Who has MOVED from their home state ? How difficult was it for you?

[66 Sat]

We did like what we saw.
Here is the rub....
I feel a bit like the guy in the airplane with the parachute on my back. THERE is the window...and I'm hesitant to jump out of it. Part of me knows that it could be a whole lot of fun yet I'm not quite sure. One thing that nags me is regret. I hate to make mistakes and wish that I would have stayed, gone, eaten the cookie, not eaten the cookie, etc.
Yeah, I know...That is life. You take in all the information, mull your options and make a decision and live with it.
We still want to look at Texas. Part of my anxiety might be from the thought that any move is one that puts me FAR away from everything that I am familiar with.
Final thought for now...The Wife looked at the Zillow listings and saw that our place back home was "valued" at $60,000 more than I was thinking!

Kern you have to go for it! The saying is overused but you do really only live once, so better to move and try something new, that forever regret not going.
You can always move back in a few years if you miss your old place.
I emigrated to Australia 20 years ago, sight unseen. I loved it (thankfully) and have only been back home twice for a short visit.
If you don't go, you won't know.
Good luck.

 

[Hey-O]

Regrets, Germany, Canada, and Missouri.
I've wondered if Tennessee might be to big of a culture change for you. You should try Texas and then that's it, you're done. You are who you are and that's a fact. It's a big decision, life changing and you're a person that needs to feel that most things in life line up perfect. Remember, it will feel different, because different is what you're looking for. How different can you handle is the question. To me, the biggest thing for you is the politics in California and that's been like that since day one. People, taxes, politics, weather, cost of living, that's going to be anywhere you go. There is no place that will fit that perfect picture you have built up in your head. You know that you're going at this with an open mind, but, home is where you have been all your life, that place that no matter how you look at it, fits like your favorite old tennis shoes. Retirement may be enough for you, enjoy not being tied to the money whip. You know, sometimes looking at something new makes you appreciate what you have. Everything I've said, is everything you already know. Have I been helpful, not my intention. This is all on you, there is nothing that all these people can say to change you. Remember, if you don't move, you can no longer bitch about California and that 60 thousand that your house went up, will help offset the cost increase of where you're going. If you’re feelin’ froggy, jump! ........y'all don't seem like the grits kind of people, if y'all know what I'm sayin............... Now there's an opening for ya. Be safe!!

 

[barbee6043]

IN 1979 I was 31 year sold, lived in SW rural Ga all my life. I had a pretty good job and was sick and tired of the racial BS. The year before I bought 40 ac pasture with an old farm house in Central Missouri. Then I sold everything but my 5 quarter horses, guit my job and we moved with 2 small children. No job. No relatives to cry on. About $10-15000 cash maybe. I sucked it up and made our new lives there and never regretted it one bit. Lived there 37 years!
Some of us dream the dreams...some us choose to live the dreams???
I was never one to say: Wonder what IF?????? I had tried such and such.
Your results may vary.

 

[Roger63]

This area seems to be really patriotic. Flags are out and waving, road signs with flags on them, even the Comfort Inn hotels that we have stayed in have special up front parking for Veterans. I like seeing that. I do NOT see that sort of patriotism in California.
Still have yet to see any bums. No tent cities, no broken down RVs on dead end streets, very few panhandlers either.
We drove up to Henderson, Kentucky today to see another one of her friends. It was green up there too.
We are down in Georgia now and are flying home tomorrow.
We accomplished what we set out to do. We felt some humidity. We set our feet on Tennessee soil. We saw some great places and chatted with nice people. We flew by the seat of our pants and did not stress over any set schedules. There were no exact matches of homes and property that are what we want but we aren't ready to buy this minute anyway. This trip allowed us to see the locations, the roads and the people for ourselves. We did like what we saw.
Here is the rub....
I feel a bit like the guy in the airplane with the parachute on my back. THERE is the window...and I'm hesitant to jump out of it. Part of me knows that it could be a whole lot of fun yet I'm not quite sure. One thing that nags me is regret. I hate to make mistakes and wish that I would have stayed, gone, eaten the cookie, not eaten the cookie, etc.
Yeah, I know...That is life. You take in all the information, mull your options and make a decision and live with it.
We still want to look at Texas. Part of my anxiety might be from the thought that any move is one that puts me FAR away from everything that I am familiar with.
Final thought for now...The Wife looked at the Zillow listings and saw that our place back home was "valued" at $60,000 more than I was thinking!

