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I’ve come to City Data Forum to get some respectful feedback from you all. I want to help out my cousin and I’m here to find out your thoughts on a specific situation. Considerations for relocation.
My cousin (late 40's) works as a psychologist and is looking to relocate somewhere east of the Mississippi. He currently lives in central New England. He has a preference for the East Coast but open to east of the Mississippi. Prefers longer warmer months, likes the change of seasons, and of course the basics like a good economy and plentiful jobs, low crime/safe area, low cost of living, good/plentiful amenities, open to cities and suburbs, open to coastal and inland areas. I’m sure I’m missing some bullet point info but I think I’ve covered the basics…..
My cousin identifies as gay. He also identifies as a conservative with a peppering of moderate views. (I hope that makes sense). I understand that this combination isn’t one that’s held to a high regard for many but that’s who he is. He thinks and feels that (for example) places like Boston, NYC, LA, SF are not conducive to his needs/wants but appreciates what they have to offer.
There’s probably more to be said but I’ll pause here for now. I welcome respectful questions and feedback. Thank you in advance for your input and time.
My cousin identifies as gay. He also identifies as a conservative with a peppering of moderate views. (I hope that makes sense). I understand that this combination isn’t one that’s held to a high regard for many but that’s who he is. He thinks and feels that (for example) places like Boston, NYC, LA, SF are not conducive to his needs/wants but appreciates what they have to offer.
I'm gay myself and do completely get the conservative aspect, though while a minority within the overall LGBT community has some geographic specifics that would meet his needs. While North Carolina and South Carolina offer some good options like Charlotte or Columbia, in terms of overall state LGBT friendliness/protections neither is anywhere near the top. I would suggest Virginia and more specifically a city like Richmond or Norfolk.
Densely populated enough and within range of DC to provide work opportunities. A cosmopolitan, yet reasonably conservative population, much warmer than New England, but still 4 season. I don't think COL there is spectacularly low, but the further from DC you get, it is probably better then Boston, NYC, etc.
I only know of the area second hand, though I have vacationed around there, so if my ideas are off base, please let me know.
Densely populated enough and within range of DC to provide work opportunities. A cosmopolitan, yet reasonably conservative population, much warmer than New England, but still 4 season. I don't think COL there is spectacularly low, but the further from DC you get, it is probably better then Boston, NYC, etc.
I only know of the area second hand, though I have vacationed around there, so if my ideas are off base, please let me know.
If there wasn't a requirement for a "low cost cost of living" Northern Virginia would be an option. However anywhere within an hour to 90 minute commute of DC is rather expensive and still on par with Boston/NYC 'burbs due to their desirability.
One thing to consider strongly though is the long hot summer. I mean, it is LONG and it is HOT. I speak from experience!
The cost of living is also not as low as people think, in the metro areas. You may want to consider a "second tier" Texas city rather than one of the Big Five so to speak. A city like Tyler, Waco, Temple, Corpus Christi, San Angelo, etc.
One thing to consider strongly though is the long hot summer. I mean, it is LONG and it is HOT. I speak from experience!
The cost of living is also not as low as people think, in the metro areas. You may want to consider a "second tier" Texas city rather than one of the Big Five so to speak. A city like Tyler, Waco, Temple, Corpus Christi, San Angelo, etc.
Oh I imagine the heat being hot and long. I've been to TX and OK but that was many, many years ago.
What makes the COL in TX not as low people think in the metro areas? I suppose most if not all metro areas are more expensive than say rural or burbs.
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