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I am a 23 year old woman, and in a couple years I want to move out of Texas. I am having trouble finding a place that fits my criteria. It seems like all liberal states are expensive and freezing in the winter.
Here is what I am looking for:
Low crime (this is an absolute requirement)
Not a big city like Dallas, Austin, Chicago, or Boston (this is an absolute requirement)
Weather: mild or warm. Doesn’t get in the teens or below freezing. I can’t physically and mentally handle freezing cold, rainy, windy weather. Especially if it is happening all at once. (This is an absolute requirement)
Affordable for recent grad starting a job in social work. I suspect I will be making between 40i and 60k a year (this is an absolute requirement)
Liberal and/or progressive. It’s okay if the state is conservative as long as there are liberal pockets (high priority)
Small town or small city. A small town should be within an hour drive or less from a big city. Preferably one that had a University or teaching hospital. (High to very high priority)
Good for hiking, walking, lots of scenery like forests, parks, hills, nature trails. Fancy restaurants and nightlife are not important to me. (Mid to high priority)
I don’t plan on raising a family. I would like to get married eventually. So a median age around 35 would be good. (Low to mid priority).
Good public transportation (low priority).
Thank you!!!
Fernandina Beach, FL.
St. Mary's, GA
St. Simon Island, GA
All 3 of the above are in proximity to Jacksonville, FL.
Others might be Biloxi, MS and along the coast in that region.
I am assuming you plan on finding employment first and foremost since everything else is completely dependent on income. I do not keep up with salaries, but I tend to think social work wages start out pretty low. Do you think your expectations are a bit high in this regard?
I am never sure what liberal/progressive means anymore. I am guessing you are unlikely to find a gay pride parade in smaller communities but no doubt you will find all sorts of people. I would be interested if you would describe your liberal/progressive requirements.
The good news is you know what you want and I am a big believer that geography plays a big role in quality of life.
I am a 23 year old woman, and in a couple years I want to move out of Texas. I am having trouble finding a place that fits my criteria. It seems like all liberal states are expensive and freezing in the winter.
Here is what I am looking for:
Low crime (this is an absolute requirement)
Not a big city like Dallas, Austin, Chicago, or Boston (this is an absolute requirement)
Weather: mild or warm. Doesn’t get in the teens or below freezing. I can’t physically and mentally handle freezing cold, rainy, windy weather. Especially if it is happening all at once. (This is an absolute requirement)
Affordable for recent grad starting a job in social work. I suspect I will be making between 40i and 60k a year (this is an absolute requirement)
Liberal and/or progressive. It’s okay if the state is conservative as long as there are liberal pockets (high priority)
Small town or small city. A small town should be within an hour drive or less from a big city. Preferably one that had a University or teaching hospital. (High to very high priority)
Good for hiking, walking, lots of scenery like forests, parks, hills, nature trails. Fancy restaurants and nightlife are not important to me. (Mid to high priority)
I don’t plan on raising a family. I would like to get married eventually. So a median age around 35 would be good. (Low to mid priority).
Good public transportation (low priority).
Thank you!!!
Liberal area together with low crime ...GOOD LUCK!
In general, since you're just starting out - I'd make getting the best JOB the priority and the location secondary. First job and its salary can set the entire tone of your career as a career is built on the salary of the prior job in many cases.
Just like I'd advise a young woman to never move for a BF or maybe even a fiance, I'd say you don't get all choosy about location if it means you take a lower paying job without a great future. PRIORITIES.... Look for a job NATION wide - you'll get a good one much faster with less settling. There will be more than enough settling if/when you get married and if/when you have kids.
Too bad about the cold. New England is calling.....
Otherwise, if not already mentioned, try Sarasota or Tampa, FL - Sarasota is more small town (mid-sized) and has everything, Tampa more big city.
Sarasota does have a lot of old people (all of Florida meets this)....but there is a young scene also. Plenty of massive state parks to hike, the legacy bike trail, beaches, water and much more.
A couple colleges....Ringling Arts and one other of the Florida colleges....
Tuscon or Flagstaff AZ fit some of the requirements also....
I am a 23 year old woman, and in a couple years I want to move out of Texas. I am having trouble finding a place that fits my criteria. It seems like all liberal states are expensive and freezing in the winter.
Here is what I am looking for:
Low crime (this is an absolute requirement)
Not a big city like Dallas, Austin, Chicago, or Boston (this is an absolute requirement)
Weather: mild or warm. Doesn’t get in the teens or below freezing. I can’t physically and mentally handle freezing cold, rainy, windy weather. Especially if it is happening all at once. (This is an absolute requirement)
Affordable for recent grad starting a job in social work. I suspect I will be making between 40i and 60k a year (this is an absolute requirement)
Liberal and/or progressive. It’s okay if the state is conservative as long as there are liberal pockets (high priority)
Small town or small city. A small town should be within an hour drive or less from a big city. Preferably one that had a University or teaching hospital. (High to very high priority)
Good for hiking, walking, lots of scenery like forests, parks, hills, nature trails. Fancy restaurants and nightlife are not important to me. (Mid to high priority)
I don’t plan on raising a family. I would like to get married eventually. So a median age around 35 would be good. (Low to mid priority).
Good public transportation (low priority).
Thank you!!!
Come to Houston, its blue, affordable, 2 seasons - rain&shine, lots of jobs, diverse, growing city.
The midtown area is beautiful, has nice walking trails, walkable and has public transport and has one of the best medical centres in the world.
No real hiking but Memorial park is one large one and it extends upto 17 miles all along the city.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Quote:
Originally Posted by reneeh63
In general, since you're just starting out - I'd make getting the best JOB the priority and the location secondary. [b]... PRIORITIES.... Look for a job NATION wide - you'll get a good one much faster with less settling. ...
except I would look WORLDWIDE (international preferred)
Sooner the better! (EZr when young).
I got a LOT of future value / wage benefit since I was willing to 'take-the-risk' for the company and move my family overseas (4x). SO much ezr single
Intl employement is a BIG item for certain future employers (shows a LOT of commitment, since you are uprooted and working 12 - 16 hrs days and LOTS of travel (daily!) Paid to travel + Higher wages, better assignments when (if) you return home. + FREE vacation (when you have a few moments to enjoy)
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and move my family overseas (4x). SO much ezr single
