The urge to flee is real
Posted by leftaide@reddit | GenX | View on Reddit | 162 comments
I'm seriously considering selling my house (in Illinois) and choosing to rent for a year or two in different states until the end of time, or until I find my utopia. I WFH and can technically live anywhere. I am middle class, struggling like most people, but I want to see some of the country before it's too late.
But where to go?? I can Google all day but that doesn't really tell me what places are actually like to live in - and it doesn't help me find places I've never heard of.
Where would you go and why? I'd prefer sunny and 70s all year (who wouldn't?). I prefer rain and gloom to blistering heat or painfully cold. I'd like to stay away from ice lining the sidewalks and roads for weeks or months at a time. I'd like somewhere open and friendly, middle of the road cost, with plenty of nature to explore.
If you know of a website that could help me narrow down my list of possible cities/states to visit, please share.
Thanks all
Mom2fourintexas@reddit
Not the cheapest place but Bandon, Oregon...
Stallone_Writer@reddit
I also live in Illinois. All of my life (mid-forties now). The urge to flee has been real since I was a teenager.
Personally, my destination of choice is Colorado. Ever since my first visit in 2015, I fell in love with the Rocky Mountains. “The mountains are calling and I must go.”
leftaide@reddit (OP)
Everyone I know (ok the one person I know) always says Colorado is amazing! Looking forward to seeing it for myself.
DaGeekGamer@reddit
I drove for a living for awhile. I was going to suggest looking in Colorado. Anywhere really, but I'd lean towards south east or away from I-25. Aggressive drivers.
Southern Indiana. Or Kentucky. Try living in bourbon country for a few years and take all the distillery tours. (Last few years I delivered barrels to distilleries. )
leftaide@reddit (OP)
Distillery tours on a weekly basis, another bucket list item.
Netprincess@reddit
It's beautiful. I lived in Denver for a couple of years. I just can't do the cold.
Impossible1999@reddit
With that weather requirement, you know your rent is going to be extra expensive? Orange County California or Hawaii, they fit your bill.
Fortnutisgood@reddit
You sound like you’d love Seattle 6 months out of the year, and then when it’s socked in with rain during the winter months, you could pop over to Eastern Washington where the sun shines most of the time. Or live in Eastern Washington and explore Western Washington on weekends. Washington tends to be a progressive state, but Eastern WA is more conservative, but I’ve always found the people to be warm and inviting!
bigheadstrikesagain@reddit
Piggy backing on this, there's a lot of small towns/cities that aren't going to be as costly as Seattle in western Washington and Oregon. They won't be as glitzy I suppose but maybe look into Vancouver, Battle Ground, Hillsboro or if you don't mind conservative neighbors (mostly still good folks) try Amboy or Puyallup or places like that.
A little more close to nature but the cities are still accessible if you decide that's what you're looking for.
bettesue@reddit
Did you call Seattle “glitzy”!?
bigheadstrikesagain@reddit
You've never been to Puyallup.
bettesue@reddit
Oh yes I have lol
Cryptosmasher86@reddit
You're going to want to check with HR before you do anything
Just because you are currently work from home, doesn't mean you can work anywhere in the country - many industries have restrictions
You actually need to check to see which states your company is set up to do business, it matters for taxes and insurance
So that is step 1.
Step 2 is budget - what can you manage for living expenses
Once you have those two then you can start to look at areas
DancingAcrossTheBlue@reddit
This really should be the top comment
Average_Random_Bitch@reddit
Unless his WFH is contractor status, like mine. I've lived in two states in my 8 yrs with them and it's zero issue. I do get that it's not that way for everyone tho.
DancingAcrossTheBlue@reddit
1099, my bad. Your taxes must be hell.
GroveGuy33133@reddit
Yup especially if you’re working for the Federal government. Lots of folks relocated during Covid and are now facing problems as they get called back, and even worse getting forced to pay back cost of living salary adjustments if they moved to a cheaper area and didn’t update HR.
Skobotinay@reddit
Can I suggest hiring a property manager and renting your house out? You will take a hit with service fees but it is worth the income stream and the loss of headache. Their rent should cover your mortgage and a small income. Travel at will. Source: I did it for years.
leftaide@reddit (OP)
This is something I'd probably have to do, as a safety net in case I lose a job or something.
