O/T Places to live

[FONZI]

This is very Off Topic so forgive me. But I feel like we are a fairly like minded group here. I have lived in Southern California all my life. It is gettin so DAMNNED expensive to live here that my family and I have been thinking that maybee it is time to get the hell out. I was just looking for input from people in different parts of the US. Can you have a better quality of live in say Oaklahoma or Kansas. I mean I know the cost of living is cheaper, but is the pay alot worse? I have a desk job sorta...backround is in Executive and group transportation (like limos and busses etc...) I do sales and management. I am just tired of workin my ass off to be a dollar short here. Is it any better out there or we all in the same boat?

Thanks,

Fonzi

[hotrodladycrusr]

Cost of living is ALOT less here in Metro Detroit. I can compare the two because I use to live in ElCajon. You will be able to afford your own home on the salery of a regular job. Not sharing with anyone, just you paying the bills. Basicly a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, full basement, brick home in a subdivison. $150,000 average, give or take $25K.

My company is hiring sales people right now. I work for the local cable company. Base salery is $15,500 and since I do the commissions for these guys every week, most of them are averaging another $1,000 per week in commissions, gross. They work an average of 8 hours, probley less. Not bad in my book.

If you have experience in sales, my boss will hire you in a heartbeat. We have 3 spots open right now. Send me your resume http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[OGNC]

If I could find a job at a publishing company (or something similar) in Austin, Texas I would be out of California before the next weekend! I grew up in San Diego and moved to Orange County in 1992 and I am flat worn out. Hate the traffic and the only houses I could afford to buy are out in the middle of the desert. I would be willing to bet that within the next 5 years that I won't be a resident of California...

[Smokin Joe]

Hell, if we weren't all broke this board would be about tuning C-5 Vettes and improving on Boyd & Chip cars... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Most of us learned to fix cars because we had to. THEN we decided it was fun later... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[FONZI]

Wow, Denise thanks. I am only in the thinkin about it stage as I just purchased my 1st home a year ago.... But u got my wheels turnin. My dad is originally from Detroit but he moved whne he was a kid...

OC-
That is funny that you mention Austin. That is the 1st place on my list to check out!

FONZI

[40StudeDude]

Don't move to Denver then, either of you!!! I'm also in the publishing business...have been for ten years...there are NO jobs here in publishing...or advertising...or printing...and we've alrady got too damned many limo companies here...and they are hurting also. Denver is hurting!

Also, housing has gone sky high becuz of all the Californians moving here...AVERAGE price for a new house is at an all time, unheard of high of $259,000...most go for upwards of $400,000...

And T-Rex has the highways around here screwed up for the next five years!!! Used to be a twenty-minute drive was easy, now it's an hour, without an accident anywhere in the system!

[FONZI]

OK taking Denver off the list....

[Luke Jivetalker]

Fonzi, have you considered the Pacific NW? That's where I'm heading in the next year or so.........

[Kustom55]

Funny you should post this Fonzi. My wife and I just put our home up for sale in Riverside and we are already making arrangements to move to Austin, Tx. by end of this year. I drive 30 miles to work from Riverside to Tustin and it takes the better part of 2 hours. Real Estate market took a crap here enought to cut almost $4,000.00 of my monthly income, gas prices are 2.10 a gallon for 87. How are we supposed to live? My Pontiac has been sitting in my driveway for over a month now because I have no $$$$ for brake parts. Not ranting, just fed up. Im not saying that moving is going to solve everything, but damn. Enough is enough and after living here my entire life, I am completely fed up. If you come out to the Roundup next year in Austin, you will be more than welcome to stay and "look" around.

[40StudeDude]

Besides, the mountains got 6 inches of new snow last nite, closed Vail pass and caught many unawares....today it's only 55 degrees in Denver...summer is over!
R-

[Judd]

Fonzi

Mississippi Gulf Coast! Casinos, busses, limos, beach, no winter. You can still buy 3 houses for what one in California sells for.
http:www.cruisinthecoast.com

Judd

[hotrodladycrusr]

GOD, I LOVE DETROIT!!!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[SwitchBlade327]

nc ins't too bad, and we have eveything, beaches, mountains, and the shit that goes inbetween. Cost of living ain't that bad in most parts either. You could easily find somewhere to work in Charlotte or the Raliegh/Durham area. Plus you'd learn why its the Right Coast.

[lownrusty]

Just got back from Spokane Wa. 120k up there will get you a couple of acres a shop and a cool old house the paper up ther was loaded with jobs If I can get out soon I'm headin north I was welcomed back to cali. with some big rig almost killing us.

[plan9]

id move to the southwest if it came to it... i imagine there isnt any snow depending on where you live. is there such a thing as mild weather in texas/NM/AZ?

theres also the bay area, central california.. my friend baught a house in concord for 250k, rancher, big fuckin backyard, lots of places to stash cars...fixer type. so, he did the work himself and now the house is 350k. theres also northern cali, thats unless you want leave california altogether.

fuck i hate LA, miss the gay area!!!! R)EIWG) I#$+%$#+T

[Just Gary]

Here's a link to the "Best Places" website. Use it to compare your present "plight" to any other zip code.
http://www.bestplaces.net/

Generally, low cost of living areas are in the midwest and rural southeast.

Probably the best question to ask yourself is, "How portable is my job, or am I willing to start a different career?"

FWIW, I live in the metro DC area and work in the P'gon. DC is right up there with SF, LA & NYC for high cost of living & crowded roads. I'm retiring from the Navy next spring and am staying here, only because I have a job lined up (which I like to do) that requires specific qualifications that are unmarketable and irrellivent anywhere else in the country.

Hope this helps.

[krupanut]

Jobs aren’t easy to come by in Austin right now but they're not impossible.

You can live on much less money here and there is always things to do.

Music scene is second to none, and there's alot of cool car stuff going on. Not as much as so-cal but getting better all the time.

There is also very little attitude and drama within the car scene. Everyone likes to help everybody else out.

Houses are very affordable, bought my 3 bedroom 2 car garage pad for $94 grand two years ago in a nice 50s built sub division about 15 minutes from downtown.

Gas is $1.46 a gallon right now.

Getting stuck in traffic means it took you an extra 15 minutes to get where you were going.

Take I-10 to San Antonio, pay your respects at the Alamo, hop on 1-35 North to Travis County.

What are you waiting for?

[Rolf]

Pacific N.W. is a good place. Don't tell any Californians though, they screwed up our real estate prices in the last exidus! Good summers, wet winters, clean air, nice scenery. Traffic sux, but if you can work close to home it's Ok.

Blue dots and fenderless cars are legal!

And I live here!

[Sam F.]

KENTUCKY: beautiful place to visit, ..but you wouldnt want to live here http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Crease]

Fonzi

Howdy, I met you out there at the Donut Derelicts run earlier this year.

I love visiting So Cal and I really like the people out there. However, I would have to agree regarding the cost of living. Personally I love Texas and my plan is to move all you folks out here one cool hot rodder at a time. I've got one down and about 3000 to go. Im in SA, but I would suggest Austin over SA. Like Krupanut said, there's alot more to do. The Kontinentals do a great job of keepin the scene goin. SA is a little cheaper. Im guessing that with the tourist economy you could probably land a job in transit. In general shoot for Austin, or Dallas and if that doesn't work get your self a pup tent and come camp in my lawn.

[OGNC]

Hey, krupanut. What is the web address for the local paper there and are their calssifieds posted so I could check out the job market? Just askin?

[Bigdaddy]

Orange County is where its at man i traveled to alot of places this summer as I was a Performance marketing rep, and man every time I went somewhere else I just liked OC more. Ya it might be a little more expensive but hey im willin to work my ass off to stay. So for all you who are wanting to leave nice having ya.

With Love,
Bigdaddy

[Smokin Joe]

You need to tell him why Spokane/North Idaho is cheap. California and and eastern city dwellers move there to escape the cities and traffic, build new houses because they're cheap compared to the city, then try to sell and move back to the city a year or 2 later. Guess they miss not being able to see the air they're breathing. And they discover skiing is friggin cold when it's not on TV! Hayden lake is surrounded with houses and 2/3 of them are for sale. Meanwhile more Californians are putting up new ones just like all the ones that are for sale. Guess they don't want a bathroom someone else pissed in.

[Kustom55]

OGNC, go to yahoo! and type in Austin 360 or check out The Austin American Statesman. Sorry to jump right in krupanut.


OC USED to be the place to live. It is nice and safe and fuzzy and warm, but until you are on your own or have a family and actually have to pay for everything, mortgage, homeowners ins, taxes, gas, cars, fun $$$...etc....then you will realize how hard it really is. My folks just bought a "fixer uper" in Mission Viejo, 3 bed 2 bath built in the 70s that needs work for $492,000.00. F%&* that! Thanks for 25 years Cali, but good riddance!

[FONZI]

Wow,
Thanks for all these responses. I really like California, but it is just gettin too damn $$$ to raise a family here. I am a non college educated 29 year old. I haev had the same job for goin on 10 yrs. I just don't see a light at the end of the tunnel. I mean you honestly got to make 100k a year here to make ends meet. It sucks. I am just lookin for a more laid back lifestyle. Where work is just that. You put in your 8 hours and go home. I gotta put in 80-100 work weeks now and I am still having trouble payin da bills. It is just CRAZY. Wow what a whiney bitch I sound like...I appreciate all the input guys and gals! Great perspectives. Now i just gotta find the time and money for aroad trip to visit these towns. I think Austin will be my 1st stop.

FONZI

[dondanno]

Fonzi, I'm a Gay Area transplant I moved to Portland in 96 and havent looked back. Check the Oregon Employment Dept. web page they cover a lot of jobs. I am 10 minutes from down town on the west side with 1/2 acre lot and payed 140k in 97. check it out...Danny

[SamIyam]

I'd put Northern/Central California against anywhere in the USA... housing is reasonable (median house in the valley is $160,000) pay is good (A teacher with my experience makes about $55,000 a year... topping out at $80,000) and you can drive your hot rod year around!
No snow.
It doesn't rain that much.
...and crime has been going down for years (although Modesto has been in the news a bunch lately)
Hot rod shows year around along with racing dang near year around (depends on what kind)...

But I think what basically happens with a lot of people is that they always think the grass is greener in another state... sometimes it's your attitude...

The other thing about California... as a state... is that you can find just about ANY kind of landscape and any kind of culture here... we have guys that live up in the mountains "off the land"... we have small town communities up north and in the hills... we have desert land... big cities... and a shit load of agriculture (farm land, ranches etc)... but a lot of times, people only think of LosAngeles when they think California... hell, even I get hives when I think of all the stuff going on in SoCal... really neat to visit... but almost too much when you think about it...

Basically, your life is what you make it... reguardless of where you live.
Sam.

[daddylama]

Amazing how many people wanna bail outta SoCal...
But I'm one of 'em.

Phoenix... that's my next move. Dosent get cold, lower cost of living (for now), lots of girlies.

Im in Los Angeles (near Northridge, actually) now... overpriced everything... property taxes alone are $398 a month... and ive only got 1/2 acre. And that's considered a LOT of land for the valley or LA. I can make the same amount living in AZ as i do here, with only 2/3 the cost of living... or less.
Gonna start lookin for somethin with at least a few acres in AZ in the next year or so. Man, all the crap i could keep with that much land...

[warpigg]

working in a real estate related career like i do; i want to give you one piece of advice. it is based on a horror story i once heard and from what i understand it happens quite a bit. if you are in the market to buy a house where you go be careful. based on reading your post you're not in the position to pay cash for a house... but if you were thinking about it don't and by all means get at least one real estate appraiser to look at the property. you will move to one of these lower cost areas and just be blown away that you can get a 3 br ranch for under 100,000. but that is how the market is in places like OKC vice some parts of CA for example. god knows what 2br square tops are going for in silicon valley... shop around and find a good agent and even an appraiser. if you don't you could easily go shopping with california prices on your mind and get a house that will never appraise for what you paid... there are some crooked agents and brokers out there, so watch out.

good luck... hope you like the cold.

[burndup]

I had half a mind to move to austin in '96. Regretted that I didn't... LETS ALL GO!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[FONZI]

I agree Sam I really do like California. But what I am having a problem with is gettin by. I mean can you support you rfamily on 55k a year? I can't. We don't live like rock stars but we still just eek by. by the time i pay my morgtage, insurance, and basic neccecity shit I AM BROKE. I am just tired of living like that. I can adapt to almost any environment, i get along well with most people, I just don't wanna be worrying about payin fuckin bills all the time, and have shit to show for all the $$ i am shellin out.

FONZ

[mytlo56]

Heck man. Seattle is great, at least in my book. The cost of living is definitely higher than Olympia or Tacoma, but we've got quite a bit more in terms of culture & a cool city.

There's a kick ass rockabilly scene up here in Ballard (city neighborhood) where the wife and I just bought a place a yr. ago. Plan on about 300 k for a three bedroom bungalo type house w/ a little yard & a one car garage. There's the only problem: It's hard as heck to find a two car garage. Oh well, you give a little here, take a little there.

Anyway, Seattle is cool. Nice people, clean air, absolutely beautiful summers, winters aren't near as bad as people say, and quite a few car shows in the summer. We are also close enough to So-Cal to get good rust-free vehcicles shipped up. Good bars too.

Much as everywhere in the country, the job market is kind of shakey. We got hit hard by the tech. fall-out, but that needed to happen. You might be able to find an administrative type gig easily enough though. Especially if you aren't looking to make a ton. I work for the University of WA as a project manager and make a fair living w/ excellent job security. I don't have the typical laid back University job & work my ass off...but at least I have a job.

If you are really looking for somewhere cheaper check out Olympia or Tacoma. 55 k per yr. could get you by there pretty well. Seattle will require about 80-100 k per yr. to own a little something and live a solid life.

Well, I hope my rant helps.
-Anthony

PS- everyone has a different perspective on what "reasonable" cost of living is. If I'm way off base I'm sorry. I grew up near the NY/Penciltucky border where you could buy a damn mansion on 50 acres for 200 k...but the place just sucked.

[OGNC]

If we all went to Austin, then the housing prices would skyrocket there and we'd all have the same complaint and different phone numbers!

[Mike Zenor]

I'll second Krupanut's comments on Austin... quality of life is second to none, cost of living is very reasonable compared to Cali. Best place in USA. Some places with high Fun-per-buck ratios...

1. Austin
2. Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill NC
3. Orlando
4. Albuquerque
5. OKC

[warpigg]

[ QUOTE ]
If we all went, then the housing prices would skyrocket there and we'd all have the same complaint and different phone numbers!

[/ QUOTE ]
and no jobs to pay the phone bills with http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[plan9]

id have to say seattle is pretty cool as well...eventhough i have never been there before!!!

although, i can do without that gay ass grunge shit

[mytlo56]

[ QUOTE ]
id have to say seattle is pretty cool as well...eventhough i have never been there before!!!

although, i can do without that gay ass grunge shit

[/ QUOTE ]

Grunge was quite a while ago. It doesn't even exist here anymore (Thank God).

[OGNC]

I dig OKC as well, but the whole having to chase your house down every summer because a tornado ripped through your neighborhood deal isn't for me.
And Indianapolis is nice and I could even deal with living in the south (Louisiana, Mississippi). But I fell in love with Austin the very first time I ever went and have made it a point to spend at least one week a year there ever since. So if I pick up and leave, I am either going back to San Diego or to Austin.

[BLAKE]

Go to Austin. I'm in Houston (another cheap option) but spend about one weekend/month in Austin. KRUPANUT already listed the hi-lites... it's relatively cheap living, lotsa different landscapes in the area, primo music and nightlife, and a cool car scene to boot.

Local poop can be found at The Statesman (http://www.statesman.com), Austin 360 (http://www.austin360.com), and The Chronicle (http://www.austinchronicle.com)

[warpigg]

[ QUOTE ]
I dig OKC as well, but the whole having to chase your house down every summer because a tornado ripped through your neighborhood deal isn't for me.


[/ QUOTE ]
that's funny because i don't want to pick pieces of my house out of a fault line... we have so much in common http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[OGNC]

Hey Fonzi, I am going to be in a wedding in Austin next month. I will pick up a bunch of the local papers and real estate freebies when I am there. PM me your number and I'll drop them by or you can meet me at The Block and I'll hand them over to you. I can totally feel your pain when it comes to making what seems like a lot of money and never having any left at the end of the month. I am going to be checking out the Job market and housing while I am back there, too.

[40StudeDude]

Tell you what OGNC...you move to Denver, start your own publishing company and I'LL call you for a job!!! Between the two of us we mite be able to come up with something!!!

It snows here (40 inches in one 33 hour period this past spring-March 13th destroyed trees and roofs)...it rains here (2 1/2 inches in less than one hour this summer)...flooded I-25 to a standstill...the wind blows here (no major tornados...yet)...we've had 43 days of above 90 degree temps this summer...it hails here (Quarter sized and up north of Denver this summer) and ya never know what the next hour will bring...after September 1, summer is over and it may snow at any minute and ya never know when Spring will arrive...it was late this year, April 30th!
R-

[OGNC]

40StudeDude, I have done the whole "create a magazine from scratch" thing (ever seen StreetTrucks on the news stand?)and it is a LOT of work. The only thing is that you need a TON of money to do it, so I don't see it in my future. If Denver is so bad, why don't you get out. You know they do have these big ass rental trucks now that you can pack all of your crap into and move it to a different city (and no I don't mean to Fort Collins).

[El Caballo]

[ QUOTE ]
I dig OKC as well, but the whole having to chase your house down every summer because a tornado ripped through your neighborhood deal isn't for me.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


that's funny because i don't want to pick pieces of my house out of a fault line... we have so much in common


[/ QUOTE ]

OKC is nice, and soooooo cheap. Great kite flying weather...

[$pomadepete$]

dont any of you kalifornians come to seattle. it sux here. it rains a lot and your cars will leak and rust.

to ad to that... seriously, all i need is one more fucking asshole here from cali that cant drive their god damn suv and has a shitty attitude.

oh the other hand if you're cool, know how to drive, i guess u can come, i haint gonna stop ya, but be prepared to take shit for a few yrs from the locals.

[CURIOUS RASH]

<font color="green"> OKC is alright.

Kinda dirty and not well planned out.

I love living in Tulsa, but...

If you need a JOB, there aren't any.

RASHY </font>

[40StudeDude]

OGNC...My house is paid for...I've got a 30 X 40 garage out back sitting on 1/2 acre...my daughter is here with two grandsons, my son is here, my brother and my sister are within six miles of me...I live in a suburb of Denver (not actually Denver), I've been in Denver metro since 1966...and the biggie ---I'm too damned old to start over...I'll put up with it.

Yep, know all about starting a mag (I did too) and it takes cubic dollars...and the investors get testy if you don't show a profit after the first year!!! No thanx, won't do that again...
R-

[mytlo56]

[ QUOTE ]
dont any of you kalifornians come to seattle. it sux here. it rains a lot and your cars will leak and rust.

to ad to that... seriously, all i need is one more fucking asshole here from cali that cant drive their god damn suv and has a shitty attitude.

oh the other hand if you're cool, know how to drive, i guess u can come, i haint gonna stop ya, but be prepared to take shit for a few yrs from the locals.

[/ QUOTE ]

Pete, You from back east? I was lookin' at your page and saw some stuff from a show in Syracuse. Even if you're not, cool page. Where in Seattle you livin' &amp; what are you drivin? I might have seen you around. I'm out in Ballard.

[OGNC]

My ex girlfriend's family and two of my best friends live up in Denver (well in Westminister). One works at Pinky's and the other owns his own machine shop making Harley parts. All of them hate the weather but love the people and the cost of living. I guess if I was totally settled in here in SoCal I wouldn't have to worry much about it either, but the way the housing market is going I am going to end up having to buy a house 90 miles from where I work! And with traffic like it is, that ain't gunna happen.

[Retroline]

Why not pack up and move down under(Australia).
You can sell up and double your money when you exchange it. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Actually,Sydney is getting much like California,to damb expensive and everyone is on the move out.I've thought about it but my mortgage is nothing compared to what people are paying today and if I leave I'll never be able to afford to come back...

[RF]

Yeah, all you complainers start checkin the want ads and housing prices elsewhere...get the hell out quick! The sooner, the better. That's the only way SoCal will ever improve. I ain't goin' nowhere, so any help is appreciated. Cornball/Fonzi, I'll help you guys look!

[TWO]

[ QUOTE ]
I'd put Northern/Central California against anywhere in the USA...

[/ QUOTE ]

I like to visit northern california but you're crazy if you really think it will stand up to anywhere else in the US for quality of living unless you're rich. And have a personal jet car. The ridiculously clogged roads alone kill it. I can think of some town where I'd rather live in pretty much every other state in the country EXCEPT Hawaii, (I like trips without involving boat or plane fare), Nebraska, Utah, Iowa... I can't think of any others I wouldn't rather live in. And Iowa's debatable.

[Gr8ballsofir]

Will the last person leaving Cali please turn out the lights?

[40StudeDude]

Who works at Pinky's? I may know him...I know both Eric and his Dad...AND I thot the cost of living here WAS high!
R-

[$pomadepete$]

mytlo56, your name sammy? and your girl has red hair? if so i meet you guys while back, dig all your cars, plus u guys are swell too. i drive a 66 blk w/ wht top convertible galaxie and a cafe racer ducati and am an extremaly handsome mofo, haha http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Retroline]

It was only a 4 week holiday but when I travelled around the U.S in 2000,I though South Dakota was quite nice as well as Colorado.Yeah, So Cal had the car fix for me but friendly people were a little harder to find. And the traffic was just like home anyway except you have more blocked lanes to choose from.

[OGNC]

Rob, you're a perfect example. To be able to afford a nice house, you had to buy a house 60 miles (give or take) from where you work. You have to battle the traffic on the 91 freeway every morning for at least an hour (each direction) every day. Sure, you're a home owner, but the drive has to effect your quality of life (not to mention gas for your Honda Car is still 2.10 a gallon).

To be honest I envy the fact that you finally got to buy a house and if I wanted to move out there I could probably do the same. But I already tried my hand at living out in the 909 and I didn't care for having to sit in traffic for 2-plus hours a day just go get to work. And that was 8 years ago. I couldn't even begin imagine what it is like now with the surge of growth that has happened since I moved to OC...

[OGNC]

40Stude, his name is Mike Peters. Big guy (hasn't missed many meals) blonde hair, receeding a bit. Has some tattoos and a 54 Merc he has been working on since... well as long as I can remember. He grew up in San Diego right down the road from me. He is a really good guy, I just don't get to see him nearly enough. We were really good friends when we were younger and we both just up and moved away.

[$pomadepete$]

ps, i see that employment had been added to the mix. Honestly seattle has got to be one of the worst, seeing how it ranks the highest. BUT, it all depands on the person, your drive/perserverance/attitude, skill, experience, education and most of all ambition to find a job. oh ya, and networking helps.

[Dirk]

I am another one that plans on leaving so-cal in the next couple of years.

This is a good post!

[El Caballo]

What about Spokane, pretty nice from what I have seen.

[orange52]

To ALMOST quote BUTT REYNOLDS "a place to visit, ..but you wouldnt want to live here". I grew up in NW Iowa. Friendly people, once you get to know someone. After the Military my plan was to get a degree from the Univ of Iowa and then get the hell out. Got marriend and the wife wants to stay here.
I see a lot of people move here from California, get bored and move back. If you move to Iowa expect things to be a bit slower. Trends usually get hear two or three years after they've hit the coasts. Many of the stores you take for granted aren't here yet. And the ones that are close earlier. After four years in the Military in North Carolina it took me almost three years to mellow out and get back in the Iowa groove. I'd say if you do move here Des Moines is the place to be. Knoxville has some cool dirt track racing. The winters can be damn cold, wind chills are the killer. When it comes to cars, rust is your worst enemy. It is a good place to raise kids. I grew up in a small town, 2000 people, and my parents knew where I was 24/7. Not because I told them but because family friends would report back to them, even if I'd been 8 towns over. The sea food here isn't great but the steak and pork chops are.
Pro's and Con's, depends on whats important to you.
I do miss the oceans, the mountains, auto parts stores with stuff I want, bikinis at the beach.
Oh, if you move to Iowa and are single beware of what I call "Iowa Camoflauge". That's a big baggy shirt or sweat shirt that goes down to the knee's. It hides more than you think. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[bradberry00]

Well if you really want a change in cost of living....South Dakota is where to go http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif......actually not a bad place to live, but the winters blow....and there is occasionally the lack of stuff to do.... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[Radshit]

I thought Lukejivetalker was moving to Austin.......???

FONZI.....I'm contemplating moving to the midwest myself.

The wife can't find a job here, and she want's to move.

I'm doing a masive public relations campaign for the Midwest.......I just need to find a job out there.

[leadsled]

I moved to the gulf coast in 99 from so-cal. I lived in Orange work in San Pedro and grew up in Alta Loma. I am here to stay I got on a plane meet a real-estate agent and bought a 2000 sqft house on an acre for 110K. As far as work goes, don't know much about the market out side of the marine industry. I am a big bore and marine propulsion mechanic. Lots of work for me here. We have about 3 huricanes every 100 years but we know when there coming unlike earthquakes. Car scence sucks it's a bunch of shiney fuzzy dice lost in the 50s fucks. They think black primer is bare metal. When you gonna paint it? tim

[av8]

SamIYam is telling you true about NorCal, and much of what he says applies to the rest of the State. There are a wide range of living environments and costs, depending on your needs and interests.

But please don't move anywhere in California even if you already live here and are looking to relocate. Move back to where your parents and grandparents came from, those places where you spent family vacations. How long has it been since you enjoyed the outdoor-sauna Summer experience of any place located east of the Continentlal Divide?

In general terms, California is 'spensive, and particularly so in some of the really gay areas (wonder where all those "Californians" picked up those northeast, Great Lakes, midwest, and southern accents? Hmmm . . .)

California is also a pricey place to live where it's trendy and hip, like the coastal counties north and south of San Francisco. Part of that has to do with the fact that the area enjoys some of the finest year-around climate on the planet. The remainder of the appeal comes from the incredible beauty of the area.

But, if you don't already live in this locale in a comfortable situation, now's not to time show up; with two-bedroom/one-bath fixer-uppers selling for upwards of a quarter-million dollars it's no place to look for affordable entry-level housing.

Just some observations by an old Californio . . .

[Roothawg]

Don't listen to Rashy...OKC has jobs. Tulsa doesn't.

[Roothawg]

BTW, If ya wanna email me or pm I can give ya some comparative prices vs. salaries.

[DrJ]

There's a "tool shed" on a 1/8th acre lot across the street from me that's offered for just under $500,000.00 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Ive traveled a lot and when I go to a place I contemplate living there... I've decided that the reason it's so expensive here is because it's the best place to live, simple as that!

[Toyghoul]

[ QUOTE ]
What about Spokane, pretty nice from what I have seen.

[/ QUOTE ]
Shhhhhh....that's supposed to be a secret.. I lived in L.A for 13 years, Now back in Spokane and glad I am, I do miss the weekly trip to Disneyland, but am makin a house payment instead of payin rent! No snow here, yet!!

[wingnutz]

Hey Fonzi

Know you from "Doughnut Derilects" I'm the guy that didn't bother changing my "TEXAS" license plates to California tags for a reason..., I knew I was going back to Austin!!

Lived in northern CA, Seattle WA, Sedona AZ, southern CA, Austin TX, and found myself back in Wisconsin! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
But I plan on moving back to Austin when I finish with some issues up here. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I guess it's just personal preferance because I did enjoy the "Caleefoorneeaa" (as Schwartzeneger would say it) desert side. But I like the fact I don't have to take a loan out to fill up the tank!

When I first entered Texas..., I saw a bumper sticker that said..., "DON'T CALIFORNICATE TEXAS"!!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif So I recommend that you trade off your Cally plates for the Lone Star brand as soon as possible! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Good Luck in your decision, and watch out for the "Longhorns"!

Mark

P.S. say hi to Dave and Cathy for me!

[choprods]

Radshit-an Fonzi...I have lived in Mo all my life and I get a lil bummed o it too -but in reality it is a nice place to live and work and raise a family in many ways- use the site the guy listed at the first of this post to compare cities in your state to missouri and you will see. I believe Columbia [center state] is one of the top 5 cities to move to to work and live.....we have been having lighter winters over the last ten years and the taxes and cost of living and work available is not a problem. I have visited many ares of this country and like some but seriously wonder how the others deal with the congestion and overpopulation/crime etc.....it would be hard to relocate and actually improve your situation without giving it some serious planning......but it IS TEMPTING!

[Jim Marlett]

This is important. Nobody move to Kansas. It's way too quiet and friendly for you. There are so little traffic that even here in the biggest city, you can get from anywhere to anywhere else in no more than 30 minutes. Of course that means the sky is that ugly blue color, too. You can hardly find anything but cheap houses. There's all those thunderstorms, tornados, hail - I'm surprised we survive. The weather is horrible summer and winter and the wind only makes it worse. I'm holdin' down the fort out here in the flatlands so the rest of you don't have to.

[Radshit]

Nice try Jim.....I was born and raised in Ralston NE.........I know exactly what I'm missing http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[CURIOUS RASH]

[ QUOTE ]
Don't listen to Rashy...OKC has jobs. Tulsa doesn't.

[/ QUOTE ] <font color="green">
I didn't say OKC has no jobs, I just said OKC sucks.

Well, I guess I didn't say it sucks, but , yeah that's pretty much what I meant.

RASHY </font>

[modernbeat]

A few guys have mentioned Austin, but if you want to live well, I say move to Houston.

Good points: This is a HUGE city with an incredible variety of employment and fairly low unemployment. Houston has had unemployment levels below the national average for ages. Housing is extremly cheap even in the "good" areas. I live in a 4000 square food drive-in studio at the edge of the ritzy downtown area and I only pay .22 cents per square foot. That includes my water, my dumpster and the yard maintence. I don't have a college degree (but do have a lot of education) and recently took a job with Boeing making more than Sam's teacher's pay. Texas has no state income tax. Owning and enjoying cars is incredibly cheap in Texas. Registration, insurance (except Harris County) and gas is very affordable. Houston has the cheapest gas prices in the US. Because Houston has had years of industrial history, machine equipment, metalworking equipment, metal, tools, and other shop equipment is easy to find new and used. Need a wierd tool in Houston, you won't have to drive more than 20 miles to find it. As bad as some think our politicians are, we haven't started to approach the corruptness found in Colorado, California, Lousiana, NY or Florida. Houston has a mature Old-Guy hot rod scene and a burgeoning Young-guy scene. Houston has a HUGE number of restraunts. The art and Arts scene is great. And, it's only a couple hours to Austin and the cool scene going on up there.

