Leaving New Mexico but for where?

[Riverkilt]

Boy, what a challenge,

I've lived in most of the U.S. and traveled most of the rest. Seems there's a downside to most everywhere.

I came to the Canyonlands by choice...after 30 years in Phoenix, AZ it was a switch to get used to haveing four seasons again.

But summers are only about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than down on the desert in Phoenix. Winters are mild, seldom less than freezing. Some winters in never snows. Most is a dusting and the snow melts off - at least from the streets. But it is often windy and that wind blows sand.

The reward is spiritual grandeur whichever direction I look. And it is 135 miles to the nearest city with a mall...and it is multi cultural even without the millions of summer tourists from all over the world.

Don't think the schools are too bad, but they're not leading the pack.

My favorite cities in the olden days were Reno (probably too cold for you) and Washington D.C. (probably too overdeveloped now for you).

Recently I found myself gathering information about Tazmania. And I've considered returning to the "Olde Country." If I did that I'd move up around the Gold Coast and Vancouver Island.

My trouble is the olde, "Where ever I go, there I am."

Ron

[Andrew Green]

Wisconsin used to have some pretty cheap houses. The house we lived in was in city (Milwaukee), and it was a 3 bedroom, with an attic, and a basement, garage outback, and harwood floors. It would have cost about $56,000 to buy it when we moved out in 1992 or 1993. I don't know what the prices are now, but a house like that out here in western WA would run $150,000 or more. Most houses that I could call adequate sized are in the$200,000 + range. So the housing market sucks. There is a lot of good scenery though. Not sure how the schools are doing... I didn't have much confidence in them when I was attending public school, and I sure don't have any more confidence in them now. Private or homeschooling would probably be best anyhow. They STILL teach incorrect history in the schools.

Some areas out here are better than others as far as crime rate goes. You kinda get that toss up where ever you are.

[jordanjm]

I'd say look at Butte County CA. You can find really nice places to live, and a decent (For California) Commute. I also think that Salt Lake City might be worth a look.

[RossCroft]

we are selling our house in northern california (in escrow now). we'll have about 70,00 to work with and are looking for a place where we can have our business and home in the same place. which means where there are people. we have a martial arts school and i do leather art. and i do mean art.

any suggestions appreciated.

[Sean_the_Kilted]

I know it gets a bit warm, but central texas (austin/San Antonio area) is a great place to live. I lived in Killeen, Texas about an hour north of Austin for 3 1/2 years. Summers are a bit warm, but not too humid. It stays in the 90s most of the time june through august, but the winters are mild. It only freezes 1-3 days a year. Lots of growth in terms of construction and jobs. People are friendly and laid back. Austin is very liberal and I'm sure wouldn't bat an eye at a kilt (i wasn't wearing kilts then). The housing prices are decent. My brother bought a 3 bdrm house a year ago for a bit under 200,000. If you like the outdoors, there are lots of places to hike and swim.

[Jerry]

I'm partial to Virginia. Rarely do we ever see temperatures above 100F, and the winters are relatively mild. There are quite a few hi tech jobs available in the tidewater area. However, for someone who is used to the "dry heat? of New Mexico, I think that the high humidity would get to you (upper 90s at near 100%) The most agreeable weather would be somewhere around Roanoke, but I don't know a lot about the job market there.

[pipesndrumsnun]

Many areas in Michigan have great schools...all of Michigan is magnificently beautiful...you can find job opportunities in some areas (the prospects are terrible in many, though)...unfortunately, we can't help you with the climate thing...6 months of winter and high heat and humidity in the summer! It really is a great place, though!