The unknown is what makes you uncomfortable but yet excited to try it. I find it humorous how you keep commenting on how green it is. I understand how that impresses you I've spent a lot of time in California. But ya got to look at it like this, if things in California are making you so unhappy that you're wanting to move then move because those things are always going to be in California. Its obvious you and your wife want to divorce California, kick it to the curb find your spot and make it happen. By the way you should check out Oklahoma our nickname is GREEN COUNTRY LOL.

 

[Hosehead]

I am eagerly awaiting Kern's decision. We've discussed this from time to time over the last few years and I'm curious to see where he ends up. I divorced California a couple of years ago to return to my beloved home state of Oklahoma(green country). Its good to hear that he's doing some exploring and making an educated decision.
I miss California weather sometimes but not the lack of seasons. I miss the thousands of good restaurants but love the food here too. And finally, I left a lot of good friends back in La la land but am making new ones here. I really miss the ability to make a lot more money out there than I've made here so far. I went down a tax bracket or so when I moved. I am working on that as well. lol.
Long story short though, is it was the best thing I've ever done. I'm not really even much of a California basher. Its just not for me.
Oklahoma is much more my speed. I now have a small piece of land with a house on it that is three times the size of my house in Pasadena for about 20 percent of the cost. I have a shop and live in a very quiet part of a town of seven thousand people all situated on a beautiful and huge lake.
The calm and quiet here are priceless. A month or so before we left Pasadena there was a shooting in front of my house while my wife was reading a book on the front porch. She was questioned by the police as she was a witness and they put those little cones in our yard next to the spent shell casings.
Obviously, that was enough for us. I'm glad that some people are happy out there but I am definitely where I belong and am living in my forever house(that is 118 years old). No more moving for me. California is just too crazy.
One okies two cents......

 

[Rockland71GTX]

I made the move from New York 8 years ago to south Florida. It was a great change for me but I worked the night shift and it was difficult meeting people and making new friends. I found a website that changed all that called 'meetup.com'. It has many different groups that post activities that are usually no cost or minimal cost. It was a great way for someone new to the area to meet people and learn about things to do.

 

[Kern Dog]

My situation at home is not dire. It’s not as if my neighborhood is crime or drug infested. I do see the homeless camps getting closer and that sucks. Knowing that the Police are limited from enforcing “quality of life” crimes like homeless camps and vagrancy makes it quite apparent that the politicians WANT society to decay. It is disgusting.

 

[Billccm]

I've seen plenty of your post, Kern to know you are not comfortable with change in general.
I can tell you every move I've ever made was for the better including a move from Cincinnati to San Jose in the late 1980s.
Been in Tucson since 1997 and although I'm very comfortable I know Arizona is fast becoming Eastern California.
I'm ready for Kentucky, Tennessee, or Georgia now and hope to start searching for the next home in 2023, or so.
I'd say take the leap and don't look back.

 

[Kern Dog]

Very interesting thread....learned lots I did not know about your country. Hope you find what you are looking for.

Thank you.
I’m sure that I have stated this before...
If I wear blinders, don’t watch the news or listen to the radio, the biggest problem that I deal with here is affordability. We get by fine but sometimes you just feel that by paying a high price , you are approving of that ludicrous price.
I have good access to parts cars and parts. I have some family and plenty of friends here.
I’m tempted by the prospect of greater freedom and more space to play. There are far worse positions to be in.

 

[Billccm]

Thank you.
I’m sure that I have stated this before...
If I wear blinders, don’t watch the news or listen to the radio, the biggest problem that I deal with here is affordability. We get by fine but sometimes you just feel that by paying a high price , you are approving of that ludicrous price.
I have good access to parts cars and parts. I have some family and plenty of friends here.
I’m tempted by the prospect of greater freedom and more space to play. There are far worse positions to be in.

You have mentioned noticing the declining standards and creep of tent cities. I too am noticing similar activity. That is one big reason to exit.