Skobotinay@reddit
Sure if that is the way you want to think about it. I saw my rental income as my foundation and any jobs I could keep a bonus. As I wandered I certainly bounced from one job to the next and had some horror stories. There are a lot of jerks out there. But there are a lot of really amazing people. You gotta find what supports you the most and inspires you to keep going. Sometimes that was a place for me sometimes that was a person or a community. When it stopped serving me it was time to move on. It was freeing but it also felt isolating at times. I recommend reflecting on what is behind “fleeing” and what would replace it once it happened. The more intentional you can be about searching or setting goals to “go TOWARDS”rather than “fleeing from”can be a powerful mental motivator ya know? DM anytime if you want more discussion. Be well.
steelcoyot@reddit
I aactually did that when I was in my 30's till my 50's, I'm from Virginia and have lived in Montana, Seattle, Alaska, The Grand Canyon National Park, Reno, and have drove cross country 8 times.
leftaide@reddit (OP)
I missed the peak times to do this. I'm 50 now, it comes with many more challenges now.
steelcoyot@reddit
I know a lot of retirees who sold their house and bought an RV, they work at national Parks through the season then head to another location. All the parks that have gift shops will hire retired people to work roughly 30 hours a week, the camp lot is usually $100 a month and you just have to pay for electricity and Internet. I know a few that have planned out where they want to stay 2 years out.
StrangerStrangeland1@reddit
How crazy do you want to get? Saipan/Rota are American Territories off the beaten path. I know a few digital nomads out here. Some things are expensive, some are not, small town feel, ocean is beautiful, it is hot, but that ocean is right there.
You got questions, I live out here. It's not for everyone, but has worked well for me
KATinWOLF@reddit
I am here, too. And I would dump the property, but that’s because it all weighs on me. The less stuff, the more zen (for me).
My retirement plan is to wander like David Carradine in Kung Fu.
Places in my list so far include places I’ve loved and not spent enough time at: northern New Mexico; Morro Bay, California; Savannah, Georgia; the Oregon coast; summers in Alaska.
I hope you get yourself free. I’m rooting for you.
Big-On-Mars@reddit
You can WFH and you choose to live in Illinois? Try r/SameGrassButGreener, but they all seem to eventually converge on Chicago.
Icy-Tough-1791@reddit
Sunny and in the 70s?
Santa Barbara, CA
mxstone1@reddit
I fled into a van. Full time living and working for the past year in a home-built overlanding campervan. Very happy with the decision and not sure if/when I'll ever live in a house/apartment again.
leftaide@reddit (OP)
If I was under 6' and still flexible I'd try this for sure. Feels like I'd be squished unless I had a full on RV.
mxstone1@reddit
I'm under 6' but I still had a 24" hightop installed. Made a world of difference.
Average_Random_Bitch@reddit
Watching your post with great interest. I'm literally stuck in Louisiana until the adoption of my grandkids (2+5) is completed, and I guess stick out the rest of my chemo/immunotherapy and my grandson's kindergarten year.
But I cannot imagine staying and I also work remotely. I can live anywhere. I'd love to find a moderate climate (I do miss snow), that generally doesn't have hurricanes and tornados on the frequent, is affordable, would be a good place to raise the kids and still offer them opportunities when they're older. Does that even exist in the States anymore? I've been asking myself where do you want to go? for almost a year now and I still don't know.
I lived all over the world as a military brat growing up, so change and moving is easy peasy for me. But I do not want to raise kids here and there are reasons after the adoption I may want to leave the state sooner than later, as there is a lot behind our story and it will make things uncomfortable for a certain agency. Stuff is already happening because of our case alone - and about goddamn time in this state too.
I can't afford an extravagant lifestyle, nor do I want one. Just a simple one to quietly (except for all the loud outbursts of laughter) raise these amazing kids.
leftaide@reddit (OP)
Best of luck with the kids and chemo!! If you like snow there's plenty of good places to raise kids, especially if you look in far suburban/rural areas.
Average_Random_Bitch@reddit
One other major consideration I have is a good children's hospital tho. As it is, I have to drive my grandson to immunotherapy in New Orleans every few weeks. It's a 24-hr trip to do it in one day, and over-exhausts us all. So now we do it in two days.
But my experience (in southwestern Virginia) with rural is specialists and hospitals are not close, and finding care is difficult. So that is a worry.
