But we need your help. He and I both were raised Californians. We're annoying kind that bragged out how great our state was and cried when we saw Golden Dreams in Disneyland. We still really love it here, and it's definitely on the list of possibilities, but the current state of affairs here is pretty dismal, both in terms of education, politics and the future of DH's profession. And to thinking about laying down roots in a place that is practically bankrupt ... scaaarry.
As a result, we're entertaining ideas of other places, some of which we've never even been to. Help us please! If you've lived/visited/knew someone who lived/visited/or even have an opinion about any of these places, tell us! This is my life we're talking about ... don't fail me now.
General expectations: Looking for a family friendly place, aka where the moms are as mean as I am and actually care about their kids wondering the streets and eating dinner as a family; ample friends for the chillins; good schools; nothing too extreme in terms of weather; affordable living.
Places we're exploring:
Medford, OR
Pros: good distance family, decent weather, good schools. Cons: we know nothing about OR other than people like it there.
Bend, OR
Pros: beautiful, it seems everyone wants to move there. Cons: is it too Blouderish? Touristy, hippie, weird?
General WA areas
Pros: beautiful areas, good schools, no income tax. Cons: weather?? far from family.
Boise, ID and other cities in area
Pros: good distance from family, affordable, good weather, schools, family friendly. Cons: I've only driven through once and it seemed desolate.
Salt Lake City/Alpine, UT
Pros: we know we like Utah weather, family atmosphere, etc., love the access to Universities there. Cons: Um, can I say, cultural monotony without offending anyone? Because we are worried about our kids growing up with a singular view of the world ... is that a problem living there long term?
Where would you live if you could chose anywhere in the West? Why do you like where you're living? Any tips for our search??
15 comments:
Of course Utah is my number one choice, but that's because I have family there. Boise Idaho is AWESOME! I LOVE Idaho. I truly think it's the hidden gem in the west. Boise is a big enough city but still a town feel. People love it there. I have not spent much time there, but it's pretty cool. Oregon rains too much and same with Washington. Although people LOVE Bend. Sounds like you have great options though. I think you could be very happy with any of the places. The economy in Seattle I heard is pretty good, but it rains a lot. It is beautiful though.
B-O-I-S-E!!!!! Boise, Oh boy-Boise, and can I say, um, BOOIIIISE?! I'd move to Idaho in a heartbeat. Hey...we'd visit you anywhere (that's good, right?).
You know that I'm rooting for LA- though highly unlikely. And you also know that I love love love where we are...keep exploring that option.
I think I gave you my two cents about OR- having just spent some quality time there (and every year for that matter)- it's a different land up there. Medford is growing a lot and has a good feel to it. But it's very different from CA- and not necessarily in the right ways. Toria would disagree I'm sure and I haven't actually lived there. It wouldn't be my first choice.
Bend has a reputation of being beautiful but all of OR has a reputation for being liberal and I wouldn't want to raise my kids there either.
As for ID- Jess is going crazy there (right Jess?)...granted she's in Rexburg- which is possibly on another planet. Not sure.
Utah- I agree with you...I wouldn't want to live there because of the same reason you don't. 100%.
See my point- LA it is. Clearly you have made my love of So Cal even more obvious. Thank you for helping me feel lucky to love where I live.
P.s. hope I don't offend anyone by my comment- just my opinion.
Where to start ... They are ALL great choices!
Having barely survived a year in what I've deemed the worst part of California (Palm Springs ... UGH!), I can't tell you how amazing it has been to move back home to Utah! I LOVE IT! I honestly have a renewed love for this place. And ... I am once again a homeowner!!! I was paying nearly as much in rent for a 1 bedroom crappy apartment as I am for my mortgage on a 4/bd home!
That said ... I have ALWAYS wanted to live in the Northwest, particularly Seattle. After spending 3 weeks there in December, however, and actually looking at housing prices ... well, it's pretty bad! But I still am enamored with the lush green and I even like the misty rain! One day...
Haven't been to Bend or Medford, but have also heard rave reviews. As for Boise ... it's pretty good too, but a bit too rural for me.
Good luck on your decision making! I'm sure no matter where you land you will be happy!
Wow. I don't know if this is going to help you much, Jules. