LIFers that moved out of NY...

How did you go about it? When we were looking in PA, it was not that hard cuz we were able to go & see things for ourselves & kind of knew the neighborhoods and the job market, but now I am thinking about maybe Tennessee or West Virginia & I have no idea where to start. I actually have a friend in TN, and I have been chatting with her but she is moving to Seattle

Ugh, where do I begin?

TIA

Re: LIFers that moved out of NY...

We haven’t moved out of NY, but we’re thinking about it.

The important factors for us would be a “support system” (family or friends near by) and the job market. There are other factors as well, but those 2 would come first.

Message edited 5/17/2006 4:30:47 PM.

Re: LIFers that moved out of NY...

I would start with the job market. Get some info online about good job markets in your profession. Then look at the salaries.

Once you have narrowed it down, start looking for housing and schools. You can get those reports online as well.

Quality of life comes into play, commute, child care..if you have kids or are planning on them..etc..

Real estate: Are you going to buy or rent? Is there a long term plan for this?

I hope this helps.

Also it's easier if you have family and friends in the area you are looking.

Why do you want to move out of NY? I know there are obvious reasons, but everyone has one big one!

Re: LIFers that moved out of NY...

Re: LIFers that moved out of NY...

We moved to GA...the below is from an FM I sent out recently...good luck...it's not an easy decision!!

OK...so how did I do it? I made a thousand and one lists!! "House musts" lists, "neighborhood musts" lists, "schools musts" lists. I check out www.greatschools.net regularly once I found a house that I liked since they tell you what school it's zoned for. My sister is a RE agent and I had access to her MLS site, so I did my own research and had her show me the houses I liked. I checked www.realtor.com as well as Metro Brokers-GMAC regularly. My sister is an agent for GMAC, so I was very lucky. I searched MSN.com for "best places to live", I searched wikipedia.com regularly for info on cities and towns. I searched city crime rates by county, city and state. I did cost of living comparisons on monster.com and searched salary info on salary.com. Basically, I did every kind of research imaginable. I made "pros" and "cons" lists - leaving was NOT easy and I had to be sure since my husband left his entire family behind. But ultimately, NY was not worth it for us. We decided how long of a commute we wanted and narrowed my neighborhood search that way (I knew I wanted to live close to I20 since my family lives near that highway, so I excluded neighborhoods that weren't close).

With all that said, we were both very blessed in that we got jobs before moving here making a great living. We found the house of our dreams and live close to each other so we don't have the need for a second car right now. I started doing research in September of 05 and visited GA 4 times before we moved. It was long and tedious...but totally worth it!!

Before we moved, we came down for a week of intense interviews and house hunting. It was then that we both landed jobs and put an offer on our house. It can happen. You have to be relentless and keep that NY mentality (non-stop) going. Save the slow pace for once you're here!

I hope this helps you!! Definitely look at maps so that you could become familiarized with the counties and the cities. GA is HUGE!!

Re: LIFers that moved out of NY...

I know what you mean- my DH calls NY the Matrix

we plan on getting out in the next few years- we just need a change- he is always stressed- I am miserable with my job-

we pay a ton of money to live on the beach and have a boat- which are 2 things we love- but only get to use them 3 or 4 months out of the year- and the rest of the year we are bored and cold

but it's easy for me to move- b/c most of family already moved

good luck- I hope you find a place that makes you happy!

Re: LIFers that moved out of NY...

Hi -

I can't help too much as we won't be moving due to DH's business but I was going to recommend what my dad did before his move to Florida.

He went on vacation to the area and got to scout around and get an idea of what the towns were like. It was a different situation for him as he was retired and school district didn't matter but he wanted a feel for the neighborhood.
Also before he bought a house he rented for awhile so that he didn't feel rushed to get something.

do you have specific cities in mind in either state? do you want Nashville or Memphis?


good luck!!

Re: LIFers that moved out of NY...

I'd suggest visiting the area and actually renting first unless you do MAJOR research. this way you can become accustomed to the area and learn your way around.

we were lucky to have SIL here and we decided to come down to visit first (twice).

When looking for a job, it's much easier to get a response with a local telephone number and if the cover letter states you are relocating, or if you know someone in the area....use their address.

Re: LIFers that moved out of NY...

my cousins live in Franklin Tenn...about 20 mins south of Nashville. Its a GREAT area with FANTASTIC schools

LEt me know if you want any more info!

Good luck to you!!

Re: LIFers that moved out of NY...

Re: LIFers that moved out of NY...

Posted by Lisa

my cousins live in Franklin Tenn...about 20 mins south of Nashville. Its a GREAT area with FANTASTIC schools

LEt me know if you want any more info!

Good luck to you!!