GTKY: Where You Live

[aydee]

Just for fun, since this is something DH and I have been thinking about a lot lately...

Where do you live? (be as vague or specific as you wish)
How long have you lived in that city/town?
Pros?
Cons?
Did you grow up there? If not, then where?
If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
Do you plan to relocate in the future?

[aydee]

Where do you live? (be as vague or specific as you wish): Medium size city in the midwest

How long have you lived in that city/town? 6 years

Pros? DH and I both like our jobs, cost of living is reasonable, it's a great city for families with tons of things for kids to do with many of those things being free, climate isn't bad (mild winter with only a little snow, summer is hot but manageable)

Cons? Far from family (so we're spending a ton on travel), can be a bit hard to enter social circles if you didn't grow up here (we were warned about this and it's true), the landscape isn't that pretty, and the mosquitos are so bad that it's hard for me to spend time outside during summer and much of the fall

Did you grow up there? If not, then where? No, I grew up in the northeast. We relocated for DH's job.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why? I just spent some time in western CT and it was beautiful, but it's a little more rural than I would want. It might be nice to live in Maryland, Virginia, or Pennsylvania. Possibly North Carolina. I'd love a moderate climate with beautiful landscape and friendly people. Does that exist anywhere?

Do you plan to relocate in the future? Undecided. We are far from family and would love to be closer. Most of our family lives on the East coast. I'm a little scared to move again because our life now is pretty good and a new place would be totally unknown. Because of DH's job, we have to live near a university, so that introduces some minor limitations. It's not like we can just pick any particular place we'd like to move to and have him find a job there.

[gingerygirl]

Where do you live? (be as vague or specific as you wish)
South-central VA

How long have you lived in that city/town?
This particular city, about a month and a half. This area, just shy of a year.

Pros?
Cost of living is great and everything is super close so it's easy to walk places.

Cons?
Not much to do here especially for kids. Also depending on what part of town you're in, the crime rate is a bit scary at times.

Did you grow up there? If not, then where?
I grew up in Williamsburg, VA. That's about an hour and a half east.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
Williamsburg has my heart. I'd love to live there but it's so expensive.

Do you plan to relocate in the future?
Most likely. I'll probably stay here until I finish school then we will see where the job field takes me. I'm not super attached to this place and I'm very open to moving to a completely new place.

[mommabakes]

Where do you live? (be as vague or specific as you wish) : The top of Ohio. Super tiny town
How long have you lived in that city/town? It will be a year in about a month.
Pros? Close to my husband's job, lots of fun nature areas, very little crime.
Cons? Have to drive 20 minutes to get to a grocery store. No food delivery options. Basic tiny town problems.
Did you grow up there? If not, then where? No, I grew up about an hour and a half East of where we live now.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why? Scotland or Switzerland if we're talking anywhere in the world. My ancestors from those countries and I've always felt a connection. I'd probably choose Scotland, because I love the old estates. In the US, I'd stay in Ohio, but a slightly larger town.
Do you plan to relocate in the future? Most likely not. My husband likes his job, so unless something even better comes along, or some other big thing happens, we'll stay here.

[shellyr]

Where do you live? (be as vague or specific as you wish): New England
How long have you lived in that city/town? 5 years
Pros? Close to the ocean, drivable distance to mountains, lots of intellectual curiosity, access to some of the best training hospitals in the world
Cons? Ridiculous egos and very high cost of living
Did you grow up there? If not, then where? I grew up in the Midwest
If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why? I want to retire on the big island of Hawaii. Otherwise, I would like to stay here.
Do you plan to relocate? Actually, unfortunately, we are moving this fall back to the Midwest to help with my dad. I'm not thrilled about it and I think I'm still in denial.

[thewop]

Where do you live? West Michigan
How long have you lived in that city/town? 30 years? Too freaking long.
Pros? It's close to everything. Shopping, downtown, great restaurants, 40 min from great beaches. Our exact street is often called the "hidden gem of the city". It's a cul d sac with great looking homes/yards. Generally quiet.

Cons? The exact city I live in is not as great as it was when I grew up. It's not as safe, and schools don't have the funding they once had. It's an older city with homes on the smaller side. Most people my age are moving to bigger homes in better school districts, leaving older (retired) couples, and really young families, or low income. It's tough because a lot of the millages (especially school ones) don't get passed because there aren't enough people around who care or have kids so they don't see the benefit unfortunately. We ended up getting R into a different, better school district (Michigan has School of Choice, meaning we can apply to get into any other district in the county. It's a lottery, and there's no guarantee you'll get in where you apply, but we were fortunate enough to win that lottery get into a better district).

Did you grow up there? Yep. If not, then where?
If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why? Hmmmm.....somewhere warmer! Winter in west MI sucks. No sun, and lake effect snow.

Do you plan to relocate in the future? To a different city in W. Mi, yes. Probably 2-4 years. We're prepping our house for sale, and saving our pennies for a big down payment on the type of house we want.

[joi922]

Where do you live? (be as vague or specific as you wish) Northern Virginia

How long have you lived in that city/town? I've been in Virginia for 14 years now - I spent 3 years in Charlottesville for law school in the middle of that time frame, but I've been in Northern Virginia otherwise. We've been in our current house about a year.

Pros? We're right outside DC so there's always lots to do. Also, lots of jobs in both my husband's and my field. Close to the ocean, mountains and wine country. Northern fast pace with southern weather.

Cons? I'm stealing from shellyr - huge egos, a keeping up with the Joneses mentality because there are some very wealthy people (did I tell you guys about the "is it grand enough?" house hunters?), insane traffic, and astronomical cost of living.

Did you grow up there? If not, then where? No, I grew up in Western New York in a suburb of a medium city. It's the home of lake effect snow - we measured in feet every year, never in inches.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why? The tropics. I've never been to Hawaii but it definitely appeals. Probably coastal Florida. I love heat and HATE snow. I've had enough snow for multiple lifetimes and would be thrilled if I never had to shovel or brush it off my car again.


Do you plan to relocate in the future? Not sure. We really like where we are for now, but imagine we'll get a place in Florida eventually. We will probably split our time though, especially if the kids move somewhere else.

[tuscanlatte]

Where do you live? Mid Canada

How long have you lived in that city/town? 2 years

Pros? Small, rural, friendly neighbours, walking distance everywhere, our best friends live on our street, we have a babysitter and dog sitter on our street, and the bar is down the street. This makes going out so much easier (and having our friends over!)

Cons?commute to the city for work

Did you grow up there? If not, then where? Nope! I grew up in a small town in Saskatchewan which is probably why I like this small town.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why? Jasper, AB. The mountains are gorgeous. It's like Banff but with a lot less commercialization. The hiking and biking trails are amazing.

Do you plan to relocate in the future? I think we are in our for a while home. We would be ok with living here forever. If we came into money randomly, we'd probably move out west (around Jasper).

[ars093s]

Where do you live? (be as vague or specific as you wish) Southern California

How long have you lived in that city/town? 12 years

Pros? So much to do, amazing weather, close to the ocean

Cons? Traffic, smog, earthquakes, high cost of living

Did you grow up there? If not, then where? Nope, I grew up in the Midwest.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why? We keep talking about Austin, TX...it has a little city/big town feel and we could pay a third of what we're paying now for rent and get a bigger place. Plus, it would be nice to have a yard for A to play in.

Do you plan to relocate in the future? Most likely...not sure of our timeline though.

[tuscanlatte]

shellyr, do you have jobs lined up already? That sounds like a big change!

[noname]

Where do you live? (be as vague or specific as you wish) a small town about an hour north of Houston
How long have you lived in that city/town? 3 years
Pros? hmmm that's tough. I'm not thrilled about ending up here, I never pictured living in a small town. I suppose it has some nice small town charm? No traffic. It is also a college town, so that has helped some with growth in terms of new restaurants.
Cons? No shopping, limited restaurants and entertainment options
Did you grow up there? If not, then where? No. We moved a lot growing up but I spent the 25 of 31 years in various towns in Texas (Dallas, Amarillo, Austin, Houston) and the other 6 years in South Dakota.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why? I would love to move back to Austin. It has definitely changed A LOT in the 5 years that I've been away, but I still love it. It is definitely my favorite place I've ever lived.
Do you plan to relocate in the future? Nope. We will be here for a lonnnggg time. H is a small business owner so we're pretty much stuck here until he retires.

[shellyr]

Jul 25, 2016 13:36:50 GMT -5 tuscanlatte said:

shellyr, do you have jobs lined up already? That sounds like a big change!

Yes, I just signed a contract to start late fall. I have to get licensed in a new state which is a giant PITA. H hasn't really started looking yet. He talked big about being a SAH dad but now that push comes to shove I think he wants to work too, It's stressful.

[tuscanlatte]

Jul 25, 2016 18:29:20 GMT -5 shellyr said:

Jul 25, 2016 13:36:50 GMT -5 tuscanlatte said:

shellyr, do you have jobs lined up already? That sounds like a big change!

Yes, I just signed a contract to start late fall. I have to get licensed in a new state which is a giant PITA. H hasn't really started looking yet. He talked big about being a SAH dad but now that push comes to shove I think he wants to work too, It's stressful.

Yeah no kidding! Well I hope everything goes smoothly and the transition isn't too hard on you.

[RandomName]

Where do you live? (be as vague or specific as you wish): Lower Canada. Maybe only Canadians will get this

How long have you lived in that city/town? 7 months

Pros? My BFs family is around. We have a house and space for the kids to grow up. There is a great, restricted enrolment English school not far. It's still a large city but not as touristy. Close to all major amenities - love have a Costco so close.

Cons? Its French land and I don't speak the language. Local health care isn't an option bc langage so it's a 1.5 hr drive to see a Dr.

Did you grow up there? If not, then where? Def not. I'm here for my BF and would move anywhere else in Canada in a heartbeat. I'm from the Maritimes.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why? I would love to retire in Canmore, AB. I love it there. A pipe dream would be to live in the Okanagan on a vineyard.

Do you plan to relocate in the future? Unlikely. Unless we decide that both of us commuting 1+ hrs to work isn't working than this is a long term home.

[tuscanlatte]

Damn RandomName if we won the lottery we could be neighbours!
and LOL at lower Canada

[redandblue]

RandomName, Canmore is absolutely gorgeous! Years ago DS1 had a lacrosse tournament in Calgary, so we extended our trip a couple of days and stayed in Canmore, it was incredible. I would love to live somewhere so beautiful! Random thing we saw while there....this rooster thing crossing the road! Lol

[redandblue]

Where do you live? (be as vague or specific as you wish)I'm in southwestern Ontario.  My region is one of the fastest growing in Ontario!  Crazy how much expansion over the years!

How long have you lived in that city/town?  I've been here all my life, aside from 3 years of college in Toronto.  

Pros?  Definite benefits are lots of amenities, and we are so close to awesome attractions and things to do right in Ontario!  An hour from TO, and our downtown has lots of fun festivals and parks etc.  We do live in a resource rich region.

Cons?  The cost of living is getting crazy with the expansion.  Currently we are under significant construction everywhere .  Lots of roads and highways backed up (will be more frustrating when I am back to work ).

Did you grow up there? If not, then where?

The house we live in now we bought from my mom, so I lived here as a teenager in high school. Moved out for College. Back when I finished and then moved out when i had DS1. Moved back when I separated from my starter husband for stability for DS, and then my mom and step-dad split, they both moved out and I rented it before DH and I bought it. Man my life sounds dramatic, but it is really rather boring! Lol

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

Good question.  I would love to live near the water, but would still want to be within driving distance of attractions.  No place specifically.  But if money was no object I would maybe have two residences.  One near the ocean, like Newfoundland or Nova Scotia, and then maybe somewhere like Portugal or Italy. 

Do you plan to relocate in the future?

i do see is moving, most likely to a smaller town, but unless we find different jobs, would still need to be drivable for work.  I never thought I could move far from family! But since marrying DH I feel I could go anywhere with him!

[ampaints]

Where do you live? (be as vague or specific as you wish)

Suburb of Atlanta

How long have you lived in that city/town?

12 years

Pros?

Small city with a great downtown area. It's a mile for us to walk to downtown that had family friendly events and some really good restaurants. Close to Atlanta with lots to do. Very little snow which I'm not a big fan of.

Cons?

Sprawl is getting pretty bad near us. The actual city I'm in is small but there's a larger area that is called the same name. Traffic in my county is terrible, it takes me 45 minutes to get the 12 miles to work. Mass transit is a joke.

Did you grow up there? If not, then where?

I have lived all over Georgia, but I grew up in a different suburb if Atlanta. Would not live there again.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

First thought is Asheville because it's such a wonderful city. So much to do and great art, food, and night life all while still being family friendly. Other contenders would he Vancouver and Portland.

Do you plan to relocate in the future?

We have talked about it, but I don't think we will before retirement. We are surrounded by family and that's huge for me. We also have a great friend support network.

[ampaints]

shellyr I hope everything goes well worth the move. I know it's a big change but I hope the time with your family will be worth it. I hope your H gets on top of job hunting soon.

[tmclawchick]

Where do you live? (be as vague or specific as you wish)
Michigan! Specifically the metro Detroit area, near a large (though not great) lake.

How long have you lived in that city/town?
We moved here in October... we had lived in central MI for about 4 years back in 2008. It's where DH and I met and where DS was born.

Pros?
Lower cost of living, friendly people, a larger emphasis on recreation

Cons?
We're pretty far from our families... though truthfully sometimes that can be a "pro"

Did you grow up there? If not, then where?
Western PA

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
I'd stay in Michigan... though maybe farther north. Maybe around Traverse City or Harbor Springs? That whole area is just lovely!

Do you plan to relocate in the future?
We spent so much time trying to get back to the mitten so it's doubtful! There's a very slight chance we may live abroad for like 2 years if DH gets the chance to work in the London or Brussels office... we'd love that! Other than that we plan on staying here