Wanting to move to a warmer climate - need advice

We are seriously thinking about moving to a warmer climate. We have had it with this dreary weather we have in the Pacific Northwest. We are thinking about Florida, Texas, Virginia, north carolina.

In your opinion, where is the perfect spot?

I'm hoping for a longer growing season, plenty of sun (all year round) here we dont see the sun from September to may or june. Seriously, there is a constant grey cloud cover.

My husband got laid off a couple of weeks ago, and many high tech businesses have shut down, Washington has the highest unemployment in the nation. If there is one job opening, literally 3 to 4000 individuals apply for that one job. Fujitsu (high tech Co.) closed down on tuesday, didnt say a thing to their employees, they found out when they went to work the next day, and the parking lot was cordoned off. 3000 people out of a job in one fell swoop. The economy in the pacific northwest is dismal to say the least, and the sooner we get out of here the better.

My husband is in his erly 50's and I am 42. Our children are 11 and 13, (13 yr old has cerebral palsy)
The only familly we have here is a sister who is only here because of me, but she too would rather move to a warmer climate and will once we move.

The ideal spot for me would be a warm climate, good schools, and most importantly, we need to be fairly close to a Shriners Hospital. I think there is one in most of the southern states.

I would really like Florida.......

Any advice???

I am looking forward to all the imput I get from you guys.
When we finally decided this morning to make the big move, I knew I wanted to post my plea here on Dave's cause I knew I would get a lot of helpfull information

Thanks so much!

Pebble I am sorry I can't advise on the warmer states but wanted to tell you I am so sorry about your DH job. I know there are lots of people on here in Fl(or other warmer climates)that can help you out. ((((pebble)))

Pebble this question was posed by Lisa also and she was inundated with replies. Naturally, my choice would be Virginia!! Especially here near Charlottesville!! The best weather in the U.S. Ask Erin and Tim!!

I think there's a Shriner's in Memphis.It's z7.You get a winter,but there's plenty of sun.Sometimes there's ice,but rarely snow. I personally like the Upper South because you have fall and winter.I think Memphis is growing right now too.
We are about 3 hours north of there on KY Lake.There is a wonderful Easter Seals Center in Paducah. Email me if intrested and I'll get some literature together and send it to you.

My son and his wife and son moved to Memphis this past year. He transferred from here with the company that closed a plant here. They did have a flood last weekend but I don't know how bad it was. My DIL didn't have a problem finding a job there. However, they are planning on moving back here early next year. Not because they don't like Memphis but they just want to be back in Lagrange. He signed a 1 year contract when he transferred and it runs out in March. I think there are a lot of new industry there. My DIL went to work in Miss. at a new factory there. Right across the state line.
Sorry to hear about the bad luck and hope things work out.

Here is a link to Memphis that has a lot about Memphis and Elvis also. http://www.gomemphis.com/
It has a link to employment in that area. Good luck.

One of the reasons we left Ohio is the long cold winters and we too, did not see the sun from November to April. I can remember winters where it would be 26 below 0 for a week. Anyway, here in North Carolina, except for a few days a year, the sky is always windex BLUE, today, December 2 was 71 degrees and sunny, above normal to be sure, but...We have a much longer growing season here, the mountains are beautiful. I know nothing about the education here as our children were all raised when we moved here. I do know that Florida does not have a state tax nor does Tennessee so that could really be an incentive. We are very happy here. I hope and pray that you find the work that you need in an environment that makes you happy and medical facilities for your son. I will keep you in my prayers......vic

We live in Tennessee and love the weather most of the time. Our winters are mild, I still have flowers blooming in the garden. The Shriner's Hosp. is in Kentucky, St. Judes is in Memphis.
We vacation in South Texas most every winter and love it there too. We want to move there in the near future.

Alabama is great for the weather, but awful, horrible, terrible (get the idea?) for schools. We made a move here thanks to the Air Force and have our school-age daughter in a private Church of Christ school. It's wonderful and she is in a challenging environment. Otherwise, I'd have homeschooled because the public system here is pathetic.