 

[Kern Dog]

“ I've wondered if Tennessee might be to big of a culture change for you. You should try Texas and then that's it, you're done.”


We have not ruled out Texas.
The first thing that got us to look at Texas and Tennessee is the “NO state income tax”.
We looked at Texas properties online and thought that many looked dry, flat and barren. We both like green grass and trees.
I have wondered if the green would become “ordinary” after awhile. Maybe what I love about it is because at home, we only get it for a few months.
We will continue to check the listings.

 

[barbee6043]

It is up to the states to decide how to run their states. Some are run well and have surpluses, and others that are complete idiot disasters.
For instance, iF the Fed. will not enforce immigration laws, the State of Tx. should have the right and power to do so, as any law.
If it would to get bad enough, I would drag the wife screaming, by her hair to get out of her native home state!!!! It would be a favor for her.

 

[JoePole]

I just got back from a 7 day motorcycle trip with 4 of my buddies. We left upstate NY on Sunday via I81 and stayed overnight in Troutville Va. Monday we rode to Adbington Va and it was all backroads from there until the trip home. As soon as we got off 81 the beauty of the countryside was immediate. We eventually made our way to Maggie Valley NC which was our base for the week. Very scenic area with mountains. During our stay we rode in NC, SC and TN. Everywhere we went we met friendly people and great roads. No matter where you were you were acknowledged or greeted with a "hello" or "good morning". Food prices were cheap IMO. You could enjoy a home cooked meal for McD prices. The great thing about the south is that the pace of life is slower. People care about one another. People having actual conversations while eating. No cell phones (until tourists arrived on weekend). That is why we keep going back. Even most living at the poverty level take pride in their property. The wife and I have been looking for a few years and we pretty much have decided on the Smoky Mountain area of Tn, Ga, SC. Unfortunately we have to wait 5 more years until she can retire.
NY is out of control and will never recover. One guy I work with was just notified by his bank that his mortgage is going up $200 per month due to a deficit in his taxes. They went up 35% this year!!!!! In 5 years they went from $4500 per year to $8000 for a ranch home on 1/4 acre. A friend of mine has a well to do son who is a corporate lawyer. He just bought a house and the taxes are $35000/year. NOT a typo. But he knew that going in. Where does all of this money go??? It's a shame because it really is a beautiful state and has anything you possibly could want. The roads are the worst in the country. People are leaving in droves. I just hope they don't take their politics with them and destroy other areas of our great country. Sorry for the rant. Bottom line Kern is that from what I have experienced the southern states (outside of the cities) are a great place for like minded people like yourself.
Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina are tax friendly retirement states.

 

[Roger63]

I just got back from a 7 day motorcycle trip with 4 of my buddies. We left upstate NY on Sunday via I81 and stayed overnight in Troutville Va. Monday we rode to Adbington Va and it was all backroads from there until the trip home. As soon as we got off 81 the beauty of the countryside was immediate. We eventually made our way to Maggie Valley NC which was our base for the week. Very scenic area with mountains. During our stay we rode in NC, SC and TN. Everywhere we went we met friendly people and great roads. No matter where you were you were acknowledged or greeted with a "hello" or "good morning". Food prices were cheap IMO. You could enjoy a home cooked meal for McD prices. The great thing about the south is that the pace of life is slower. People care about one another. People having actual conversations while eating. No cell phones (until tourists arrived on weekend). That is why we keep going back. Even most living at the poverty level take pride in their property. The wife and I have been looking for a few years and we pretty much have decided on the Smoky Mountain area of Tn, Ga, SC. Unfortunately we have to wait 5 more years until she can retire.
NY is out of control and will never recover. One guy I work with was just notified by his bank that his mortgage is going up $200 per month due to a deficit in his taxes. They went up 35% this year!!!!! In 5 years they went from $4500 per year to $8000 for a ranch home on 1/4 acre. A friend of mine has a well to do son who is a corporate lawyer. He just bought a house and the taxes are $35000/year. NOT a typo. But he knew that going in. Where does all of this money go??? It's a shame because it really is a beautiful state and has anything you possibly could want. The roads are the worst in the country. People are leaving in droves. I just hope they don't take their politics with them and destroy other areas of our great country. Sorry for the rant. Bottom line Kern is that from what I have experienced the southern states (outside of the cities) are a great place for like minded people like yourself.
Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina are tax friendly retirement states.

