated professional such as the OP, since most of the people who move to LV don't even have a high school diploma, let alone a college degree. But that's another qualm of mine with the area--it generally attracts the lowest common denominator, even if those transplants aren't working in the casino/tourism industry (consistent with Florida, but worse, IMHO).

[pulpfiction]

Anyone willing to set the over/under on:

1) This thread being 30+ pages by the weekend.
2) Nep still residing in CT a year from now


I'll give 10:1 on both

[pulpfiction]

Yeah, a 5 hour flight is just horrific.

I can absolutely relate to your distaste for CT. I have been wanting to do the cross-country trip myself for awhile. However, you need to grow up and grow a pair. Take some damn action instead of engaging in countless 30+ page threads online that only contemplate taking action.

Originally Posted by nep321

Well in Nevada the only area with any potential for jobs in my field would be las Vegas. But I thought the whole tourist and casino vibe was a little too intrusive. Reno is crap IMO.

Accounting jobs are almost exclusively limited to larger metro areas usually. If there was a way I could still make good money and walk away from my career I would totally do it. I don't love my career.

Also, traveling from the west to CT even by plane takes a LONG time. I'd like to see my family a few times a year at least.

[nep321]

Originally Posted by pulpfiction

Anyone willing to set the over/under on:

1) This thread being 30+ pages by the weekend.
2) Nep still residing in CT a year from now


I'll give 10:1 on both

Well, the scope of this thread isn't really meant to be about me moving out west or whatever. It was meant to start a discussion comparing the quality of life out West vs. CT.