For those of you in the USA (or planning to live there and knowing where you are moving to)- where do you live, and do you like it there? Is it good for families?
Quick run-down of our situation: DH is from Arkansas and came over to Ireland to marry me. He is very homesick, an American (Republican!) through-and-through and cannot really settle here. We were always going to move to the USA at a later stage, but are now thinking of bringing this forward from the vague "in 6-8 years" to at the end of my maternity leave (I am due our first babies, fraternal twins, on 24th February 2008, so we'd move late 2008), assuming the DCF for my residency, which we haven't started yet, comes through by then.
For various reasons (including heat- I don't do well in heat), we do not want to move to Arkansas, and there are no familial ties to anywhere else. We'd like to be near a city with good employment prospects (DH is in computer sales/ support, I am in callcenter/ event management), but not one of the huge ones (LA, NYC, Chicago etc). Most of California and the Pacific North-West is out, I think, as it is just a little too liberal for us. So... I am looking for recommendations of where to move to!
We are currently considering Colorado Springs, CO; Athens, GA or Virginia, but are happy to look at other places too.
Full Version: Where to move to? Suggestions wanted
Largely depends on how much money you have. If you have great income one of the most family-friendly places I know is caleld Ladera Ranch in California. It is a community specifically designed for families so you have all amenities in the community. Water park & skate park for the kids, endless walking and biking trails, parks, gym, shops, clubhouses for events, half an hour from Disney, one hour from Universal,tons and tons of things to do and places to go. But it isn't cheap. I have a friend whose house is for sale right now there (I think the're asking $675K - 3 bed)
Here is a couple of links that may help:
http://www.laderalife.com/
http://www.laderaranch.com/lifestyle/
http://www.laderaranchnews.com/
http://www.laderaranchrealty.com/luxury-homes-for-sale.php
Here is a couple of links that may help:
http://www.laderalife.com/
http://www.laderaranch.com/lifestyle/
http://www.laderaranchnews.com/
http://www.laderaranchrealty.com/luxury-homes-for-sale.php
QUOTE(Penguin_ie @ Sep 4 2007, 03:49 PM) 
For those of you in the USA (or planning to live there and knowing where you are moving to)- where do you live, and do you like it there? Is it good for families?
Quick run-down of our situation: DH is from Arkansas and came over to Ireland to marry me. He is very homesick, an American (Republican!) through-and-through and cannot really settle here. We were always going to move to the USA at a later stage, but are now thinking of bringing this forward from the vague "in 6-8 years" to at the end of my maternity leave (I am due our first babies, fraternal twins, on 24th February 2008, so we'd move late 2008), assuming the DCF for my residency, which we haven't started yet, comes through by then.
For various reasons (including heat- I don't do well in heat), we do not want to move to Arkansas, and there are no familial ties to anywhere else. We'd like to be near a city with good employment prospects (DH is in computer sales/ support, I am in callcenter/ event management), but not one of the huge ones (LA, NYC, Chicago etc). Most of California and the Pacific North-West is out, I think, as it is just a little too liberal for us. So... I am looking for recommendations of where to move to!
We are currently considering Colorado Springs, CO; Athens, GA or Virginia, but are happy to look at other places too.
Quick run-down of our situation: DH is from Arkansas and came over to Ireland to marry me. He is very homesick, an American (Republican!) through-and-through and cannot really settle here. We were always going to move to the USA at a later stage, but are now thinking of bringing this forward from the vague "in 6-8 years" to at the end of my maternity leave (I am due our first babies, fraternal twins, on 24th February 2008, so we'd move late 2008), assuming the DCF for my residency, which we haven't started yet, comes through by then.
For various reasons (including heat- I don't do well in heat), we do not want to move to Arkansas, and there are no familial ties to anywhere else. We'd like to be near a city with good employment prospects (DH is in computer sales/ support, I am in callcenter/ event management), but not one of the huge ones (LA, NYC, Chicago etc). Most of California and the Pacific North-West is out, I think, as it is just a little too liberal for us. So... I am looking for recommendations of where to move to!
We are currently considering Colorado Springs, CO; Athens, GA or Virginia, but are happy to look at other places too.