And I'll just say it. I don't want to live amongst a lot of Trumper types. I just don't. And I suspect that is going to become worse and not better over the near future.
And then the homeless/addicted cities that are overrun with this. I want to keep these kids holding onto the shreds of innocence they have left for as long as possible. Considerably harder to do in that scenario.
I honestly don't even know what part of the country to start looking. I also wonder if my aspirations are completely nonsensical.
BTW thanks for the words of encouragement and support!
Old_and_Cranky_Xer@reddit
I’m an Illinoisian as well. Retired now and could leave here in a heartbeat if it wasn’t for my son. He’s 34 and FINALLY getting his shit together. If my husband and I had our druthers, we would move to Laurel Mississippi or Maryville Tennessee area.
uninspired@reddit
This shit terrifies me as a 48 year old with a 4 year old. If she doesn't get her shit together until she's 34 I'll be long gone.
Average_Random_Bitch@reddit
Same as a grandma adopting my two (2+5 yr old) grandkids. Better not fuck this up coz I likely won't be around to help them fix it.
Old_and_Cranky_Xer@reddit
Maybe she won’t end up a drug dealer at 14 (yes we the employees of a law enforcement background had no clue), in rehab at 17, still was an alcoholic and drug user (I don’t count weed), get married and divorced before 25. Had a great job! Quit! Sank more into hell. Got his ex pregnant and didn’t know it until the child was 2 years old and dead. But he found AA, has a pretty good stable job, has a great woman and soon to get his license back and move out!
Maybe it would have been good if I had been older than 24 when I had him. But if I had been any older I couldn’t have handled it.
So is that what you’re worrying about? Do!
uninspired@reddit
I'm really sorry you've dealt with that. And yes, that's exactly what I worry about :) I fucked up in many of the same ways (apparently my pull-out game was better), but when I left home my dad said "we'll help when we can, but when you move out you're never moving home again" so I just had to figure my own shit out. But honestly don't think I'd be able to dish out the tough love my folks did. I'm a softy.
Old_and_Cranky_Xer@reddit
I was given tough love. I excelled. Not perfectly but upwards. My four year younger brother was coddled and spoiled. I’m living comfortably at 58 and retired and he is 54 living with no job and our miserable 77 year old mother. Go figure. I always helped my son raise his self up but when he fell (as an adult) I let him hit hard. Including jail time. Once HE decided to change, my husband and I let him come home.
Cryptosmasher86@reddit
Have you been to Mississippi recently?
Old_and_Cranky_Xer@reddit
Nope. But anywhere is better than Illinois!
Cryptosmasher86@reddit
I can assure you it’s not
You may actually want to visit the state before moving
cartoonchris1@reddit
I have a bridge to sell you, if you’re interested.
leftaide@reddit (OP)
I'm trying to figure out if your comment is funny, but it's so off the mark I can't tell.
ChalkyKhan@reddit
I'd spend all the time I have left in Monterey. Was there while in the Army in the mid 80s and have been back a few times. Trying to decide if I go there for a few months after my dog passes until I decide to follow her.
Average_Random_Bitch@reddit
Yeah, my English mastiff (also my service dog) is slowly passing too. It is killing me. I am so sorry for you both, and send much love. Find peace, and I hope some day again some happiness. You never know what joys tomorrow may bring you.
I lived on the presidio in Monterey when my dad was stationed there. It was lovely. A beautiful place to find some peace.
DistributionSoft3202@reddit
Fort Ord! I lived there as a military brat in the late 70s. It was a great place to be a kid at the time. We walked all over that place...
Snoo_34101@reddit
Same here awesome place as a kid. Lived on post on carswell street and went to Patton elementary.
DistributionSoft3202@reddit
I was at Marshall. We left right before I would have started jr high at Fitch. Good times!
violetauto@reddit
aw u/ChalkyKhan. I got what you said here. I see you. I hope you find a life worth living.
gatoenvestido@reddit
May we all be happy, healthy, safe, and free from suffering.
Longjumping-Clerk831@reddit
What is cost of living like there? Curious because it looks beautiful.
Cryptosmasher86@reddit
Expensive as fuck- last time it was affordable was the late 70s
coolcoinsdotcom@reddit
It’s insane. People that tell you it can be done are either delusional or have never been there (loads of military people can afford it because they get paid for housing at market value). It’s great to visit, but unless you are already rich forget about it.
