Need suggestions for states PLEASE (crime rates, find a job, school districts)

[jashaw26]

Hey everyone, I have a few questions for those of you who don't live in California. My boyfriend and I are looking to make the big move and venture out of state for a few reasons. One, JOBS, two, CRIME, three, we both need a change. I moved back to California about six months ago from Alaska, and I've been searching for a job since. I have been to several interviews, but can't seem to find anything. I have a degree in Psychology, and years of experience and I'm so discouraged. My boyfriend hates his job, and is looking for something working mechanics with tractor trailer trucks. We are looking to move soon, but need a place that has a much lower unemployment rate, and a reasonable cost of living. We'd like to be somewhere that has some sort of urban feel to it, but also has room to breathe. He went to trade school to work on tractor trailers, and can do anything handy, so those would be the type of jobs he'd be interested in. I'm getting my Masters in Elementary Education, so great schools would be a bonus for me in the future, but anything in the social services field would work for now.

Please, please, please respond. I want honest testimonies from people actually living in other states, not the biased feedback I get on sites like MSN.


Thanks!!!!

[kyle19125]

Check out Omaha and Des Moines which have very low unemployment rates (4% range), a reasonable cost of living and crime rates well within reason. If neither is urban enough, take a look at Minneapolis which has a similar economy and probably more of a progressive, urban feel. Not MSN suggestions, nor do I live in any of them so as with any general recommendations here it's always advised to post on the local city forums for specific answers and when possible, visit!

[ckhthankgod]

Perhaps Salt Lake City could be another option.

[dxdtdemon]

Your boyfriend would probably find a job easily in the quadrilateral between Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Columbus. Because this area is within a one-day truck drive of a large portion of the US population, many truck fleets are based in this area. For the most part, Ohio has better schools in that part of its state than those parts of Indiana or Kentucky.

[Deanda]

We are planning on doing the same. There are no jobs here whatsoever...I heard North Dakota and Wyoming have a lot of jobs, especially if you want to go into the oil field, but that isn't exactly an ideal job if you're looking for security.

[Min-Chi-Cbus]

Originally Posted by dxdtdemon

Your boyfriend would probably find a job easily in the quadrilateral between Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Columbus. Because this area is within a one-day truck drive of a large portion of the US population, many truck fleets are based in this area. For the most part, Ohio has better schools in that part of its state than those parts of Indiana or Kentucky.

Ohio is one of THE worst states for schools!

[ZonaZoo]

I find it kind of amusing that posters are recommending small Midwestern cities to a couple wishing to escape California.

Although some Midwestern cities such as Omaha, Des Moines, and Fargo are in much better financial and economic shape than most cities in California, I don't think a small Midwestern city is the answer or best possible alternative for someone looking to escape California.

That's just my $0.02.

[jashaw26]

Thank you everyone, I really appreciate it. I've been doing some more research today, and I've been considering Michigan also. I'm not too concerned about areas not being urban enough, as I did like the natural beauty of Alaska, much more than I do California. I was considering Nebraska also, so it's nice to see that was one of the suggestions. I'm not too familiar with Kentucky, Ohio, or anything in that area. Why is Ohio bad for schools? Also what type of seasons do these states have?

I LOVE this site, thank you to everyone who continues to input, I appreciate it more than you know. I am a complete outsider when it comes to the states and what they have to offer.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by jashaw26

Why is Ohio bad for schools?

Umm, it's not. Someone obviously has their panties in a wad over Ohio. We'll start off with the obvious mention of Ohio State University followed by Ohio University, University of Cincinnati, Miami of Ohio, Case Western Reserve University, Denison, Oberlin and Kenyon. All have national reputations as prestigious colleges (as well as others I probably missed) and others such as the University of Dayton, Xavier University, University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University are great choices as well. If anything I would say Ohio is among the top few states in terms of overall quality of it's higher education options.

[dxdtdemon]

Originally Posted by ZonaZoo

I find it kind of amusing that posters are recommending small Midwestern cities to a couple wishing to escape California.

Although some Midwestern cities such as Omaha, Des Moines, and Fargo are in much better financial and economic shape than most cities in California, I don't think a small Midwestern city is the answer or best possible alternative for someone looking to escape California.

That's just my $0.02.

I was suggesting that area only because it was the best place to find a job for her boyfriend since a lot of truck fleets are based there. It had nothing to do with any cultural considerations. But given the topography of California and Alaska, while there isn't anywhere around here that is that mountainous, the Cincinnati and Louisville areas have quite a lot of hills, and some of the better school districts in their respective states.