It's gorgeous here, though, and growing things is as simple and putting them in the ground. It's like living in a greenhouse. :) You can find that in FL, TX, GA and SC, too, though.

The beach is another great plus, but you can get that in lots of other states, too.

Can't advise on the hospitals, though.

I don't know if you are a praying person, but if you are, lift this up to the Father and let Him guide you. I believe strongly in the power of prayer and truly believe that if you ask God to lead you in the right direction, He will do just that.

If prayer isn't your thing, then you have to follow your heart.

Mystic, thanks you for your sentiments.
Louisa, Virginia is on our list of States for consideration, youw ill definately be the first to know if we end up being neighbours. (((louisa))))thanks for your e-mail with the links...

I appreciate receiving all these responses.

I hadn't considered Tenesse, I'll look it up and discuss it with my husband....

keep the advice coming, I love hearing about why other people have moved

Hey, Pebble, just how far South did you have in mind - the Great Barrier Reef is glorious, and so's the climate. Don't go too far north though (this translates to not far enough south, for you) because it gets too humid :)

Pam

I'd contact the Shriner's hospital that you have been working with and ask for their nationwide location of hospitals that will meet your family's needs. Once you have those options, I'm sure there will be many members here to offer you their insight and advice. Keep us informed so we can help.

Pebble here's a good link,http://www.shriners.com/,hope this works' First things first as I've been in your position also,no job and still needed good medical resources'Please keep us posted as we're all here to support and guide you in any way we are able'
Life's too short to live in one spot if it doesn't meet your lifestyle and needs' I can't say there is a "perfect place" but in America there are many that are pretty close,lol'
My problem is I want to live awhile most everywhere,lol,the vagabond in me,I guess. But also have no children at home to consider schools,medical and so many other vital needs' I'm sooo excited for you and yours, so please keep us posted' Sis'

Pebble, good luck on your decision. I am so sorry for your hardships :(..I love Fla. we almost moved there 4 years ago. I know we have several folks here who live in the panhandle area of Fla. That area is so nice! AND...you could grow Loquat trees :) :) :)!!!!!

Check out north central Florida if you like to be close to nature. There are still many beautiful rural areas within a reasonable distance to good hospitals and other amenities. In many places you can buy a nice home with acreage for around $100,000 (or much less) depending on how far out in the "boonies" you want to live.

HOWEVER, for a transplanted Vancouverite, the Florida summers may be way too hot and muggy! Since I'm not a sun-worshipper or heat-lover, I've learned how to adapt to the summertime weather here. (It involves going from the air-conditioned house into an air-conditioned car, then sprinting into the air-conditioned office where I work, etc.)

Lisa, my thoughts exactly...lol - I could grow lots and lots that I can't grow here.

Still trying to narrow it down.
I did look at homes in Florida, and Texas, I can't believe how much more expensive homes are here. And I have heard from other people (and the news) that the cost of living here (northwest) is so much higher than most places around the country - can't imagine people paying for the privilidge to live in this rainy gray dreary place...

Pebble I just was contacted by a new located cousin. She lives in FL. and is a real estate broker. Her site has a school link for the State of Florida. Here's her site
http://ilead.realtor.com/display/?id=14856465&
Maybe you can check the schools out through this if you do decide on Fl.

Hey Vic, thats Carolina Blue not windex blue! LOL!
We do have beautiful weather here most of the time. I have lived in Washington, Montana, Texas, California, Nevada, and South Carolina and always wind up back here. But I have loved every minute of living in these beautiful states. The differences in gardening is amazing.I liked all those wonderful ferns that grow in Washington, some the size of a car! I think it rained every day in the 2 years that I lived there. But I didn't have to water my garden! In Calif. you just pick you orange off your tree, In Texas, had a cactus garden that was fantastic, and went swimming on Christmas day one year because the weather was so warm. In Montana, the vegetable garden grew like crazy, huge plants in no time because the growing season is so short.
SC and NC you can grow for such a long season that you get several crops if you want to. Could only have container plants in Nevada, but I loved the weather, I like the desert!
The biggest problem at this time is a job in most areas here. We are in a recession in NC, many people laid off, me included, so check the job market carefully before you decide. We do have some snow and ice but usually not much and doesn't last long. Like Vic said the weather for Dec. is wonderful, has been sunny and in the 70's, with cool nights.
Flowers still blooming, at least the ones the frost didn't get a couple of weeks ago.
Every state has its advantages, and unique things that make it special. But I think if I ever move again it would have to be the southern part of Texas around the gulf, maybe west of the Houston area. I love it there and the gardening is great!

