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I am looking to move to the US in the following year. I am currently living in North Africa but am in between here and my hometown (Philadelphia). I just got my associates degree and I am looking to relocate to finish off my bachelors. The system where I was studying only offered a french system that didn't interest me at all. I have too things I want. The price is a big factor because I am financially independent at 19. I want to be somewhere affordable, I would be working and paying for school/housing. I am also a big surfer so beach would be so preferable. No where hot hot but it can't cold hence the reason I am not in Philly. I would say that it would be great if I was near a major city, but beggars can't be chooser. Price is more important than anything. I was looking at Cali (lol) and Oregon. I have no idea where to start choosing and applications are soon. Thank you so much
Oh and I am a US Citizen, just in between countries haha
Last edited by Count David; 08-19-2015 at 01:41 PM..
Since you said finances were important in your case, have you considered that most colleges will demand 1 year of documented state residency or else you will need to pay their (very expensive) out-of-state tuition rate?
San Diego? Tampa? Maybe somewhere in Florida or North Carolina though seeing as that is probs cheaper. I live in LA and I would stay clear of LA seeing as money will be a major factor for you.
Hey I live 45 mins from Philly(NJ). So Philadelphia is right in my back yard. I was just there yesterday actually lol. Like yourself I am not fond of the cold weather and I am heading out west in a few months. I have lived in a quite a few places. I travel often with my job so I feel like I am qualified to offer you some realistic insight. So your money is funny huh? Beaches? Hmmmm those combos don't mix well simply because BEACHES=$$$$Money. So here are some places you may want to really consider. San Antonio TX....yes its hot but it's a nice city and VERY affordable....nearby beaches would Corpus Christie. Houston TX lots of colleges and universities. Very close to beaches(Galveston Beach). Very affordable + tons of jobs. Atlanta is another AFFORDABLE place to consider. Lots of universities and tons of things to do. However there is no beach sorry. Just lakes and rivers. Williamstown NC has some nice beaches also. Charlotte NC is worth taking a look at as well...but no beaches. I wish you all the best in your education and search for a place.
Why not just stay in Philly, its expensive but has a great location and its cheaper than Boston or NYC and DC. West Coast would be even more expensive than Philly.
Thank you for the feedback (sorry I get busy with work). I am aware about state residency, and the reason that I won't be in Philly is because 1, it is very dangerous in the neighborhood I lived in. Half of Philly is bad, and I am saying this as someone who grew up and lived there. Of course there are places that are safe, but no where near city center and anywhere near Temple is even worse. I would also need to prove residency and being born in a place doesn't give you residency. Since I am always in between, my parents sold their house, and I usually just stay with my half sister over there. (we don't have the same last name). So after what I read, I need proof of domicile, plus taxes, bank accounts and my state driver license (I have my North African one but not one in Philly). All I can provide is my bank account and that clearly isn't enough.
And to the person who suggested I live in a Mini-Van, sorry I am not a hippy and do not spend my time abusing marijuana/acting like a surfer. It is a hobby. I also am not going to teach or purse a nursing career. I got my Business Admin associates degree, and planning to change to major in Architecture and minor in International Business. So, sadly, nursing won't work out for me.
Isn't San Diego expensive too ? Oh, LA is definitely noooot in my choices, prices are so exaggerated. I never thought of Atlanta, but I will definitely look into it. If I did consider NC, it would be near the coast.
I won't be staying on campus, I would prefer off-campus housing and don't mind roommates. So affordable city means affordable rent with an affordable school. Sounds good.
Check out Florida which is a whole lot cheaper than California and offers the coastal lifestyle obviously. Florida Atlantic University would be a good option for you.
Fairly low though places like Boca Raton where FAU is located can have fairly expensive housing. Check out neighboring Deerfield Beach or Pompano Beach which cost a good bit less.
You can check out the Dothan in Alabama that's was cheaper than California .
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