Can anyone suggest a good state to move to?

Question

My girlfreind and I have been checking out some places to move to, 3 kids and all, so far Texas and upper part of New York have really good prices for houses, though, why in such nice places the cost of living is so cheaper than California? I live in Killerfornia and its the pits here, I dont know why anyone would like living here except for the fact that movie stars are here, the beaches, lots of sun and earthquakes not to mention damns all the way up Kalifronia. I wouldnt mind a place where there are trees and some out back, not a snowy place , not all mountains and woodlands. I was looking also into Tennesee, I have some family there. I love Arizona and have most family there but it just cost so much to live there but not too bad as Kalifornia.

Well arlin, I am hoping to stick in maybe Texas, was hoping maybe Arizona but still costs are high. Somplace up northen part or middle part. I 've been around Midland and Odessa and they are too flat. I was even looking at MI and TN.

Why is it that people in Califronia don't notice the cost difference in the midwest ?

Answer 1

Mississippi Gulf Coast (but, hey, I'm biased). For what you spend on a shack in California you can live in the "Mansion on the hill" here!

Answer 2

Okay, so what I understand is that you don't like much snow, mountains/ woodlands are out. Hmmm.. cost of living is also a factor.
Oregon/ Washington- although you do have some mountains about an hr away, in Oregon, if you stick to the Willamette Valley area (Portland, Salem, Eugene, etc) cost of living is not as high as Cali, no sales tax, slower pace (they still pump your gas at the gas stations!)-- but not boring, and always plenty of outdoor activities. (Beach, cold-water surfing, hiking, camping, fishing, white water rafting, biking, etc. all within about an hr or less) Every few years you get snow.. but for the most part these states have a very moderate climate- many places in Washington never get snow! Both states are growing- employment is relatively easy to find... and you are still somewhat close to your family in Az.
Florida- stick to Western Florida if you are looking for low cost housing...(<150K for a nice 3 bdrm/ 2bth home in some instances) but the employment opportunities are not as available as they are in the Northwest market. Still, beautiful weather, nice people, and a wonderful family environment make this an appealing area. No state tax.
North Carolina - Jacksonville area is booming- not so much Fayetteville. Jobs are quick to come by and the real estate market is great for buyers/ investors. (Prices are still very affordable... but appreciating by leaps and bounds). A very good environment for families, the beach is about an hr away, as are many parks, camping and fishing areas, and other family oriented recreational sites. Good business opportunities too- if you are looking to open you own business (for example, first Starbucks came in a few years ago... no other real competition yet!) Every few years you may get a little snow, but so little that it usually melts off within a few hours. Humidity is the hardest thing to deal with during the summer.
Texas- is fantastic! I think your other responses pretty much cover the pros of this state -- but make sure that you investigate the job market thoroughly. Depending on the area- it may be a little stagnant at the moment.
New York- Western NY is a very nice area, but the economy bears some investigation. You can also expect it to snow most years - and I must say, you will feel like you stepped into a Normal Rockwell painting, even if it is pretty cold! The last time I looked, it was not growing economically as well as some of the other areas in this response - but that was a while ago.

A really good way to check the economy of an area (after you have determined if the yearly climate fits your needs - weatherchannel.com) is to call the Chamber of Commerce. An area that is doing well economically will offer to provide you with all the information you want -- an area that is economically depressed will usually not be so forthcoming. Another resource is the "10 best" list of places to live in the US. I forget which news agency does it, but they base their list on a number of criteria and update it every year. You could probably google it and come up with the site fairly quickly.
Phew, that's a lot of information to take in!
Anyway- I too am a realtor, with Prudential, and since we have offices in all 50 states- if you choose to reply to this reponse, I can provide you with the contact numbers to any agent in any area of the US that you decide to move to. Our offices handle rentals as well as "to purchase" homes- so we can help you with whatever avenue you decide to pursue.
Good luck with your search!
Arlin (pronounced 'Arleen')

Answer 3

I agree that Florida is Paradise. Great weather. Nice people. Lots to do - year 'round.

I live in Venice, which is on the Gulf of Mexico - 1 hour north of Naples, 1 hour south of Tampa, 15 minutes from Sarasota - and less than 2 hours from Orlando.

What a perfect location for jobs and entertainment - and to be a beach bum.

Check out www.searchforvenice.com for more information on the area, including LINKS to local resources and a FREE search engine that does not require registration.

The median price range for housing is in the low $200,000's, which can include a pool, if that's something on your wish list.

Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 4

Michigan is an awesome place to live especially the UP, but DONT move here b/c there are like ZERO jobs available i havent been able to find a job and i have been looking for the past 2 years! So i would say Texas b/c my uncle lives there, and it is a really nice place to visit so i think it would be great to live there! But that is just my opinion, you should definatley talk it over with your girlfriend first and find a place where you both would like to live!

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 5

I have lived in Texas all of my life and you can't beat it. Except for the heat in July and August it is inexpensive, has a good job market, no state income taxes, and the people are generally friendly. Dallas probably has the most stable job market. Austin is the nicest but, the housing market has jumped a little out there lately. Houston is very humid in the summer. San Antonio is like an overgrown East LA but generally safe.

Answer 6

Florida. There are so many beautiful cities here where you can get a brand new 3500 sq ft house for about $300K. You can look any where in Florida except for Dade or Broward County. Nothing is as bad as California though. If you decide on Florida then please contact myself or my husband. I can get you the loan and my husband can find you the house. :)
(I'm a licensed Mortgage Broker & my husband is a licensed Realtor)

Good luck!

Answer 7

Texas has great housing prices, no state income tax, and a booming economy and job markets. Our sales tax is a little over 8% in monst areas ands property tax can easily run you $3,000 or more on a typical 2,000 square foot house.

The heat and humidity takes some getting used to.

You don't have to worry about shoveling snow. The kids can play outside year round.

Answer 8

it rather relies upon on what style of climate your searching for..the two heat..or in basic terms all seasons. i dont recommend florida, its way too packed there. maine is a eye-catching state, long island..the jobs arent so sturdy. in the adventure that your looking into Minnesota choose for eden prairie. i heard its have been given a lot of jobs, and its a good section. the only undesirable situation is its very chilly, long winters. sturdy luck with the seek :)

Answer 9

Consider utah, family oriented and not all mountains. Good economy (strong). Upper N.Y reason for ? very cold winters, and very little work avail. High crime and to mention, it would be a big culter shock for everyone involved.

Answer 10

texas is a good place , they have no state taxes