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So I have lived in Tampa Bay, FL (St.Pete specifically) and I am sick and tired of the heat, snowless winters, and the constant threat of hurricanes. The most recent hurricane Ian, came too close for comfort as Irma did a few years back, and I'm frankly sick and tired of packing up my house in anticipation of 10+ feet of storm surge and 150+ mph winds.
Anyway, I am originally from a colder climate and spent the last 20 years here in FL. Always wanted to move away, but it finally hit me and 2023 might be that year. My wife, two kids and I would love snow for Christmas, an area where we would be able to raise kids with out much crime. Potentially all 4 seasons, as the kids do love their swimming and sun. We also love to ski, but have no problems making the trips to the mountains (CO, or Whistler). We would also like somewhere, where we could have a house with some land around it, nothing crazy, just something that is not on top of each other like here in the Tampa bay area. And most bang for the buck of course.
These are some initial ideas we had but don't really know much about some states.
WI- Wife is worried about absolutely freezing temps and not much summer.
MN - Wife is worries its just flat with nothing to do besides freeze to death... hahah
CO - Extremely expensive and not much snow for xmas.
MI - Another peninsula, much like FL, and don't know the economy of MI.
KS- Initially a thought, but then remembered they have tornadoes so this was an no go..lol
NC, TN, KY - Not far enough north for a proper winter, and white Christmas.
CA- Too rich for my blood... lol.
I wanted to get some input from you fine people to see if anyone had any suggestions. Thanks in advance.
Its cold, true four seasons that are gorgeous, low property values, average/higher taxes but you pay less for your house, great suburbs, good schools, hilly, ski slopes, beaches, between NYC and Boston, nothing is far.
My folks moved from Central Florida to Connecticut and their criteria was almost identical to yours. They love Central CT
In addition to the topography, you have really close proximity to the Berkshires, Vermont (Within 90 minutes to Brattleboro), New Hampshire, Boston, Newport RI, New York City, the Jersey Shore, the malls of North Jersey and CT Seashore. There is so much near you and the towns are really nice in CT. Some are more vibrant than others. Typically great New Englandy downtowns.
Last edited by masssachoicetts; 10-03-2022 at 08:07 AM..
Depends. Do you want to live in a major metropolitan area like Tampa or a smaller to mid-size city? I think some of the southern Appalachian cities in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee could suit you if your open to places smaller than Tampa. New England might not be bad option to
Nothing crazy large, I don't mind a big city from afar lol. But no, as long as there is plenty to do with nice suburbs, it can be either.
Maybe somewhere in Northern Virginia further out. You wouldn't be far from the mountains or the beaches. I think the above comment mentioned Connecticut which also could be an option. Wouldn't be far from NYC or Boston.
Nothing crazy large, I don't mind a big city from afar lol. But no, as long as there is plenty to do with nice suburbs, it can be either.
Any specific type of work you're looking for, or does that not matter? I'd think Grand Rapids MI would work good. Good economy/Jobs prospect. Not too big, much more laid back than Tampa and definitely has 4 seasons. Summers there are quite magical. The western side of Michigan is also more tree covered/forested than the eastern/Detroit side of Michigan.
Parts of Upstate NY or PA could work. Any of the bigger/mid sized metros in both would have suburbs with good schools, some with walkability, ski areas nearby, and are relatively affordable.
A community that just popped in my head that is more of a small town, but within minutes of suburbs, shopping, etc. is Cazenovia NY east of Syracuse. It is a nice, lakeside community with good schools, a walkable village, it has a private ski area, has a small college, is about 20 minutes from big box shopping(in Fayetteville) and about a half hour from Downtown Syracuse. https://cazenovia.com/ https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9298...7i16384!8i8192
Wisconsin really isn’t that bad along the shores of Lake Michigan.
It still gets cold but not Minnesota cold.
White Christmas’s aren’t automatic, but live here 2 years and one is likely to be.
Michigan could be an option.
Pennsylvania somewhere.
New England can be pricey.
Wisconsin really isn’t that bad along the shores of Lake Michigan.
It still gets cold but not Minnesota cold.
White Christmas’s aren’t automatic, but live here 2 years and one is likely to be.
Michigan could be an option.
Pennsylvania somewhere.
New England can be pricey.
Another option could be The Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania.
Easton/Allentown and Stroudsberg areas are generally very nice, affordable, 4 seasons, plenty of amenities yet still spacious countryside setting, close to the Pocono Mountains, 3-6 hours from more skiing in NY or VT, Philadelphia is 90 min away, NYC 2 hours, Central/North Jersey beaches 2 hours.
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