Thinking of moving...need input!

[Buckskin]

I'd vote for the cape. never lived there, had relatives there. Visited many times. Would think it would have the best all round weather and the cheapest cost of living. A small town, you may well be the only kiltie, but it is progresive, people will take you as you come. Not that far from kilt friendly St Louis, Dirk in Memphis, and me in Little Rock.

[macwilkin]

I'd vote for the cape. never lived there, had relatives there. Visited many times. Would think it would have the best all round weather and the cheapest cost of living. A small town, you may well be the only kiltie, but it is progresive, people will take you as you come. Not that far from kilt friendly St Louis, Dirk in Memphis, and me in Little Rock.

And a fairly sizeable kilted group to the west in Springfield, including yours truly.

T.

[McMoose77]

I'm going to have to agree with emolas between NH and MA. I've lived in both (Wolfeboro & Amesbury respectively) and I have to say I love NH. The mountains and lakes are perfect, the contrast in seasons is great, and you're still close to Boston, while being next to all of the benefits of the wilderness. It is pretty cheap to live here as stated before. I also have been to Annapolis for a tour of the USNA and I have to say it is pretty nice down there, however I wouldn't trade it for NH, I mean in Maryland I can't snowmobile to school across a frozen lake going 100mph. I have enjoyed growing up here and I have enjoyed my young adulthood up here as well.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Annapolis, but only if they put a gun to my head. As for the other cities... well, they could pull the trigger.

[Daniel Hyde]

I can only speak to Missouri. Gas is at $ 2.40 a gal. right now, cost of living is cheaper. As for Scots, we are many, just kinda spread out. I am forty miles from St. Louis, [ originally from Springfield ], and have been to 6 Scottish events this year, all within 4 hours drive. Many,many venues to go to in the midwest. As for New Madrid, if one lets loose like in 1812, none of us are completely safe!!
Regards,
Dan

[scotchmaster]

So, here's the deal. I grew up on the west (left) coast. I have wandered about for the last 7 years in the rocky mountain region. My current job totally sucks, so I have begun looking for a new job. The type of job i do, and what satisfies me professionally is currently only available in a few places: Cape Girardeau, Missouri... Peabody, MA...annapolis, MD.....Bedford, NH.

Having never lived in any of these towns, or even on the east coast, what are thoughts from the rabble about these places? Seeing as I now have a 2 year old child and I am almost 38, I think this next move has to be the "perfect" job. Therefore, I need some input as to what some of these places are like; and could a westerner be happy in these locales....and MOST important: are they kilt-friendly?

Bedford NH is close to Boston. Which is the center of the Universe. Also I wouldn't be the only one walking around in a kilt.

[1MUNK3]

Hello Ozone,
I've lived many places in my life (bopped aroond a wee bit in my younger years), but since having a family and now I'm a single Dad wit two young Lads 6 and 4, My home state has been Ma. . I can't say to much about Peabody, but I do have a couple friends frae there and they seem tae like it just fine. Their is several fantastic towns in the state and all surrounding towns of Peabody have had a fine reputation. Is their a reason why it would have tae be the specific town your job is located ? Some times tae find the ideal home both for setting, costs, schools, etc.. one may have tae commute. Theirs nothing wrong wit a wee drive if you're going tae a place you enjoy and are comfortable wit. It seems that those who have had a negative comment about a particular place have unfortunately had some sort of bad personal experience which has brought about an unpleasant feeling one now associates with a location. One must remind oneself first that their are several people living in these communities so something must be good for them tae want tae stay and it can't just merely be settling or due to economics holding them back frae moving on up. N.H. is another great state as well. I have friends there that love it and would never think about leaving. So it's all a matter in the end of what your true desires are first and foremost for your child and once those needs are met then scale the pros and cons of your desires. Remember children always come first and they look to us tae be their guide and hopefully make the right choice. So sit back pen / pecil and paper in hand and do the auld pros and cons chart and see where that lands you. Include best schools, are you going to rent , buy, cost of living and how it relates to the income frae your potential job, etc... I'm sure these are things you have been thinking for a while and I'm positive it's been a complete head number and stress booster but in the end it's all about being happy cuz lifes to short . If you have specific questions about certain towns in Ma. please feel free tae shoot me a message and I'd be happy tae check them out for you. I know what it's like and I was there not that long ago. I'm in a place now that my kids love and I do to . I may be new tae this board but I'm certainly not new tae the world so agin shoot me a message if you have any questions about my state and if I don't have the answer I'll find it out. You get crap no matter what state it is, but remember some of the nicest jewels are found in some a the whackiest places.
Yours Aye,
Sean

[1MUNK3]

Hey Ozone,
I forgot tae add, yes we are kilt friendly. Ma. is a wee bit o' a meltin pot, but their still is a large population of Scottish, Irish, and a few Welsh in tha mix. You have a problem in my state and simply call upon me and my Lads and you'll have at your disposal Clan Cameron and all it's many friends throughout. We'll put 'em tae flight for ye.
Yours Aye,
Sean
Your state ? Yeah it's mine !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ozone]

Update: I took a job in Peabody, MA and it looks like the place to live nearby is Marblehead or Swampscott. Both those towns are within theoretical biking distance of the office and on the same side of the highway (i'll be working off centennial avenue for those in the know). they also both have good schools, so I am told.

Now I need to know: can you surf in a kilt?


...and finally: Sean , we are going to have to meet up!

[1MUNK3]

Hey Ozone,
Just got your PM. Congratulations ! I know this was a decision that weighed heavy on the mind for you and your family. Sounds like the family has made a wonderful choice. If you need any assistance in the future please feel free to give me a shout. Has far as meeting up, I would love to. It would be my pleasure and honour to meet with you. Now to get to your question about surfing in a kilt, now that's easy, don't you know you can do everything in a kilt, and in that rare instance where your kilt is in the way, simply remove (yes, yes, I know, it's verra rare though indeed, you will experience "the shakes" and other forms of spastic behavior until your kilt is secured back on mind you. This again is a verra rare occurrence). Now the fun part begins, getting everything ready and packed for the move, but don't forget to have some fun. The biggest decision has been conquered and let me say again you and your family have made an excellent choice ( you don't need to let that question eat you up any more ) Have a wonderful holiday season, you have so many things to celebrate now. I look forward to welcoming you to OUR beautiful state. Remember you and your family already have friends here so no need to worry. I can't stress enough, if you need help, just let me know. Once you are settled in, we will have a celebration to honour you and your family. I look forward to chatting with you and watching our friendship grow.
Yours Aye,
Sean