DV2014 Undecided on which US city to move to.

[PriscillaT]

Hi all

So i'm a Newbie that has been trolling another thread this morning and decided to register so i could get some outside input. This is my first post so be kind!

Assuming you do get a GC, what cities have you thought about moving to and why? I have spent countless hours looking online at different options based on criteria such as climate, job prospects, proximity to the beach/coast, sales, state and property taxes etc etc and yet i am really not that much closer to making a decision.

So.... would anyone mind enlightening me with some of their own insight??

Much appreciated.

 

[Britsimon]

WOW - that is a tough question. There are so many options of what sort of place you want to live. There is no way to answer except with some questions...

Do you like city life or something quieter?
Do you prefer warm weather or cool weather? You can find extremes of both in the US.
Do you like cosmopolitan areas?
Do you prefer areas with lots of fast living and intelligent people (where people reach for a book in their spare time) or do you want somewhere a bit more laid back (where people reach for sunscreen in their spare time)?
How do you like to spend your outdoors time? Would you rather climb a mountain, or go shopping?
Does your work experience/interest affect your decision? For example, if you an IT geek don't choose rural Texas, and if you want to be a cowgirl don't choose New York.


The USA has pretty much every type of experience you can imagine, but believe it or not, answering some of the above questions can help pin things down...

 

[PriscillaT]

WOW - that is a tough question. There are so many options of what sort of place you want to live. There is no way to answer except with some questions...

Do you like city life or something quieter?
Do you prefer warm weather or cool weather? You can find extremes of both in the US.
Do you like cosmopolitan areas?
Do you prefer areas with lots of fast living and intelligent people (where people reach for a book in their spare time) or do you want somewhere a bit more laid back (where people reach for sunscreen in their spare time)?
How do you like to spend your outdoors time? Would you rather climb a mountain, or go shopping?
Does your work experience/interest affect your decision? For example, if you an IT geek don't choose rural Texas, and if you want to be a cowgirl don't choose New York.


The USA has pretty much every type of experience you can imagine, but believe it or not, answering some of the above questions can help pin things down...

Thanks for your reply britsimon!

Perhaps some more info might help. I have been looking at California because it's an easy flight for me to visit my family and vice versa and living near the water all my life made me think it might be an easier transition. in saying that though, my heart really isn't that set on California. I don't know if it would feel like "America" to me, not sure if that makes sense to you. Plus it has some of the higher sales and property taxes which doesn't appeal to me as I want to live somewhere more affordable than Sydney which is so damn expensive btw.

My sister lived in Pittsburgh for a while and I loved it there because it still had big city conveniences but nowhere near as congested as Sydney which I found to be refreshing. Plus it was so lush and green which I thought was beautiful. But I was only there in Summer so I am not sure how I would handle the winter. My sister found it really hard to cope with but then again she didn't like Pittsburgh at all and eventually came home so I'm not using her as a guide!

A part of me likes the idea of four seasons but not having lived in that climate I am not sure if I would ultimately enjoy it long-term just based on how cold it gets in some areas! I do like cosmopolitan areas and I love, love, love my coffee! I really enjoy American history and being outdoors and I also like to shop. I think I want a balance of everything you suggested. Do you or anyone know of anywhere that fits all these criteria?

During my research I got the impression that the more interesting places had the more extreme weather. For example I like the sound of Portland Oregon but it rains a lot apparently, otherwise much of the East Coast appeals to me but the weather seems extreme in winter which I don't know how I would handle!

 

[Britsimon]

I was thinking Portland as I was reading your reply. It doesn't rain too much there, nice climate, nice area - very "cool" place to live.

This site is useful to check places out - http://www.areavibes.com/portland-or/livability/

Obviously within an area like "portland" there are lots of smaller areas that may be closer to the lifestyle you want.

California is expensive, but Arizona is cheaper, some areas of Texas are really nice. You need to take a vacation and take a look around....