The bad side: Houston has humidity and for about three months of the year, it's miserably hot and muggy. Too much to go outside. Houston has a deserved reputation for bad roads. If you choose to live in the outer suburbs, you can expect a slow commute into town. There aren't any BIG car shows in Houston. The Dallas area has a few including a GoodGuys and a KKOA show. Austin now has the roundup.

[delaware george]

i like the east coast,but wish it had so-cal weather http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[40StudeDude]

Hey Modernbeat, I'd like to hear more about: "...as bad as some think our politicians are, we haven't started to approach the corruptness found in Colorado..."

As someone that lives in ColoRODo, I definitely want to get a Texan's view... an "outsiders" view of corruptness.
R-

[**DONOTDELETE**]

My wife wanted me to kiss her where it smells..... so we moved to Houston

[Ham]

Every thought of Utah? I know it's probably not high on your list, or not at all! Lived most my live in SoCal as well and always said I'd stay there, but being married now and looking at the cost of living, housing, etc plus with traffic, crowding, it just wasn't for me anymore. Salt Lake City is actually pretty cool. It's big enough for a city, but also not extremely over crowed. Cost of living is lower therefore job pay isn't as much, but it all evens out. Just bought my first home for $129,000 with 3 bd 1 bath and a BIG 2 car garage! Plus you'd be closer to Bonneville if that's your thing... anyway, for what it's worth. Good Luck!

[MoFoMOD]

Move to Anaheim, Stan-Tone is such a shithole...

[InPrimer]

Fonzy, I've been all over the states in my 56 yrs on earth the main thing to do is make a list of likes/dislikes and as you mentioned you have lived in SoCal all your life, can you handle 5 mo of snow? tornadoes, flooding and all the other headaches? Im not trying to confuse you but I suggest that if you can spend some time in your potential new area before commiting to a move it will give you an idea of whats its like, unlike being on "vacation" mode where everything looks beautiful, only later realizing that you made a mistake I purhased a lot in AZ 2yrs ago I'll be selling it soon because even though I thought I did my homework the area has gotten out of hand as far as builing a house on it, sky high increase in 2 yrs!( I got to blame the Califorians who get there and think $250K is cheap!)Best advise, look, around and if it feels good it will be right for you

[brutus t maximus]

i grew up in kansas and lived there until i was 30.

the summers are hot as hell, and windy, except for august then there isnt a breath of air

the winters are cold as hell, and windy, oh did i mention wind?

much slower pace of life, property value in out lieing area's are quite good especially on older homes.

traffic, whats that in kansas, you may drive 30 miles and see 4 or 6 cars some days in most parts.

pace of life is slower, much slower.

snakes? at least 5 poisonous ones that come to mind.

spiders? i can think of at least a few of those.

bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, etc,, very carnivorous they will seek and sting you.

chiggers, tics and other pests are always a lot of fun.

misquitoes that will take a pint of blood if allowed, and believe me after dark they will try.

stickers, sand burrs, and cockle burrs, to name a few things that hurt like hell to step on and flatten the kids bike tires.

long dry spells, followed by intense rain, one place in south central kansas last week got 12.5 inches of rain in 15 minutes... killed 8 people!!

intense lightening storms, and exceptional tornado's for those that like stormy weather.

miles and miles of small dieing towns, few jobs outside the cities, but folks manage to buy homes, raise families, buy cars, have hot rods, and grow old just the same.

there is an old saying, "folks didnt come to kansas, it was just where the wheel fell off the wagon"

i have lived and worked in the seattle area for the last 17 years.

seattle cost of housing rivals california these days in a lot of places.

weather is beautiful and temperate, although in winter of 98 it rained for 93 straight days.

if you are planning a luxo rod, forget driving it here, I5 is a shit hole, with pot holes, exposed rebar and assorted other problems, and there isnt enuf money in all of america to fix all the traffic problems here, so if you move here get work close to home, commuting is a nightmare on a clear day, impossible on dark and rainy days.

no poisonous snakes in the area, and the spiders are mostly small and non aggresive

great car shows, and a high density of rodders in the region.

hmmmmm ,,, where am i headed to live.... let me see

KANSAS!!!

i know i am stupid http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

bob

[buzzard]

Don't move to Texas unless you spend some time here in July or August.

(Except you Kustom55. Ya'll better be here sweatin' by next summer)

Also, I wouldn't show up without a job. The Austin economy has been killed by the high tech downturn. There are lots of umemployed Californians here already that came out for jobs and got laid off.

[SKR8PN]

For God's sake don't come to Ohio...Cars rust,it snows,it rains,the wind blows,the sun shines,we only have 3 major lakes and a river or two to play in,just a couple of ski resorts,poisonous snakes,big ass spiders,Gas is $1.70 a gallon,the state flower is "construction barrel" and some of the biggests pricks you ever met for State Highway Patrol officers....... And I wouldn't trade it for the all the money in the world...............