HPIndifferenceCraft@reddit
If only I had “fuck you money”. I’d be in Monterey in a heartbeat.
tdawg-1551@reddit
Once I win the lottery, I'll be in Monterey within a few months. Nice weather and lots of golf options. I've never even been there before, but I know it's where I'd want to be.
Cryptosmasher86@reddit
too bad it is as expensive as fuck to live there
Have you actually looked at costs recently even for rent?
Fortnutisgood@reddit
Monterey just has this calming, artsy, heavenly feel to it!
GinnyMcJuicy@reddit
I fled illinois. Best decision I ever made. I'm on three acres in colorado and my property taxes are fifty dollars a year.
leftaide@reddit (OP)
😮
Miralalunita@reddit
CA: Santa Cruz (great community), San Diego, Benicia, alameda, Capitola
bettesue@reddit
Waves from Washington state
leftaide@reddit (OP)
*waves back
TrustIsOverrated@reddit
RV + Starlink. Find an area you like and join a campground network. (there are a million RV subreddits for you to get recommendations)
Cost of living is the same or lower than the Midwest if you find the right deals. I’ve only had to live in snow when it was a (beautiful) surprise at the Grand Canyon.
And when you get tired of it you’ve lived in all the places you’ve been considering and you know where is good to live in them!
412_15101@reddit
Have a German friend who does this. Just spent 5ish weeks roaming Norway and Northern Europe! Getting work calls are always a game of where in the world is he 😀
TrustIsOverrated@reddit
Does he share online anywhere? I’m curious how this goes in the EU!
412_15101@reddit
He’d rather be out doing things than taking pics
TrustIsOverrated@reddit
I more than understand.
gotchafaint@reddit
The state of RVs these days though :(. Can’t remember her name but there is an RV whistleblower on TikTok bc quality has gotten so abysmal.
Zestyclose-Ad-7576@reddit
YouTuber and lawyer Steve Lehto talks all about RVs. You need to have a few screws loose to want to buy a new one. The dealers now have a clause when you buy the RV, they are in no way liable for anything about the RV. Another clause is, if you want to sue the manufacturer, you agree to do it in the state of Indiana, regardless of where you purchased it.
gotchafaint@reddit
The woman on tiktok is at lizamazingcar. She's making it her life mission to call out manufacturers and help people who have ended up with expensive unusable rvs
TrustIsOverrated@reddit
I got mine used, 4 years old. I’m not sure what the market looks like now. In Pandemic a whole lot of crazy stuff went on in rv sales
gotchafaint@reddit
Things went south in a major way and stayed there since the pandemic. They are literally glueing together the interiors of $120k RVs.
KoreaMieville@reddit
I had serious plans to be a full-time RVer back in the 90s, but there were too many obstacles at the time. Things have changed so much since then! It’s now possible to live comfortably in a Prius with some simple modifications.
vanillagirilla1975@reddit
This is the way
Boomerang_comeback@reddit
This. You can even get a mortgage on an RV. It's not like you have to have $100,000 laying around.
Moving sucks because you have to deal with furniture and everything else. This solves that.
Go to New Hampshire in the summer, and Florida in the winter. Get the best of both worlds weather-wise.
EJK54@reddit
r/samegrassbutgreener
You will get lots of knowledgeable suggestions if you post there.
Few-Comparison5689@reddit
This. Also r/digitalnomad
Hooliken@reddit
California for sure has the ideal climate most of the time, unfortunately, there are Californians there, so it is pretty much a wash.
Consistent_Ice7857@reddit
My house will be paid off in a couple months. I’m glad I didn’t decide to sell it and rent for the rest of my life. Early retirement is almost here and it looks GOOD
Rude_Tie4674@reddit
Don’t limit your options to America. If you have a decent 401K coming you can live an affordable life outside the country. After getting laid off I found a part-time gig teaching English and am now semi-retired living in Europe.
America is “No country for old men”, to steal the title of a book and film.
thestereo300@reddit
Where in Europe did you end up?
Rude_Tie4674@reddit
Espana
thestereo300@reddit
Sounds like heaven.
Can one get a job somewhere in Spain with a low enough cost of living where teaching English and a modest American pension can work financially?
I have a 401k as well but it’s not going to be huge.
I speak a bit of Spanish so the language would not be a barrier.
