Trying to escape Michigan

[j1n]

Originally Posted by sratell

My wife and I are just getting our youngest into college here, and we are ready to escape Michigan for a better life- for many reasons, the economy being a large one. My brother's brother-in-law is located in Roanke and has spoken well enough of the area to spark our interest in considering it a new place to live.

I work in pre-press for a commercial printer and have a BA in Graphic Design and my wife is a medical biller for the local hospital with an Associates Degree. Any good job prospects in these industries?

We're looking for a rural, small farm setting in the country on a few wooded acres with a laid-back feel. (There is/always has been too much anger and tension here in Michigan) Is the market decent in regard to this type of real estate and is there much property available?

Finally, I am a guitar player/singer with a passion for all types of music, currently big-time into rockabilly/SRV and Wes Montgomery jazz. (hey, I still like my BOC & Floyd too!) Is the music scene happening? Lots of good venues to play?

Thanks for any replies! From the threads I have read, the area seems GREAT and the people seem warm and sincere. We are anxious to visit and check it out for ourselves!

Sounds like the 'Noke might be perfect for you folks! I'd hazard a guess that compared to most urban or semi-urban areas of Michigan, you might find even the "diciest" areas of Roanoke to fit your bill of "a rural, small farm setting in the country on a few wooded acres with a laid-back feel."
Seriously though...you don't really need to go far "out" of the center of Roanoke to find what you are describing. There would likely be tons of opportunities in your lines of work, and there's a bunch of live music going on all over. If you were trying to play out regularly with a punk band in Roanoke, you'd likely be disappointed. But jazz and the blues? You'll be just fine.
Oh yeah...gotta get used to some mountains if you end up here!

[sratell]

I am so sick of flat land - the only thing scaring me is the price of real estate! I am realizing that it is much cheaper in the midwest after the little bit of research I have been doing. It is gonna take some real juju to make everything come together. It would be sweet to make it happen in your state - it is very beautiful from what I have seen and I would consider myself fortunate to end -up there. Thanks for the post.