Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I've lived in Memphis, TN my whole life. I've recently graduated college, I'm a single female, 24. But I feel stuck. I feel like Memphis is a dead end. I need a change, something different. I've been doing some research and for whatever reason, I'm drawn to North Carolina, although I'm not dead set on it. Maybe it's all in my head, but I think I could really like it there.
What are some suggestions on cities that might be a good place to start looking? I was kind of focused on the Winston-Salem area? But I can't figure out if it's a good area or not?
Here are some preferences that I'd like to look for, but are not necessarily required.
1. I think I'd like to try a smaller city. Not super tiny. Memphis is so big, I want something a little smaller.
2. I love out doors and ideally I'd like to be near mountains and/or lakes for hiking, kayaking, camping, biking, etc. But also plenty of activities within the city so i can meet new people.
3. Since I don't really know what career path I want, there need to be plenty of employment options for a somewhat picky, undecided, college grad. Preferably a place with lots of hands on jobs, I hate being stuck in a cubicle like I am now. My day needs movement and variety. I'm open to lots of possibilities, I just don't know what they are yet.
4. Being by myself, fresh out of college, and relocating to a new city w/o the guarantee of a full-time job right away, it would be best to find a place with affordable apartments. And by affordable, i basically mean the cheapest you can find. broke college kid here, remember? I know Winston-Salem fits this one, but are there other good options?
Given #4, I would recommend that you put your research into getting a job anywhere not where to go.
A lot of success in getting hired is looking where others are not looking. Once you get that experience and networking you can always transfer to a preferred place. You can try temp agencies in WS but without being there, I doubt anyone would take you seriously. So back to getting a job anywhere.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but I wouldn't want my poor college student daughter ANYWHERE looking for the cheapest apartment in an unknown city without a job. Wish you luck.
Times were different back in my day when you could chuck it all and start with nothing in a new place.
I agree 100% with theoldnorthstate. Having said that, I think W-S could be a good place for you. Check out Smitty's Notes to get a good feel for W-S.
Based on your criteria in #3, I would suggest looking at job opportunities in the non-profit sector. A good starting place is United Way of Forsyth County.
i completely agree that finding a job is my first priority. let me explain a little more of my thought process:
since i dont know what kind of job im looking for, i was going to try to find a place i might like to live, and then look at job postings there and see if there was anything promising. and i exaggerated some. i'm not broke. i have a decent amount of savings from money i got back from scholarships, and i would never move without having at least a part time job lines up for me when i got there.
im not an impulsive person. i've been look and thinking and debating and researching a move for over a year now. i'm trying to do as much extensive research as possible to make a financially responsible and safe decision. one of the huge thing thats held me back so far is that i feel like apartments are a waste of money. i'd much rather invest my money in a house, but i know i cant afford that, i don't like the idea of going into debt by taking a huge loan, which is another reason i want a cheap apartment, so i can save as much as possible until i can get a house. im a low maintence person and don't need all the stops of a fancy apartment with lots of amenities. and i have a feeling anywhere i move to will be safer than memphis, since memphis is number 3 on the highest crime rate list, but that doesnt mean im going to carelessly move to somewhere without making sure its safe for a 20-something girl to live by herself.
i promise im not being rash or making ignorant decisions, so rest assured but i appreciate the concern and reality checks. thanks for your input.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
but i appreciate the concern and reality checks. thanks for your input.