Rude_Tie4674@reddit
It’s very very hard to get a job in Spain if you’re not a Spanish citizen. My girlfriend and I are in a government program to get Assistant English teachers into schools. Many different countries offer jobs like this!
If you’re fully bilingual and qualified enough to teach classes it might be easier to get a job - fully bilingual people definitely get more opportunities here.
No_Zebra2692@reddit
Is that the NALCAP program and did you get that job as a GenX?
Because that makes me think about some things....
Rude_Tie4674@reddit
Oooo that’s a bingo!
No_Zebra2692@reddit
hmmmmm
Rude_Tie4674@reddit
Spain is absolutely not for everyone, but if it clicks with you you will love it. The plan is to never come back.
No_Zebra2692@reddit
I did a semester abroad when I was in college and I'm from a Spanish-speaking family, so it did click!
How competitive is it? (For example, the JET program in Japan only accepts 20%).
Lemme look this up as I sit at my work desk on a Saturday afteroon.
Rude_Tie4674@reddit
It’s a snap to get in, you just have to be prepared to pack up and come here for at least 8 months. The stipend (€800 - €1000 a month) is enough to get by on but you might have to have roommates if you’re by yourself. I did this with my girlfriend, so we can easily afford our rent and still have a little money to travel.
We picked a region (Valencian Community) that pays the higher wage and has a lower cost of living. We expected to be in Valencia itself but we’re not even that close to there, it’s a big region!
No_Zebra2692@reddit
thanks for the info!
cheesecheeseonbread@reddit
How's the ageism in Spain?
Rude_Tie4674@reddit
In what sense do you mean, like jobs?
cheesecheeseonbread@reddit
Both in terms of employment and generally.
Rude_Tie4674@reddit
I’m no expert but it looks like most people retire with a pension relatively early. I don’t see a lot of old people working.
There are a lot of old people here and it’s a very familial country, so the elderly are treated with respect - helped as needed, reserved seats on transport and young people will get up and offer their seats. Travel by train or bus is cheap and I always see lots of old folks traveling, either to sightsee or visit family.
Thalia-Is-Not-Amused@reddit
I ('71) just moved to northwest Georgia, and it sounds like it might check all your boxes. I grew up in Texas, moved west at 30, and lived in both Albuquerque and LA for the last two decades. But I'm really enjoying living on the East Coast so far. I'm in Woodstock, but it sounds like Blue Ridge, Jasper, or Elijay might be perfect for you. Life's short, you know. Let your wanderlust free!
AgentDoggett@reddit
Read some of the posts over at https://www.reddit.com/r/SameGrassButGreener/
Ohigetjokes@reddit
There are many amazing YouTube channels about retiring on a tight budget overseas. Might be time to check it out.
vampyire@reddit
well western Washington almost never snows and summers are sunny and warm but rarely over 90 (although that's not as rare as it used to be)... .winters are dark and rainy but again it almost never snows. The nature here is stunning but the downside is it's really expensive
Popular-Capital6330@reddit
This is me
orangeowlelf@reddit
I’m from Humboldt county in Cali and you may be describing the Arcata area. No snow or ice and it’s never really hot there either. The trade off is you do have to deal with some rain and gloom. All that said, if you like mountain biking, hiking and other outdoor stuff, that is a great place to visit.
LeoMarius@reddit
Wherever you go, there you are.
Netprincess@reddit
Home is where ya wear your hat.
Jupitersatonme@reddit
Do it.
Netprincess@reddit
New Mexico Seriously perfect weather, a bit crimey in Albuquerque but the people are wonderful.
Apprehensive_Use1906@reddit
I’m with you.
jIdiosyncratic@reddit
Can you rent your house out instead of selling it? That way if you need to go back you can.
Medium_Reality4559@reddit
I agree. Rent it out. Having property is an advantage.
MowgeeCrone@reddit
High country away from fault lines and volcano's specifically not the UK, US or Japan. Actually I'd give the entire northern hemisphere a miss just to be sure.
(I may or may not be reading a lot of books about Nostradamus' visions atm)
Best wishes.
ImRdyIllBeWaitn@reddit
There's some higher elevation area of Arkansas in the northern part of the state. But if you want a city to live in the only places like that are in California.
welltravelledRN@reddit
As a traveling nurse, I will encourage this 100%!!! I’ve lived in 8 cities in the past 4 years and it’s been amazing.
