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My wife and I are in our late 40’s, no kids, and considering moving out of Atlanta for various reasons. Atlanta actually has a lot going for it, so if we decided to stay, it’s not like we’re miserable. However, the pace of development, traffic, and the general pace of the city has become a bit too intense for our liking – and suburban homes are much too far from the city center and in suburbs that we’re not a big fan of.
We’re interested in exploring other options nation-wide, likely smaller (but decent size) cities that might still have a bit of food, culture, and lifestyle appeal. Our criteria is as follows:
• Strong economy and job flexibility (banking/financial services/commercial real estate)
• Manageable traffic/congestion (Significantly less than Atlanta)
• Houses less than $500k that have trees, yard, and feel removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Less than 30 minute commute from said house to/from work at peak times
• Trees, greenspaces, parks
• Good hospitals/doctors
• Winters that are somewhat mild/bearable – so NOT Omaha for instance
• People who are easygoing and less inclined to be politically radical or “us vs. them” in their views. I
don’t care whether a city is more Republican or more Democrat, so long as people don’t frequently
crowbar their venom for the other half of American into their daily conversations. In other words,
Portland is off the table.
I have a feeling that the city I’m looking for is called “Unicorn, USA”, but it’s worth a shot. I really appreciate everyone’s input. Thank you.
My wife and I are in our late 40’s, no kids, and considering moving out of Atlanta for various reasons. Atlanta actually has a lot going for it, so if we decided to stay, it’s not like we’re miserable. However, the pace of development, traffic, and the general pace of the city has become a bit too intense for our liking – and suburban homes are much too far from the city center and in suburbs that we’re not a big fan of.
We’re interested in exploring other options nation-wide, likely smaller (but decent size) cities that might still have a bit of food, culture, and lifestyle appeal. Our criteria is as follows:
• Strong economy and job flexibility (banking/financial services/commercial real estate)
• Manageable traffic/congestion (Significantly less than Atlanta)
• Houses less than $500k that have trees, yard, and feel removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Less than 30 minute commute from said house to/from work at peak times
• Trees, greenspaces, parks
• Good hospitals/doctors
• Winters that are somewhat mild/bearable – so NOT Omaha for instance
• People who are easygoing and less inclined to be politically radical or “us vs. them” in their views. I
don’t care whether a city is more Republican or more Democrat, so long as people don’t frequently
crowbar their venom for the other half of American into their daily conversations. In other words,
Portland is off the table.
I have a feeling that the city I’m looking for is called “Unicorn, USA”, but it’s worth a shot. I really appreciate everyone’s input. Thank you.
Raleigh, NC - specifically probably Cary or Apex
Imagine a less compact, less stressful ATL. Winters are bearable.
Cary has lots of greenspace, bike trails, parks, etc. For $500K you can absolutely find what you want. Downtown Cary is small but has decent places to eat/hang out. Lots of events going on in Cary and Raleigh.
Traffic can be congested during certain times and on certain routes, but it's nothing like ATL.
San Antonio, Phoenix, or Nashville? Traffic isn't great in them but not terrible. All fairly affordable (but prices are rising). None are super political really. Best of luck! Maybe NOLA or Memphis could fit these but arguably less so.
Last edited by Crazybreakfast; 01-21-2020 at 05:36 PM..
Reason: Added NOLA and Memphis- good pricing and also aren't super political but have their own issues
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