QUOTE(Penguin_ie @ Sep 4 2007, 03:49 PM)
For those of you in the USA (or planning to live there and knowing where you are moving to)- where do you live, and do you like it there? Is it good for families?
Quick run-down of our situation: DH is from Arkansas and came over to Ireland to marry me. He is very homesick, an American (Republican!) through-and-through and cannot really settle here. We were always going to move to the USA at a later stage, but are now thinking of bringing this forward from the vague "in 6-8 years" to at the end of my maternity leave (I am due our first babies, fraternal twins, on 24th February 2008, so we'd move late 2008), assuming the DCF for my residency, which we haven't started yet, comes through by then.
For various reasons (including heat- I don't do well in heat), we do not want to move to Arkansas, and there are no familial ties to anywhere else. We'd like to be near a city with good employment prospects (DH is in computer sales/ support, I am in callcenter/ event management), but not one of the huge ones (LA, NYC, Chicago etc). Most of California and the Pacific North-West is out, I think, as it is just a little too liberal for us. So... I am looking for recommendations of where to move to!
We are currently considering Colorado Springs, CO; Athens, GA or Virginia, but are happy to look at other places too.
Quick run-down of our situation: DH is from Arkansas and came over to Ireland to marry me. He is very homesick, an American (Republican!) through-and-through and cannot really settle here. We were always going to move to the USA at a later stage, but are now thinking of bringing this forward from the vague "in 6-8 years" to at the end of my maternity leave (I am due our first babies, fraternal twins, on 24th February 2008, so we'd move late 2008), assuming the DCF for my residency, which we haven't started yet, comes through by then.
For various reasons (including heat- I don't do well in heat), we do not want to move to Arkansas, and there are no familial ties to anywhere else. We'd like to be near a city with good employment prospects (DH is in computer sales/ support, I am in callcenter/ event management), but not one of the huge ones (LA, NYC, Chicago etc). Most of California and the Pacific North-West is out, I think, as it is just a little too liberal for us. So... I am looking for recommendations of where to move to!
We are currently considering Colorado Springs, CO; Athens, GA or Virginia, but are happy to look at other places too.
I just wanted to comment that Georgia and Virginia are also hot. Pretty much the whole country (from what I understand) is hot and humid in the summer. I am a conservative from the SF bay area of California (yes we do exist) and I would recommend the central coast of California (beautiful and small family oriented towns). Arizona may seem hot, but I am as anti-hot weather as it gets and since its dry heat--its managable (and very repub). Basically, my top places to live would be Seattle, Central Coast or Colorado (not Boulder---lots of liberals).
Hope this helps!
Well, If I could add my .02 worth I would recommend Omaha for many reasons. First we try to discourage people from moving here because once all the people from the coasts find out about how nice it is they will ruin it for us. So, we paint a very barren picture of blizzards and sweltering summer heat to keep people disinterested 
Well, you mention yur careers. Career-wise it has a lot to offer especially in IT and call center type businesses. It's the corpoarte HQ for PayPal, major railroads, Marriot and others. Because of the IT infrastructure that was put in place during the cold war to support the air force base there and also its centralized location, it has attracted many IT type companies. So, if you work in IT, you will not have a problem finding a good paying job.
Unemployment is low and salaries good.
It is a conservative population.
HEck one of the richest men in America lives here (Warren Buffet/Brookshire Hathaway) for whats its worth...
The standard of living is high, the cost of living low and housing is affordable. Schools are excellent with 4 major Universities, 3 medical schools, and primary and secondary school districts scoring some of the highest in the nation scores.
You can't beat Mid-westerners for thier friendliness and hospitality. You can leave your doors unlocked, your kids can play in the front yard without fear of being abducted or shot and if you fall asleep at night and forget to close your garage door, your tools and car will still be there in the morning if a neighbor hasn't come by and closed it for you.
Omaha was a hub for the turn of the century Irish immigration and retains a lot of the Irish heritage. In fact, my ancestors came from County Mayo during the Potato Blight. So, you'd be amongst your own roots if you get my drift. You also have the four seasons if that is important to you.