 

[Hexa]

If climate is a big deal, south east USA is perfect. It has mild winters and lush green environment. Take a look at these states: Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. For the best job prospects you need to start with the largest cities in the area, which is Atlanta and Charlotte. This area is plenty 'American', as it's also known as the 'bible belt' where WASP still dominate the politics, and therefore it's solidly Republican except in urban areas.

I lived there and I loved the climate. The people, just ok. When I was still a nonimmigrant these states left a little unpleasant taste because they have anti-immigrant policies, and my being non-white didn't help. These were the states that practiced legal racial discrimination as late as the 60's, and if you're not white you can still sense it somewhat.

As a GC holder you won't have a problem with the bureaucracy though.

 

[Britsimon]

If climate is a big deal, south east USA is perfect. It has mild winters and lush green environment. Take a look at these states: Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. For the best job prospects you need to start with the largest cities in the area, which is Atlanta and Charlotte. This area is plenty 'American', as it's also known as the 'bible belt' where WASP still dominate the politics, and therefore it's solidly Republican except in urban areas.

I lived there and I loved the climate. The people, just ok. When I was still a nonimmigrant these states left a little unpleasant taste because they have anti-immigrant policies, and my being non-white didn't help. These were the states that practiced legal racial discrimination as late as the 60's, and if you're not white you can still sense it somewhat.

As a GC holder you won't have a problem with the bureaucracy though.

You are right in all aspects there. That area is lovely for climate. However, as you say, racism is huge there and that makes it uncomfortable for non whites and whites...

 

[c1984]

Yeah, I lived in the South East for 6 years. Very beautiful, especially Smoky Mountains area and The Appalachian. Reasonable prices, and stable economies.

The people are very warm and welcoming. Never could tell for certain whether it was only at the surface or sincere though.

 

[Britsimon]

Yeah, I lived in the South East for 6 years. Very beautiful, especially Smoky Mountains area and The Appalachian. Reasonable prices, and stable economies.

The people are very warm and welcoming. Never could tell for certain whether it was only at the surface or sincere though.

There are many many lovely people in that area - especially in cities. Go out to the country though and it is like you stepped back in time...

 

[Vichel]

I was thinking Portland as I was reading your reply. It doesn't rain too much there, nice climate, nice area - very "cool" place to live.

Sorry, I need to respectfully disagree with you about Portland and rain . That whole Pacific Northwest & BC is as dismal as can be when it comes to rainy grey winters, and much of their autumns and springs. I lived in Vancouver for 20 years and went to Seattle and Portland frequently for work over 8 years. The common trait of the residents of Seattle, Portland and Vancouver was our whinging about the soggy, grey weather. These cities may not show a lot of volume of rain in the statistics. That's because it falls in an annoying drizzle for days and days at a time. Then if it's not raining, it's just grey, grey and grey some more. It took one winter back in BC, after being away for 13 years, to remind my husband and I how we detested those grey, soggy days and the short, feeble excuse for a summer.

It's a gorgeous part of North America though, with stunning landscapes covered in lush, green, vast forests - but you pay for that greenery with the rain. I always enjoyed Seattle and Portland, with Seattle being my favourite. They're fun, vibrant, cool cities.

 

[Britsimon]

Sorry, I need to respectfully disagree with you about Portland and rain . That whole Pacific Northwest & BC is as dismal as can be when it comes to rainy grey winters, and much of their autumns and springs. I lived in Vancouver for 20 years and went to Seattle and Portland frequently for work over 8 years. The common trait of the residents of Seattle, Portland and Vancouver was our whinging about the soggy, grey weather. These cities may not show a lot of volume of rain in the statistics. That's because it falls in an annoying drizzle for days and days at a time. Then if it's not raining, it's just grey, grey and grey some more. It took one winter back in BC, after being away for 13 years, to remind my husband and I how we detested those grey, soggy days and the short, feeble excuse for a summer.

It's a gorgeous part of North America though, with stunning landscapes covered in lush, green, vast forests - but you pay for that greenery with the rain. I always enjoyed Seattle and Portland, with Seattle being my favourite. They're fun, vibrant, cool cities.

LOLOL

I've only been there a few times on business but my brother lived there for several years. He said the weather was a bit better than the UK - but yeah - that isn't saying much!

 

[c1984]

There are many many lovely people in that area - especially in cities. Go out to the country though and it is like you stepped back in time...

Yup. The movie Deliverance had a particular role in solidifying that image for sure. Possibly an overly exaggerated depiction of "rural" life in the Appalachian, still I encourage anybody considering residing in that are to watch the movie. Although not an illustration of what you will be facing in your everyday life in any way, I think it may give an idea of how the people are viewed by some.

The movie also features one of the most famous bluegrass pieces, Dueling Banjos (you can find it on Youtube).

 

[Britsimon]

Oh yeah - great movie.

I remember flying in to Atlanta one time with a couple of Cuban American guys. We were doing a deal to buy a company out in a semi rural area. We passed areas that looked like a scene from Deliverance and my two colleagues became very nervous about their "tanned" skin. We even passed a large sign at the side of a road that said "Boy, don't you be caught out after dark". Sheesh.

Yup. The movie Deliverance had a particular role in solidifying that image for sure. Possibly an overly exaggerated depiction of "rural" life in the Appalachian, still I encourage anybody considering residing in that are to watch the movie. Although not an illustration of what you will be facing in your everyday life in any way, I think it may give an idea of how the people are viewed by some.

The movie also features one of the most famous bluegrass pieces, Dueling Banjos (you can find it on Youtube).

 

[Vichel]

Asheville, NC is a wonderful city in that Appalachian area. Not very "Deliverance" at all. Was just up in that area and it was a huge contrast to nearby towns. Lots of New Agey, crunchy granola, alternative types, artists, outdoorsy people, etc. A real good mix of humanity. Lovely historic district, nicknamed the Paris of the South.

 

[PriscillaT]

If climate is a big deal, south east USA is perfect. It has mild winters and lush green environment. Take a look at these states: Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. For the best job prospects you need to start with the largest cities in the area, which is Atlanta and Charlotte. This area is plenty 'American', as it's also known as the 'bible belt' where WASP still dominate the politics, and therefore it's solidly Republican except in urban areas.

I lived there and I loved the climate. The people, just ok. When I was still a nonimmigrant these states left a little unpleasant taste because they have anti-immigrant policies, and my being non-white didn't help. These were the states that practiced legal racial discrimination as late as the 60's, and if you're not white you can still sense it somewhat.

As a GC holder you won't have a problem with the bureaucracy though.

Thanks for your input Hexa. It's funny because those were the other states i was also seriously considering but not having been there or known anyone who has i was a bit nervous about where my partner and i might end up!

I think to start with i am definitely only really considering the larger cities in any state as i've grown up in a big city so i figure the adjustment won't be as severe. However i am not sure i how i feel about those areas given what people have said in this thread thus far. I've heard racism is still rife in some areas of the U.S. so that is a concern. But i'd like to think there are many open-minded people in the cities who have moved passed this issue and which hopefully is not something we would feel prevalent around us. In saying that though i am reminded of how prevalent racial intolerance is right here at home in Sydney. Just recently i have been involved in a number of conversations with people i have known for a very long time which have come out with some really racially offensive and small-minded comments that have taken me by surpise. In any event, would you describe the people in places like Charlotte and Atlanta as mostly open-minded and tolerant?

Also I don't ideally want to be somewhere overly religious as i am someone who unless asked directly (and even then), likes to keep my beliefs respectfully to myself and i appreciate it when others do the same... Now that i think about, the types of people in an area is really a rather large factor as my partner and i don't really know anyone in the states and it is probably smarter to choose somewhere with like-minded people!

 

[PriscillaT]

Yeah, I lived in the South East for 6 years. Very beautiful, especially Smoky Mountains area and The Appalachian. Reasonable prices, and stable economies.

The people are very warm and welcoming. Never could tell for certain whether it was only at the surface or sincere though.

Yeah i've read about the economies being more stable in a lot of these areas which is an important consideration for us.

It's funny you should mention being uncertain about the sincerity of the kindness of some. I had read somewhere (on another forum from memory), an Australian recalling their experiences living in the U.S. and how they found Americans to be much friendlier than the average Australian but they then went on to mention that they weren't sure if it wasn't all on the surface concealing what they really thought. I didn't really think much of it but find it was interesting that i have heard this more than a couple of times now.

Is there anywhere in particular in South East you recommend to live?

 

[PriscillaT]

Sorry, I need to respectfully disagree with you about Portland and rain . That whole Pacific Northwest & BC is as dismal as can be when it comes to rainy grey winters, and much of their autumns and springs. I lived in Vancouver for 20 years and went to Seattle and Portland frequently for work over 8 years. The common trait of the residents of Seattle, Portland and Vancouver was our whinging about the soggy, grey weather. These cities may not show a lot of volume of rain in the statistics. That's because it falls in an annoying drizzle for days and days at a time. Then if it's not raining, it's just grey, grey and grey some more. It took one winter back in BC, after being away for 13 years, to remind my husband and I how we detested those grey, soggy days and the short, feeble excuse for a summer.

It's a gorgeous part of North America though, with stunning landscapes covered in lush, green, vast forests - but you pay for that greenery with the rain. I always enjoyed Seattle and Portland, with Seattle being my favourite. They're fun, vibrant, cool cities.

LOL too bad. That's what i had heard by someone else also but i was hoping it wasn't that bad. So...i think for me Portland is out. That type of weather does not appeal at all. I have been to Vancouver and lived there for about 4 months throughout summer. It's a gorgeous place. But just around the time i was leaving it started getting really grey and rained A LOT. What a shame! Such an awesome city otherwise with lovely people! I guess that's the price you pay for living in areas that are nice and green. Sydney gets very little rain and as a consequence is mostly really brown. What i wouldn't give for somewhere in the middle. Enough rain to be green and nice but not so much that there around 200+ cloudy days every year! Maybe i need to visit these places in the winter. Pittsburgh was green and beautiful but that i went in the summer so i didn't experience all the "grey". I might have felt otherwise if i had stayed past August.

Appreciate everyone's input also BTW. It has been really helpful to hear other people's opinions.

 

[Britsimon]

Priscilla,

The comments about racial intolerance and keeping religious beliefs to yourself should rule out areas such as Atlanta and Charlotte - really the whole South East. In fact you could pretty much look at this map http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Red_state,_blue_state.svg and rule out any state in Red (Republican, right wing). Don't mean to offend anyone but I might as well go for the trifecta of the most contentious issues not to bring up in an internet forum. Republicans are right wing/conservatives and the party who (typically) are religiously outspoken, racially intolerant and pretty nutty! I could explain that with their policies but if you did find a Deliverance sort of place it would be certain to be strongly republican.

You won't like the North East for the weather.

That leaves you with California and Florida. South Florida and South California will to hot (especially South Florida).

So you can choose between Norther California (San Francisco and areas around there) or MId/Northern Florida (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville). San Fran is extremely expensive to live there (although wages are high to match). Florida is very cheap to live (and wages to match). Tampa and surrounding area is beautiful, city life but with some space, nice beaches and fabulous climate.

Florida is more right wing than California so if you can stand the expensive cost of living California trumps Florida. There are some cheaper cities in California too but if you want a big city then you are left with LA/San Diego/San Jose/San Francisco. I personally don't like LA, but the other 3 cities are awesome!

There ya go. Narrowed it down for ya!

 

[PriscillaT]

Priscilla,

The comments about racial intolerance and keeping religious beliefs to yourself should rule out areas such as Atlanta and Charlotte - really the whole South East. In fact you could pretty much look at this map http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Red_state,_blue_state.svg and rule out any state in Red (Republican, right wing). Don't mean to offend anyone but I might as well go for the trifecta of the most contentious issues not to bring up in an internet forum. Republicans are right wing/conservatives and the party who (typically) are religiously outspoken, racially intolerant and pretty nutty! I could explain that with their policies but if you did find a Deliverance sort of place it would be certain to be strongly republican.

You won't like the North East for the weather.

That leaves you with California and Florida. South Florida and South California will to hot (especially South Florida).

So you can choose between Norther California (San Francisco and areas around there) or MId/Northern Florida (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville). San Fran is extremely expensive to live there (although wages are high to match). Florida is very cheap to live (and wages to match). Tampa and surrounding area is beautiful, city life but with some space, nice beaches and fabulous climate.

Florida is more right wing than California so if you can stand the expensive cost of living California trumps Florida. There are some cheaper cities in California too but if you want a big city then you are left with LA/San Diego/San Jose/San Francisco. I personally don't like LA, but the other 3 cities are awesome!

There ya go. Narrowed it down for ya!

Haha Indeed you did! Very informative, thanks Simon!

Well, i appreciate your honesty and frankly i think it pretty much confirms the impressions that i had gotten from my own trolling around the place.

I have heard San Francisco (and California in general) is expensive but very cool. To be honest though, Sydney is a downright rip-off to live in so it won't be too much of a shock i don't think. I'm not sure how much you know about cost of living in Australia, specifically Sydney but prices are bordering on extortionate. I might look up pricing in those areas in the meantime just to get a feel. I've got nothing but time until my interview. LOL

As i suspected, i think we're better off starting on the West Coast until we settle in. Better the devil you know so to speak. I am at least more familiar with those areas which will help with the "culture-shock" somewhat. From there we can just take every opportunity to visit the east coast to see for oursleves if there's somewhere we would want to settle long-term. Seems like the smarter way to go for now. Appreciate your thoughts on my conundrum!

Good luck getting your GC too btw!

Cheers buddy. :

 

[Britsimon]

I'm going to be in San Fran. A million dollars in the city itself buys a reasonable apartment. A house (in nice area) would be much more. I will probably be on the East Bay, places like Moraga, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Danville - all nice places, with excellent schools and you get a lot more house for your money - a million bucks (maybe a bit over) there gets a nice 3 or 4 bedroom house. If school districts aren't an issue for you (they are for me as I have a young child) you could still get a nice area and pay $200/300k less for a house - and condos can start in the $200/300k range.

Haha Indeed you did! Very informative, thanks Simon!

Well, i appreciate your honesty and frankly i think it pretty much confirms the impressions that i had gotten from my own trolling around the place.

I have heard San Francisco (and California in general) is expensive but very cool. To be honest though, Sydney is a downright rip-off to live in so it won't be too much of a shock i don't think. I'm not sure how much you know about cost of living in Australia, specifically Sydney but prices are bordering on extortionate. I might look up pricing in those areas in the meantime just to get a feel. I've got nothing but time until my interview. LOL

As i suspected, i think we're better off starting on the West Coast until we settle in. Better the devil you know so to speak. I am at least more familiar with those areas which will help with the "culture-shock" somewhat. From there we can just take every opportunity to visit the east coast to see for oursleves if there's somewhere we would want to settle long-term. Seems like the smarter way to go for now. Appreciate your thoughts on my conundrum!

Good luck getting your GC too btw!

Cheers buddy. :

 

[Qewty]

Although I do not have the precious "selected" word on my signature, our plans would be to return to the Bay area having lived in San Jose before (we are in Australia now). We will either move to Fremont or across in San Mateo.

Q