SassyStealthSpook@reddit
Sell it all. Video the journey and put it on YouTube. Go EVERYWHERE!
nineseventeenam@reddit
70 and sunny all the time = San Diego
face4theRodeo@reddit
If you can wfh, do it. My buddy has lived in Mexico City for 10-15yrs bc he could work from home on an nyc salary.
ikonet@reddit
Hilo Hawaii. Literally anywhere on the big island. We have been looking there over and over and the houses and cost of living are comparable to our current location in St Pete Florida.
Cryptosmasher86@reddit
Have you been ?
Hawaii is always more expensive on everything
You may want to talk to some who currently live there
It’s going to cost more than florida
SkeptaLeptaKermina@reddit
Have YOU been? Ive been all over the Big Island recently and I can say it’s about the same as Pinellas County, FL. Of course if you dine exclusively on the McDonald’s value menu on the mainland…Hawaii will be more expensive. Gas prices are higher, bur housing is affordable in Pahoa and some other places. Why chirp off about something you clearly aren’t up to date on?
ikonet@reddit
I literally just got back. I put an offer on a house. I had a $8 beer. I ate a $16 hamburger. The big island is not more expensive than Pinellas.
Have you been?
sarcasmismysuperpowr@reddit
Sunny and 70 is basically coastal Southern California.
rchjgj@reddit
This was me…moved to NC in December of last year! Do it! So much cheaper. If you love trees and walking they have plenty of trails here. It’s much warmer and humid but not bad.
gotchafaint@reddit
Good temps and weather come with outrageous costs. Why California has destroyed housing nationally.
MaximumGrip@reddit
Could you AirBNB a few different places to get a taste of life in other locations?
leftaide@reddit (OP)
That's a good idea. I'd have to research long term rentals and see how it compares price wise to a normal apartment rental.
KoreaMieville@reddit
There are websites like Furnished Finder that offer listings for short-term rentals (geared towards traveling nurses, but anyone can apply). My wife and I used them for a year while our house was being renovated and it was fine. If your needs are modest the rental prices can be decent.
Advanced_Tax174@reddit
How about an Airstream or Sprinter van? Live on the road for a while, explore the country, discover what might work for you.
Fortnutisgood@reddit
Guarantee Airbnb is 10x more expensive!
_Sasquatchy@reddit
Fuck AirBnB.
Using their services only makes you complicit in the housing crisis nationwide. This is NOT the way.
MaximumGrip@reddit
Ok, post your idea so I can crap on it and not provide any useful alternatives.
ShelbyDriver@reddit
I want to do this but in Europe. Unfortunately, I can't work from home.
olivebell1876@reddit
For the USA Florida and Hawaii would be my choices.
RCA2CE@reddit
there's a sub called samegrassbutgreener on reddit that they talk about different cities. You should spend some time reading the input there. I like so many different places, I live in Texas and it has become too crowded for me. I think you could like Knoxville, Greenville, Athens - some areas of North Carolina. I know the east coast much better than the west coast but I do love the bay area and I've been there a few times. Good luck.
sugarlump858@reddit
Have you thought about an RV? Go anywhere. Move on when it gets too hot or too cold.
I love CO when I visit, but...winter. Utah was beautiful too, but...winter.
I'm in San Diego. We have the weather, but it's really expensive. Other places I've visited, CT, NY, ME, HI, FL, MS. All exceedingly hot, humid, and / or cold. All expensive.
Blossom73@reddit
r/SameGrassButGreener
lectroid@reddit
If you want the best weather possible, you either want San Diego, Northern California, or (if you don’t mind cooler and rain) places like Portland, Seattle, or other PNW locales.
Any place warm enough on the east coast is gonna be muggy and awful in the summers, plus will be in ‘the South’ which would be a deal breaker for many.
cartographer_emerita@reddit
I second San Diego!
tvieno@reddit
Except in r/SanDiego they really aren't too fond of transplants.
recruitzpeeps@reddit
And it’s stupid fucking expensive.
ProfMeriAn@reddit
I did a bus tour of San Diego after a cruise once, maybe 20 years ago. The driver joked that if all of us on the bus pooled our money, including him, we might be able to afford a few square feet of land.
HPIndifferenceCraft@reddit
The South is a dealbreaker for many? Aren’t Atlanta, Nashville, and overall Texas like the top destinations for transplants?
imalloverthemap@reddit
Pacific NW
MadMatchy@reddit
Overcrowded now, mass homelessness, complete gentrification. I lived there from 96 - 03, loved it. Moved back 10 years later, hated it. That was Portland. Seattle is astronomically expensive.
Seachica@reddit
You do realize that there are a ton of other places in the pnw than the two big cities…. That aren’t overcrowded, gentrified etc.
MadMatchy@reddit
Yeah, as I said, I spent many years living in the NW.
imalloverthemap@reddit
A) as the other person mentioned, there’s a lot more to the PNW than Portland and Seattle B) I live close in SE Portland I cannot imagine living anywhere else. All those things you mentioned are hitting just about every reasonable medium to large size city in the US. Don’t know what to tell ya.
MadMatchy@reddit
Despite being blue states, they get redder, not to mention militia-y, as you go east.
OnionTruck@reddit
I've always wanted to move to San Diego but now that I can, it seems like the whole state is doomed. Between droughts, floods, mudslides, fires, and they're overdue for a whopper earthquake. SDO just seems so perfect though.
JacquelineHeid@reddit
Hawaii is nice. Check it out.
SnooDoughnuts1793@reddit
Check out r/samegrassbutgreener
cascadianpatriot@reddit
I have a friend that did this. But she rents out her house.
Randomwhitelady2@reddit
Check out r/samegrassbutgreener
el_smurfo@reddit
I dream of van life but know it's never in the cards for me.
BigMoFuggah@reddit
I nearly did that about 30 years ago
LucyBrooke100@reddit
Oh I feel this.
Careless_Ocelot_4485@reddit
If I could, I'd move to Porto, Portugal in a heartbeat.
Just-Ice3916@reddit
Speaking as somebody who bounced around the country a lot when younger for a very long time: if you can do it, my advice would be to pick a region that approximates what you're looking for. Use it as a springboard to explore nearby areas while still having a home to come back to. If something works out, you stay in that region or you move to someplace that you discovered nearby. If it doesn't work out, you have a different region to move to and perform the same explorations all over again. You'll eventually find what you're looking for, I'm sure.
But, and I have to say this, you may also discover that it's okay if a particular area has a lot of what you need and want, without it meeting 100% of everything.
Recipe_Limp@reddit
Just bought a place in PDC. Will be retiring there in about 10 years.
gottaeatnow@reddit
Every. Single. Day.
Longjumping-Clerk831@reddit
I'm in the same boat. Youngest about to go off the college. Live in Iowa and ready to leave. The sticker shock is going to come from housing. Unless you're in the Chicago area, us midwesterners are pretty spoiled in regards to housing costs. I realized this 10 years ago and started a savings fund just for housing when I move. Even with this I am priced out my dream locations; San Diego, Northern California, Pacific NW, etc
krakatoa83@reddit
I’ve been researching moving out of the country. Not sure if it’s for me yet but I’m looking into it
bizzylearning@reddit
You could play around with this website to get some ideas that might be a good fit: https://www.whereshouldilive.co/
BuddaJim2023@reddit
St Johns, Fl: I live in a big, open new apartment complex on the 4th (top) floor. The apartment below me just got reduced to $1415/per month...for comparison, mine is $1650, and the bottom floor is $1660. From my balcony, I see a big pond, grass and never ending thick tree-line. Ducks and different birds all the time, I've seen a coyote, otters (although they migrated I guess), deer pretty often and lots of other animals. It's like a free zoo right outside, and very very quiet (unless I play music). The way it's situated, it's like there are no other apartments, and the only people I see are those quietly walking their dog around back occasionally.
The apartments are brand new, open, upscale and very very nice. Water is like $25 a month and my electric doesn't go over $100/month. Cost of living here is low too; no state taxes. Very nice people in the community, although it's like most other places where most walk around in a dissociated, unresponsive daze and don't talk to each other.
Value wise, I can't beat this and I'm little afraid to even try. It's hot in the summer here of course, but if you want rain and gloomy, it's been here for a month now and counting. And with the way the earth is changing, I think it's tough to nail down what was once a certain climate in a given area though, so no telling what the weather will be year to year. I've been in this area many years too, and because of the geographical area, hurricanes seem to avoid us.
I also work from home trading stocks, it works out really well and everything I need is right around me. Even got a little garage right next door for my new bike and car.
Maybe something to check out