Relocating from NC? (Phoenix, Peoria, Miami: extended stay, transplants, apartment)

[miamian in nc]

How would it be to try moving there to start over? You can probably figure out my roots from my name here as well. I grew up in Coral Gables, FL, then moved up to DeLand when my parents retired there. From there it was on to Cleveland for about three years, then to NC. I've been in Central NC for 10 years, and now am in the 50-ish age bracket, having a real difficulty finding a permanent admin. asst. kind of job here in NC. I've been to Phoenix twice, once in spring and once in winter. I loved it and felt so happy waking up to sunshine. My lease expires in April, and I've never felt like I belong here. I've tried to stay put and see if things would improve but haven't. People won't rent out apts though if you go without a job, right? So, I'm guessing I'd need to find some temporary housing in the Phoenix area, put stuff in storage here, and go out there and try to find a job? Any suggestions?

[goolsbyjazz]

Miamian, I understand how you feel. I moved away from my home state in the mid-90s for similar reasons. I even made a stop in NC (Charlotte) before eventually moving to Phoenix. The economy was different then and jobs were easier to come by. What type of work do you do? Do you have any savings to live off of until you find work? Have you looked at the job market out here?

Phoenix, the desert, can be a great place. Waking up to sunshine nearly everyday makes a difference. I have seen many people come here wounded, or needing a change of pace. The desert, for some, has been a place to heal and once they're better people move on. Others came out with certain expectations and left in a cloud of disappointment. There is a big difference between visiting and being a resident. Do your due diligence and I'm sure things will work out for you. Good luck!

[Jimrob1]

Originally Posted by miamian in nc

How would it be to try moving there to start over? You can probably figure out my roots from my name here as well. I grew up in Coral Gables, FL, then moved up to DeLand when my parents retired there. From there it was on to Cleveland for about three years, then to NC. I've been in Central NC for 10 years, and now am in the 50-ish age bracket, having a real difficulty finding a permanent admin. asst. kind of job here in NC. I've been to Phoenix twice, once in spring and once in winter. I loved it and felt so happy waking up to sunshine. My lease expires in April, and I've never felt like I belong here. I've tried to stay put and see if things would improve but haven't. People won't rent out apts though if you go without a job, right? So, I'm guessing I'd need to find some temporary housing in the Phoenix area, put stuff in storage here, and go out there and try to find a job? Any suggestions?

I can't say I know what its like to rent an apt here without a job. I rent a house but I'm retired, so a job didn't come up with me when I looked for rentals.

Since you have already visited twice, then you have a good idea of what its like here. So since you would probably be staying in Temporary housing, once you got here as you looked for a rental. Then I would head out when the prices drop. Say in late May or into June. Yes it will be hot but the lower cost for Temp Motels will be dramatic. You could stay at Homestead Suites, or Extended Stay Motels for $200 a week in many locations. There's another chain I see in Peoria (NW suburbs) advertises for $169 a week at least in August that's what it was) These are studio style motels with a kitichen in them. Its a good buy but at this time of year (the snowbird season) those would be much more in cost.

Well that's the housing part. There are numerous apts out here to say the least in all price ranges.

I work a part time job here right by where I live. I don't know what the job situation would be like for someone looking for full time work here. Thankfully I no longer have to deal with that in life in this day and age.

I'd really think it all through as best you can. Its not easy to move especially in these uncertain times we live in, but sometimes you just have to take a chance. It might be all you have to hang on to is a chance. Then it all works out for you. If you feel that's what you need to do. That NC is just not doing it for you. Then I would do it. You only live once.

You can come on here and ask all the questions you want. I'm sure someone will have answers, suggestions and advice for you on the area. Many have probably already been through what your contemplating, and can really give you advice. Which is good.

Best of Luck.

[caryberry]

I lived in NC for many years (Go Tarheels!) and have been in AZ for 7 years. Both are similar in that there are many transplants - mostly Yankees in NC and Mid-westerners in AZ. NC has four seasons - AZ two. NC is conservative - AZ is CONSERVATIVE. The Native Americans run all the casinos.

Make a plan - save plenty of money - come out and give it a try. Forget bringing much stuff - the second hand market in Phoenix is great - much cheaper than moving and storage. AZ is a very transient place. Like somebody told me when I first moved here, "People come to Phoenix to re-invent themselves".

Good luck!

[miamian in nc]

Thanks, everyone. So many people have said don't go somewhere without a job lined up. But, in these days with the horrible job market, that just isn't possible. It seems that the only way to get a job is actually being there physically. Some ads even say applicants need to be local. I kind of figured that temporary housing places would lower their rates as it gets closer to summer in Phoenix. Thanks for the tip, on that. I've thought the same, that Phoenix is a place to heal and re-invent too. It's just an impression I had that you nice people have confirmed. I think selling most stuff will be the best too. My only essential baggage is my mom's baby grand piano. I just can't part with it, and with the dog and cat. I'm all alone and they are such good company.

[caryberry]

You are VERY smart to acknowledge that finding a job in Phoenix from across the country will lower your chances of success. Having retired from the HR/Recruiting industry - I was dumbfounded at job hunters who wanted to move from New Jersey who would claim, "if they (Company ABC) will make me an offer I can be there tomorrow".

Unless you are REALLY special - the numbers are not in your favor.

Good luck to you!

[Goober13]

There are lots of extended stay suites here. Budget Suites has 1 bedroom units with full kitchens for the low $200's a week and they accept pets. No credit check. Just like an apartment. Pay for a month and it is less than $800. I did that for a period of time when I was in transition.

You can get a feel for things here for a few months or more, and see what areas you like.

If you have enough money saved you can take your time and find what works for you.

[miamian in nc]

That is really good information, Goober13. Thank you so much! I've jotted down Budget Suites for reference.

[Jimrob1]

I was on I-17 in North Phoenix today. It goes by several extended stay type hotels chains. I purposely looked over to see if the prices were listed on their signs. I saw several Motel 6 perhaps its their studio 6 chains. $259 a week. Extended Stay Hotels was $289. a week. Intown Suites I think its called. Its a lower budget chain didn't have the price up. Then I saw a studio apt complex $299 a month. I can only imagine what that is like. A budget motel for $30 a night or $106 a week. Doubt that's any good either. I'm guessing the room rates are not as high as usual the last few years, because less people come/ bad economy. Though the roads don't reflect it half the time. A lot of traffic.

Is North Carolina all that bad overall?l

[westcoastbabe]

Jimrob1- I sure I speak on behalf of Miamian in NC....We have the 5th highest unemployment rate in the nation. the state taxes you to death...Some people say the quality of life is fine in NC..but i beg to differ...I fly to Phoenix on several occasions with my job as we have teammates there.....and trust me I would take Arizona over NC any day....With the desert sunsets, no humidity, palm trees, and sunshine, it really is a beautiful state.