Georgiared clay, thanks for the link - I will check it out right now.

cnclay, I guess you know what I'm talking about when I say they rain is getting to me.

I think the recession is worst in the northwest, Washington's unemployment is the highest in the country :(

Yes Pebble the rain was the part that got old real quick. I lived in Bremerton, right on the sound, if it wasn't rain it was fog. But right now with the drought we have had here for the last few years I would like to see some of that rain come this way! If you want to send me a box of yours, I'll pay the postage! LOL!

pebble... I had a friend who's son has CP; one of the things I remember her saying was what great support he got from the NC school system. Same comment from my neighbor who has a mentally challenged daughter.

I have lived all over the country, from Key West to Rhode Island, San Francisco to the Eastern Shore, and even in Kansas. I still like NC best, and the best of NC for me is in the mountains, but not the very highest elevations... too much snow and ice in the winter although lovely in summer. Asheville elevation is about 2200 feet in general; I think my house is about 2500 feet.

Pebble
Sorry to hear about your problems.
Florida and Alabama are almost unbearable in the summer very high humidity and HOT. Sounds like your DH is in the tech field. There's a lot of that kind of work in NC and the climate is alot nicer.
I'll keep you in my prayers.

Paul

Thanks guys for pointing out NOrth Carolina - I will start looking into that state.

Although scary, this is fun....

keep the advice coming guys, your input is really appreciated.

Pebble, do check out the job market in the Atlanta area. This is the Hi-tec capital of the south. Can't tell you much about the oportunities tho as there have been lay-offs here too. There is a Shriner's Hospital here tho. it may not be a center for CP.

We love it here being from Pa & Illinois - would never move any farther north. Lived in No Fla for 14 years, it is nice there but not much industry and in Orlando 3 years - too hot & humid. We only have a couple of months of winter here in No Ga, maybe one or 2 snows in Jan or Feb., just enough to see the leaves change and still have tulips, peonies, iris, hostas and roses. We live about 20 mi. south of the city and there are several hi-tec companies near us in pretty high end communities - away from the city traffic. Property still less than what you are used to. Good luck in your search.

http://www.shriners.com/Hospitals/ortho.html

Consider Raleigh, NC, the famous Duke Hospital only 30 miles away. Research Triangle, full of hi tech jobs, and oh, NC Arboretum--all kinds of plants. We have NCSU, and many colleges. And Plants Delight only minutes way. Wonderful sunny skies all winter, very rarely snows. Listed as one of the top ten places to live. We haven't had a hard freeze yet. Still have candle stick peppers doing fine outside. Zone 7b.

pebble... I guess I missed that your husband is in the hi-tech field. DO cheak out opportunities in the Research Triangle (near Raleigh, NC). Raleigh can get hot and humid in summer, but winters are rather nice. Also, WNC University is in the process of getting $15 million to build an ultra-hi-tech area to help bring hi-tech opportunities to the western NC mountains. Some of what they plan to teach sounds wonderful! If I can find the data, I will send it to you. Western NC is also home to over 8,500 artists and craftsmen in our 13 counties, many of whom are fully supported by their art/craft.

Pebble there is a Shriners hospital in Lexington Ky it's about 60 miles from me but that's not getting you to a much warmer climate. This is the one I think Cala was talking about.But thought that might help alittle to know where it was. I hope you can find someplace you will be happy and has everything your looking for.

thanks Mystic, I am no closer to a decision than a was when I first posted - But wait....hubby has to find a job first - lol he has been sending resumes to Florida, North carolina, Virginia and maybe a couple of other states I cant think of.
I have been looking at homes in florida - WOW
It's kind of fun seeing the complete difference in home styles, and landscaping. Like here - in everyone's front yard there is sure to be a maple, but in Fla they have PALM trees.... isnt that the coolest?

well, time will tell what will happen, and I will definately let you all know what is going on.

thanks again for all the insight that you have been passing on.

***what do you guys think of moving the kids at this stage?
I worry about my son - 13, he is comfortable with himself,, confident and doesnt let much stand in his way, but would that all change if he were put in an environment where he doesnt know anyone???

pebble, if I would be your son, I'd not like to move in this age... Hey, have you thought Georgia? =)

Pebble - don't really have any advice - just want to wish you and your family good luck! Reference the Atlanta area - I have several friends who lost their jobs in that city in the software industry over a year ago and they are still looking for jobs. I know Omaha sounds very unglamorous but they have been attracting software companies because of the low cost of living/tax base and there are jobs available. They also have a wonderful Childrens Hospital. People are moving there from the east and west coasts and building and/or buying beautiful huge houses on acreages because a 500,000 house where they came from cost less than half that amount here. However, our growing season is definitely shorter.

I've been trying to find a web site that lists family friendly locations in the US but am not coming up with what I want.

Anyway - good luck!



This message was edited Tuesday, Dec 4th 2:35 PM

I sure do wish you'd look into Atlanta, we'd treat you and your family real good here.

Well, I will definately look into Georgia, Tig - I'll sure look you up...
I think I'm jumping the gun here anyway....Hubby needs to find a job first lol
I'll mention Omaha to hubby and he can take it from there.

Evert, I agree with you - I think it would be hard on him. I will have to have a talk with him and see what he thinks. He is tired of this weather too - cause he keeps saying - "I am going to go to college in a warm place, like california etc"

Atlanta is too busy, can't get anywhere without sitting in traffic.

Good point Tim....

ah, but not just outside!!!! Come on, Tim, don't hurt me here:)

Pebble, I can't offer any advice, but being originally from western Washington I can offer my sympathy. When we were free to choose our own spot many years ago hubby asked me where I would like to live. Without a second's hesitation I answered "where the sun shines".

Consider northwest Florida, near Pensacola or Ft. Walton. YOu could live in the country and be in one of these in 30 minutes (maybe less). Long growing season, summer heat/humidity is tough sometimes, but sometimes extremely mild winters, sometimes fairly cold. It does get below freezing here. Close to beaches, but only about 7 hours from mountains of north Georgia/Tennessee. Good hospital in Pensacola (not Shriners). Don't know much about schools in those counties, but I have had the feeling they are pretty good. Walton County system next to them is not too great (of course that's where I live). Tough decision for you, I don't envy you this.

Pebble I can't offer any advice but I am in the same boat.
I want to move to a warmer climate and for heath reasons it has to be dry, so that only leaves one place for me to go and that is Az.
I have been to Meassa and Tempe Az liked both except for the driving. My girl friend and I were going to the store and I was constantly putting on brakes that I didn't have(passenger side), other than that and the cost of living at the time was just a bit to much. Well anyway I just wanted to say I understand and wish you all the luck and will keep you and family in my prayers and please keep us in your.
Kit

If you want a silent home move to Finland - we've got only 520 000 people here.... ehhmm. not too many? hehe, anyway the climate is not too warm but good for growing plants.

evert you have the same problem that I have here...SNOW!
I think Findland is beautiful and hope to get the oppertunity to visit one summer but snow is just not one of my favorite things. If I do visit I will ask you to take one day out of your busy life and show me some of those beautiful breath taking spot so I will come back with some wonderful pictures.

heh.... :)

I could tak you to Nuuksio park in north espoo... =) And the botanical of Hki. ;)