[Kustom55]

buzzard, you ain't kidding. The first trip we ever did was in late July and then again in September. Wow, talk about wet. So, we have had two turns of the heat and then a somewhat cold week at the Roundup this past March.

My wife and I work in the real estate/title insurance/notary field, so I am hoping there will be an opening for me there. I have already had a somewhat offer.
Hose goes on the market in 2 weeks, cant wait! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[FONZI]

Thanks for all of the great responses! I am keeping an open mind to see what will work for me and my family. The insight I am gettin is just what I was lookin 4. And don't worry if I land in your State I'll blend right in I can talk funny and shit to fit in y'all.

FONZI

[FONZI]

I done sum thinkin, and given my backround in group transportation, I am lookin into VEGAS.


Fonzi

[36couper]

Fonzi
you can move to Canada if you are willing to deal with all the commie, pinko, faggot socialists we have here. Good healthcare but the system is bankrupt.
Oh yeah, the brass monkey's balls fell off years ago.

Detriot? yeah baby! Great city, great people, great women, great cars. Love that place. The crime scene is way over-stated.

Arizona? Now that is more my style......

Good luck.

[RF]

I actually moved from Orange to Riverside because I wanted to, believe it or not. I grew up here, plus my parents still live here, but most importantly, I got a good-size house with property for under 200K...and it's in a very nice, old neighborhood. In Orange, the same place would be over 500K! No thanks. I'm over worrying about the drive, which averages 45 minutes each way. Big deal. Everything I do, for the most part, is in SoCal, so I'm stickin around.

[hotrodladycrusr]

Fonzi, I noticed you have mentioned family a number of times. I didn't notice anyone mentioning the school systems in their areas yet. Not sure how old your kids are but what you want to look at real close is the "meap scores" of the schools in the areas your considering. Your wife has probley already thought about this. Most women do, most guys don't http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif You can move into the nicest area but if the school system sucks your children will be at a disadvantage.

Also, Forbes Magizine ranks cities by order of safe-ness. Another huge concern since your a family main. About 7 years ago or so Forbes ranked Livonia, the city I live in as the 7th safest in the whole country. I've forgotten how they did it but has to do with population vs violent crimes ect. Our local police force is nothing to mess with and folks from Detroit proper know this and stay away. Ask the police depts in the areas your considering for their crime statisics.

Side note, today in the Metro Detroit area it is 81 beautiful sunny degrees with a light breeze. It has been like this for a couple of weeks now. We get a couple of days each summer that might reach 100. We start getting summer-like temps in May and they last into Oct. We might get snow by Christmas, not guarenteed. Melts, snows, melts again and leaves for good around the end of Feb/begining of March. I don't ever remember snow on St Patricks Day.

IF you'd like to check this part of the country out, you and the family are more then welcome to stay at the house, got plenty of room. If I can send you any info from my end, please don't hesitate to ask.


Modernbeat.... CONGRATS on the new job. Glad to hear you got it. Well deserved http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[seldom scene]

I like San Diego. I live in an affordable duplex in a very cool neighborhood, I can see the bay and the ocean from my front porch. I drive 10 min to work where I earn a decent living. I am in no hurry to buy a house (been there, done that twice). San diego is a cosmopolitan city with a varied international culture, lots of things to do, the best weather in the world, major league sports etc. Please don't move here it is too expensive for you and unfamiliar people, food, and cultures will scare you. You will have too many choices to make. In the winter you will have to drive 50 mins from the beach to the mountains to find snow. Don't move here if you are used to driving your car in summer and working on it in winter as you will never work on it cause you can drive it any time you like.

[Sean]

Fonzi, now your thinking.

I bought a house there two years ago in Henderson for under $130k. Three bedroom, 2 Bath, 1500sqft, 6 years old. Rented it within a month.

Don't plan on ever leaving the Bay Area but if I do, it would be Vegas.

[John B]

[ QUOTE ]
KENTUCKY: beautiful place to visit, ..but you wouldnt want to live here http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Speak for yourself. Once you get use to the rural area it isn't so bad. When I was in high school all I ever heard from my classmates was I can't wait to leave this place. Funny how 16 years later, they all want to come home. Go figure.

[Smokin Joe]

The texican language is easy to learn. It only has 3 words!

Well, Shit Y'all

That can mean anything depending on how you pronounce it. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[redmeat]

<font color="red">I hate to say this but. . .There is no place like the Pacific Northwest!......I have been all over the world and still choose to come back to the Puget Sound......it doesn't rain all the time as people say , ifact we had our first rain this week in 69 days, and it was less then 1 inch!.........If you don't mind being a little out of town you can get some nice places for under 200K(I am talking 2000sq feet on property!....my house is not in the greatest local but I only paid 107K for it 4 years ago,it is worth 149650 now!....also schools are good and the people are freindly......

R E D M E A T </font>

[Rix2Six]

[ QUOTE ]
Orange County is where its at man i traveled to alot of places this summer as I was a Performance marketing rep, and man every time I went somewhere else I just liked OC more. Ya it might be a little more expensive but hey im willin to work my ass off to stay. So for all you who are wanting to leave nice having ya.

With Love,
Bigdaddy

[/ QUOTE ]

That much more room for the rest of us! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif