Wanting To Relocate

[DHau]

But where is the big question. Here is my situation. I am 51 years old, going to college to start a new career as a medical coding specialist, and will be starting a new life alone. I have about a year or so to make some final decisions.

Would like to find a state that is retirement friendly, low humidity, no earthquakes, no tornados, but a good place to grow my own fruits and vegetables because I prefer not spraying with pesticides. I spent the majority of my life living in Northern California and returning there is an option.

I moved to Georgia 14 years ago and most likely my kids will remain here on the eastern side of the US so I am thinking New England, possibly Maine, Vermont, or New Hampshire. I have asked these same questions before, but now I am closer to my goals and have to ask again because things change.

Lots of people think I am nuts going north due to the large amount of snow and the problems associated with it, but I am an outdoor person and hate the heat. I know New England is more expensive but I am thinking more about the quality of life vs. finances.

This is the first time I have ever had an opportunity to choose where I want to live and do what I want because I have been married since I was married at age 19. I am excited and frightened at the same time so I need to make decisions wisely.

I really would like to hear opinions from those who live in New England. Are the winters really so bad you have to hibernate in your homes?

Denise

[carmspack]

don't the New England states get massive wet from hurricanes riding up the coast north --
I am lucky to have "it" in Ontario (Canada) except for the humidity coming off the lakes in summer heat -- we are on the good side of the lake for snow -- the other side of Lake Ontario is Buffalo and they get tons due to lake effects.
this and vegetarian diet too , sounds like you are the butterfly coming out of the coccoon . Exciting .

[Stosh]

I'm from CT and there's less snow there than in the more northern states obviously. I live in East Texas now and it's very retirement friendly, lots of medical facilities, low housing costs and no state income tax. It's hilly, lots of woods...check it out!

[GSDElsa]

I wouldn't really call New England "low humidity".....yeah, less than Georgia, but there is PLENTY in the air still.

The snow all depends on where exactly you live. I live in the snowiest city in North America (well--not this year...I think the apocolypse really is coming). The cloudy days really get to you.

Also lots of bugs. Again, not as many as the south, but we've lost a lot of our garden the last 2 years.

Taxes are sooo much higher than the south. Make sure you can afford to live in the area. COL is more....and property taxes truly are insane. A $250,000 house here is about $10,000 or more a year in property taxes. It's literally like paying an extra mortgage. Other areas aren't quite as high--I'm not sure specifically what it is like in the states you are talking about.

New England/the NE isn't so bad. There are good points, too. I'm just not sure that it fits some of the wants you are describing.

The first place that came to my mind when you were describing what you want is Colorado. Lots of schools, good economy, 3 big cities situated along I-25 within 2-2.5 hours of each other (in other words--3 cities to look for jobs in that wouldn't require a major relocation). Top notch for year-round outdoor activities. Low taxes. Hardly any bugs.

But, I'm biased I think because I love Colorado andw ould love to live back in the Rockies region and be out of the NE.

[Smithie86]

Columbus, OH? Had a friend that moved there from Nashville and likes it.

Need to look for good pockets of well known, respected hospitals that would translate into strong medical practices....

[carmspack]

Colorado is truly gorgeous .
Earth quakes - yes , volcanic eruption possibility -- definitely --

YELLOWSTONE SUPERVOLCANO GETTING READY TO BLOW ITS CORK

Is America Headed for Yellowstone Super-Volcano Eruption Catastrophe? | TheBlaze.com

[Liesje]

As far as cost of living, it's hard to beat west Michigan. We have a little of everything - HOT humid summer, frigid blizzard winter. I don't necessarily love it here, but I am a beach bum and can't leave the big Lake, but can't really afford anywhere as nice near an ocean, plus I like having all the same aspects of an ocean without the salt on me. However unemployment is really high here, it's hard to find a job, but that depends on your niche. Some jobs are still in really high demand.

[ksotto333]

The Midwest is very affordable, housing is plentiful and cheap and though we have humidity it's only for a month or two. I live in NW Ohio but after traveling the last few years. I will move to Northern Michigan if life permits. The Great Lakes are beautiful, the winters long with a lot of snow, but between the internet and my Kindle there would always be something to do. Google the Petoskey, Grand Traverse you'll be amazed at how beautiful Michigan is. ( just buy a 4 wheel drive)

[GSDElsa]

Errr....not any more worries about earthquakes in CO than anywhere up and down the eastern seaboard.

[jprice103]

What about Pennsylvania? Far northeast PA is beautiful! I'm referring to the Pocono area, or Scranton area. Mountains, lovely scenery, no earthquakes, a very RARE tornado may happen but not likely due to the mountains, cooler temps and lower humidity than down near Philadelphia (where I am). My husband and I are considering buying land and building our retirement home there. It is really beautiful there! Plus, you'll feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, but still only an hour from NYC or 2 hours from Philadelphia.