$35000 a year??? Omg mine are only $1100 for 5 acres 2100 sq ft home and 30 x 40 shop and I live in a high property tax county. Our tax rate is 1.06%

 

[Hey-O]

My situation at home is not dire. It’s not as if my neighborhood is crime or drug infested. I do see the homeless camps getting closer and that sucks. Knowing that the Police are limited from enforcing “quality of life” crimes like homeless camps and vagrancy makes it quite apparent that the politicians WANT society to decay. It is disgusting.

That's a damn shame and truly unfair to drive out a family because of a decline in quality of life by others that affects everyone.

 

[66/440]

I just found this thread and have not read all the way through it so I may be restating some things that someone else has posted.
That said, I am a native Texan, have lived in multiple parts of the state, as well as Asia, Europe and Russia. I think that wherever you grew up/spent most of your time with family will always be home. I am always pleased to return to Texas. Notice I said "return" as the saying goes "you can return but you can never go back". I am not sure which parts of Texas you are looking at, I suspect it is the Austin area which is fast becoming the second Left Coast. It is disappointing as I had always planned to retire in that area, not now. If you look at a Texas map and keep your search to the east of Interstate 35 you will find the greenery you are looking for, I35 is built along a natural geological fault line and the soil, if you can call limestone soil begins here and runs west. This is the beginning of the Hill Country. You will NOT find SoCal/Bay area weather anywhere else in the country. You will find real estate that is reasonably priced, low tax rates when aggregated, No state income tax, friendly, independent attitudes and a fairly broad temp range from North to South. A state government that meets only every two years for approximately 120 days and law makers go home to their communities when the session is over.
With regard to towns there are some hidden gems with great services and amenities in fairly close proximities to major transportation hubs, important to me as we like to travel and want to be accessible to family and friends who would like to visit. Hope you find what you seek. I would say that if you don't want to leave California DON'T, if you do then check what Texans perceive as the Cali attitude at the state line when you depart. We try not to crap where we live and expect the same from others.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

I just found this thread and have not read all the way through it so I may be restating some things that someone else has posted.
That said, I am a native Texan, have lived in multiple parts of the state, as well as Asia, Europe and Russia. I think that wherever you grew up/spent most of your time with family will always be home. I am always pleased to return to Texas. Notice I said "return" as the saying goes "you can return but you can never go back". I am not sure which parts of Texas you are looking at, I suspect it is the Austin area which is fast becoming the second Left Coast. It is disappointing as I had always planned to retire in that area, not now. If you look at a Texas map and keep your search to the east of Interstate 35 you will find the greenery you are looking for, I35 is built along a natural geological fault line and the soil, if you can call limestone soil begins here and runs west. This is the beginning of the Hill Country. You will NOT find SoCal/Bay area weather anywhere else in the country. You will find real estate that is reasonably priced, low tax rates when aggregated, No state income tax, friendly, independent attitudes and a fairly broad temp range from North to South. A state government that meets only every two years for approximately 120 days and law makers go home to their communities when the session is over.
With regard to towns there are some hidden gems with great services and amenities in fairly close proximities to major transportation hubs, important to me as we like to travel and want to be accessible to family and friends who would like to visit. Hope you find what you seek. I would say that if you don't want to leave California DON'T, if you do then check what Texans perceive as the Cali attitude at the state line when you depart. We try not to crap where we live and expect the same from others.

Clearly you don't know Greg.... He may live in California but he's not a typical Californian.. And he won't be bringing Liberal views with him.. I doubt Austin would be on his list...

 

[66/440]

Clearly you don't know Greg.... He may live in California but he's not a typical Californian.. And he won't be bringing Liberal views with him.. I doubt Austin would be on his list...

Your right don't know anything about him. When I was young my Dad would always say, Hwy XX runs both ways. If you don't like it here the same road will take you back. Part of, I think, the prevailing attitude here.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Clearly you don't know Greg.... He may live in California but he's not a typical Californian.

You mean that he's actually human?

 

[1 Wild R/T]

You mean that he's actually human?

Hey, I didn't say that!!!! Don't put words in my post.... LOL...