I'm attaching the link for an Omaha vistors bureau information. Check it out - I think you'll find we have a lot to offer.
http://www.visitomaha.com/
I only have one comment about your previous selections. Colorado Springs while certainly beautiful is over priced. Housing is very high and the overall cost of living there is very high also. When you want to go to the mounatins on that fantastically beautiful day, your fellow citizens also think its a dashing idea and receration places tend to get crowded rather quickly. It's certainly a beautiful city, but it has its drawbacks as does any city.
Anyway, I hope that helps. Of course I am biased...
Well, you mention yur careers. Career-wise it has a lot to offer especially in IT and call center type businesses. It's the corpoarte HQ for PayPal, major railroads, Marriot and others. Because of the IT infrastructure that was put in place during the cold war to support the air force base there and also its centralized location, it has attracted many IT type companies. So, if you work in IT, you will not have a problem finding a good paying job.
Unemployment is low and salaries good.
It is a conservative population.
HEck one of the richest men in America lives here (Warren Buffet/Brookshire Hathaway) for whats its worth...
The standard of living is high, the cost of living low and housing is affordable. Schools are excellent with 4 major Universities, 3 medical schools, and primary and secondary school districts scoring some of the highest in the nation scores.
You can't beat Mid-westerners for thier friendliness and hospitality. You can leave your doors unlocked, your kids can play in the front yard without fear of being abducted or shot and if you fall asleep at night and forget to close your garage door, your tools and car will still be there in the morning if a neighbor hasn't come by and closed it for you.
Omaha was a hub for the turn of the century Irish immigration and retains a lot of the Irish heritage. In fact, my ancestors came from County Mayo during the Potato Blight. So, you'd be amongst your own roots if you get my drift. You also have the four seasons if that is important to you.
I'm attaching the link for an Omaha vistors bureau information. Check it out - I think you'll find we have a lot to offer.
http://www.visitomaha.com/
I only have one comment about your previous selections. Colorado Springs while certainly beautiful is over priced. Housing is very high and the overall cost of living there is very high also. When you want to go to the mounatins on that fantastically beautiful day, your fellow citizens also think its a dashing idea and receration places tend to get crowded rather quickly. It's certainly a beautiful city, but it has its drawbacks as does any city.
Anyway, I hope that helps. Of course I am biased...
Try the western slope of Colorado....Grand Junction, Delta, Montrose, Ouray, Gunnison, Durango, Cortez or Bowie 
QUOTE(Penguin_ie @ Sep 4 2007, 09:49 AM)
For those of you in the USA (or planning to live there and knowing where you are moving to)- where do you live, and do you like it there? Is it good for families?
Quick run-down of our situation: DH is from Arkansas and came over to Ireland to marry me. He is very homesick, an American (Republican!) through-and-through and cannot really settle here. We were always going to move to the USA at a later stage, but are now thinking of bringing this forward from the vague "in 6-8 years" to at the end of my maternity leave (I am due our first babies, fraternal twins, on 24th February 2008, so we'd move late 2008), assuming the DCF for my residency, which we haven't started yet, comes through by then.
For various reasons (including heat- I don't do well in heat), we do not want to move to Arkansas, and there are no familial ties to anywhere else. We'd like to be near a city with good employment prospects (DH is in computer sales/ support, I am in callcenter/ event management), but not one of the huge ones (LA, NYC, Chicago etc). Most of California and the Pacific North-West is out, I think, as it is just a little too liberal for us. So... I am looking for recommendations of where to move to!
We are currently considering Colorado Springs, CO; Athens, GA or Virginia, but are happy to look at other places too.
Quick run-down of our situation: DH is from Arkansas and came over to Ireland to marry me. He is very homesick, an American (Republican!) through-and-through and cannot really settle here. We were always going to move to the USA at a later stage, but are now thinking of bringing this forward from the vague "in 6-8 years" to at the end of my maternity leave (I am due our first babies, fraternal twins, on 24th February 2008, so we'd move late 2008), assuming the DCF for my residency, which we haven't started yet, comes through by then.
For various reasons (including heat- I don't do well in heat), we do not want to move to Arkansas, and there are no familial ties to anywhere else. We'd like to be near a city with good employment prospects (DH is in computer sales/ support, I am in callcenter/ event management), but not one of the huge ones (LA, NYC, Chicago etc). Most of California and the Pacific North-West is out, I think, as it is just a little too liberal for us. So... I am looking for recommendations of where to move to!
We are currently considering Colorado Springs, CO; Athens, GA or Virginia, but are happy to look at other places too.
I know when I was in GA, it was hotter there than in Florida.
and the liberals are taking over, doncha know.
If you don't do well in heat, you really don't want Georgia or Virginia! bleah...
I also hate heat. As a rough guide, anything south of I-70 was absolutely out for me.
city-data.com is pretty good for relocation information.
city-data.com is pretty good for relocation information.
While I love it here in Georgia, you definitely do have to put up with heat and humidity for stretches at a time during June, July, August and September. The rest of the time it is absolutely lovely except for some cold weather in December and January (below freezing overnight but into the 50s during the day for the most part).
Colorado is beautiful, and that would definitely be my next favourite place to live after Georgia. Why not look at Louisville, Colorado or Manitou Springs, Colorado? Louisville is a smaller community that is listed as the 3rd best community in which to live in the US (I have friends there who concur) and is very close to Denver so you have access to all of the big city amenities. The same for Manitou Springs which is about half an hour outside of Colorado Springs - an absolutely beautiful little town nestled into the mountains near to foot of Pike's Peak built up on an old spa community - the mineral springs still flow. It is right next to the Garden of the Gods - one of the most incredibly, hauntingly beautiful places in the US. Again, I have visited there myself and loved it, and have friends who live there and love it too.
So, check out Louisville, Co and Manitou Springs, Co if you decide you don't want to experience the summer heat in Athens Ga. Now, you are very close to the mountains in Athens so you can certainly do day trips to getaway:-).
Colorado is beautiful, and that would definitely be my next favourite place to live after Georgia. Why not look at Louisville, Colorado or Manitou Springs, Colorado? Louisville is a smaller community that is listed as the 3rd best community in which to live in the US (I have friends there who concur) and is very close to Denver so you have access to all of the big city amenities. The same for Manitou Springs which is about half an hour outside of Colorado Springs - an absolutely beautiful little town nestled into the mountains near to foot of Pike's Peak built up on an old spa community - the mineral springs still flow. It is right next to the Garden of the Gods - one of the most incredibly, hauntingly beautiful places in the US. Again, I have visited there myself and loved it, and have friends who live there and love it too.
So, check out Louisville, Co and Manitou Springs, Co if you decide you don't want to experience the summer heat in Athens Ga. Now, you are very close to the mountains in Athens so you can certainly do day trips to getaway:-).
Salt Lake City
Just curious...why did you specifically choose Athens, GA (I'm from that area, BTW)?
Drats...wouldn't let me edit. This is what I was wanting to add:
Athens, GA is a college town (UGA- Go Dawgs!)...it has its good points and bad points. Being a college town should speak for itself. Lots of diversity, traffic, etc. TBH, I am not a fan of traffic, which is why we're wanting to move from where we are right now. Currently we live in the Northeast Georgia mountain area, in a touristy area. *sigh* It does get hot here, just not as hot as it gets further south. I've lived in the South all my life and I still can't stand the heat and humidity.
I guess it would depend on what you want for yourself, your spouse, and future children.
Athens, GA is a college town (UGA- Go Dawgs!)...it has its good points and bad points. Being a college town should speak for itself. Lots of diversity, traffic, etc. TBH, I am not a fan of traffic, which is why we're wanting to move from where we are right now. Currently we live in the Northeast Georgia mountain area, in a touristy area. *sigh* It does get hot here, just not as hot as it gets further south. I've lived in the South all my life and I still can't stand the heat and humidity.
I guess it would depend on what you want for yourself, your spouse, and future children.
I still like the looks of the western slope of Colorado 
QUOTE(Wacken @ Sep 27 2007, 09:11 AM)
I also hate heat. As a rough guide, anything south of I-70 was absolutely out for me.
city-data.com is pretty good for relocation information.
city-data.com is pretty good for relocation information.
I'm slightly north of I-70 and it was bloody sweltering this year. Phew!
We live in Bloomington IL (in 2006 ranked 80 out of 100 top cities to live in USA by Money Magazine) located in central Illinois. While the summers are hot/humid and the winters a winter wonderland it is a great place to live, especially if you're Republican With the twin city Normal, I think the population is around 100,000 (Bloomington around 70,000). You wouldn't be far from Arkansas if you wanted to pay a visit.
Unemployment is low and economy is very good. While it's a major agricultural area we have several colleges (ISU, IWU and others), hospitals, national HQ for State Farm (major employer), and LOTS of restaurants so you'll never have to cook.
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bp.../PL1706613.html
http://www.city-data.com/city/Bloomington-Illinois.html
Congrats on the twins and good luck finding the perfect place to live!
PJ
With the twin city Normal, I think the population is around 100,000 (Bloomington around 70,000). You wouldn't be far from Arkansas if you wanted to pay a visit. Unemployment is low and economy is very good. While it's a major agricultural area we have several colleges (ISU, IWU and others), hospitals, national HQ for State Farm (major employer), and LOTS of restaurants so you'll never have to cook.
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bp.../PL1706613.html
http://www.city-data.com/city/Bloomington-Illinois.html
Congrats on the twins and good luck finding the perfect place to live!
PJ
Avoid either coast. I'd choose the midwest in a heartbeat. 
QUOTE(meow mix @ Sep 26 2007, 07:21 PM)
and the liberals are taking over, doncha know.
Damn liberals
I'm one of them
Boise, Idaho. Idaho anywhere but shhhh...don't tell anybody how beautiful it is. lol!
QUOTE(jasman0717 @ Sep 26 2007, 06:28 PM)
Try the western slope of Colorado....Grand Junction, Delta, Montrose, Ouray, Gunnison, Durango, Cortez or Bowie
...but I have to admit I am biased because that's where we live
I currently live in Denver and it's a wonderful city but it might be too big for your taste. Colorado in general is great place to live and raise a family with beautiful weather and good job opportunities. I would highly recommend you do some research on Fort Collins, Colorado. It was voted one of the best cities in the US, especially if you want to raise a family. It's not too far from Denver either and I know a lot of people who live there and say they love it.
I also work in Broomfield, Colorado which is close to Louisville and Boulder and those are also very good choices.
Diana
I also work in Broomfield, Colorado which is close to Louisville and Boulder and those are also very good choices.
Diana
I have resided in Colorado Springs, Colorado for two years. I previously lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Colorado Springs is 6,000 feet above sea level and has a dry climate. There is very little humidity and I have only seen one mosquito the entire time I have lived here. The city is consistently rated as having some of the cleanest air in the country. We also enjoy over 300 days of sunshine a year. Housing is very affordable compared to most parts of the country. The population is approximately 360,000. A normal winter here is November thru April. Snow usually melts the same day or within a day or two. It is very scenic and there are many outdoor activities with the Rocky Mountains at your doorstep. There are 5 military bases here which constitutes the largest employer. We also have several call centers. Colorado Springs is the home to 260 religious ministries but the population has below average church attendance. It is a solid Republican area for the most part. There is crime as in every city of this size. I have never been concerned for my personal safety. We are an hours drive from Denver (population 2,000,000). There are several colleges/universities.
Property taxes are very low. I paid $952 last year for house assessed at $218,000. Sales tax is 7.4 %. There are many different sections of the city that appeal to different demographics and tastes. Hope this helps.
Property taxes are very low. I paid $952 last year for house assessed at $218,000. Sales tax is 7.4 %. There are many different sections of the city that appeal to different demographics and tastes. Hope this helps.
We live in Alexandria, VA, and this area is ideal if you are in IT and telecoms. Also, we are 10 minutes from DC, where there are event management jobs galore. I was an event manager for telecoms in the UK, but switched to real estate when I came here. As the housing market isnt great I have recently been looking at event management roles and there were many. Salaries are very good here but housing is very expensive so you need to bear that in mind. The heat in summer would literally kill you. 100 degrees between May and September is quite normal, with very high humidity. October to April are great though, and I love the winter so adore February and March. There is so much to do here and its very family friendly. Its very pretty and green, with great shopping, parks, and recreational activities.
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