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I'm a 20 yr old college senior, living in Tempe, AZ (Arizona State University). I currently live on my own, with the help of financial aid (loans and grants), and recently felt that I need a change of scenery. I've been here for 10 years and can't say that I've got used to the people, culture, and definitely NOT the weather. My projected graduation is this upcoming summer, most likely July, and I have no job and no car (never learned to drive). I have some valuable skills, being a biology major and all, but I don't have interest in doing something big with that. I want to start over.
So here is my predicament. I'm allowing myself at least a year and a half to pay off most or all of my debt (~$18k) BEFORE I make a move. I'm hoping to save approximately $10k and secure a job (most likely a lab position, which should be easier to acquire with my skill set) somewhere, but what are some suggestions for a place like me to move? I've been looking at Nashville or Memphis due to the lower COL than Phoenix, but I'm not sure if I want an uber conservative state to live in. Philadelphia or Pittsburgh seem inviting, since they are on the east coast, but seem way more expensive. Any suggestions? Does $10k seem reasonable to start with? I'm not above renting a room and even working a second odd job.
I have no job and no car (never learned to drive).
Step 1: Get the highest-paying job you can. It doesn't matter whether you "like" it or not. it's not forever, just long enough to get some savings.
Step 2: Learn to drive. You won't like this process but it's pain now for an easier time later. When you are 21, you can rent cars.
Step 3: Travel to some close places with lower COLs when you get some money. You could take a bus there and rent a car for several days once you are 21 and have a license. Look into work and apartments. By that time, you'll have a better idea of what you can actually afford.
come to Raleigh, the Triangle area. Tons of jobs /careers for your skills. I got a free room with bathroom, while you interview and get started. Marilyn
Step 1: Get the highest-paying job you can. It doesn't matter whether you "like" it or not. it's not forever, just long enough to get some savings.
Step 2: Learn to drive. You won't like this process but it's pain now for an easier time later. When you are 21, you can rent cars.
Step 3: Travel to some close places with lower COLs when you get some money. You could take a bus there and rent a car for several days once you are 21 and have a license. Look into work and apartments. By that time, you'll have a better idea of what you can actually afford.
I'll second this advice, especially number two. It sucks having to wait for and then ride a bus to and from work.
You would be fine w/ 10k. You wouldn't even need that much. One of the best things you can do is learn to drive and get a car. It doesn't have to be a fancy car, just something that will get you from a to b.
It would help us if you would give some detail as to what kind of climate, landscape, and other things you are looking for in a place to live. I see you mainly mentioned places in the Eastern United States, but give us some more things you are looking for.
Mainly learn to drive and get a car that is paid for, not leased or on payments. This small step alone will grant you a lot more freedom and give you better options.
So here is my predicament. I'm allowing myself at least a year and a half to pay off most or all of my debt (~$18k) BEFORE I make a move. I'm hoping to save approximately $10k and secure a job (most likely a lab position, which should be easier to acquire with my skill set) somewhere, but what are some suggestions for a place like me to move? I've been looking at Nashville or Memphis due to the lower COL than Phoenix, but I'm not sure if I want an uber conservative state to live in. Philadelphia or Pittsburgh seem inviting, since they are on the east coast, but seem way more expensive. Any suggestions? Does $10k seem reasonable to start with? I'm not above renting a room and even working a second odd job.
I appreciate all constructive feedback
The problem with that is that YOU DON'T DRIVE. In the real world, that means that you need to live in an urban core, and you really need to live in a city with great public Transport. Life without a car is doable in college, but as you get older it becomes more of a handicap, and in most of the country, someone that doesn't drive is considered in the same vein as someone who still lives in their parents basement at 34 years old. By and large, that eliminates a lot of smaller/medium sized cities and a lot of the cheaper, southern cities.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stevemorse
come to Raleigh, the Triangle area. Tons of jobs /careers for your skills. I got a free room with bathroom, while you interview and get started. Marilyn
Raleigh is a great place for OP's employment prospects, but a bad place if you DON'T DRIVE. Public transit is abhorrent here.
Even if you find work, and are able to live near work without commuting, things like getting groceries, or getting to the laundromat, are going to be much more difficult without a car. Dating will be extremely difficult. I didn't date a girl because she didn't drive (she never got a license.)
The above will all be easier and less true if you live in a city with great public transit, but this limits you to expensive cities, but people will still look at you funny if you can't drive. Bay Area, Seattle, Chicago, DC, Boston, NYC, and LA (to throw in a dark horse that gets an unfair rap.)
Learning to drive will open up lots of options.
Saving $10K is plenty, you could get away with $5K.
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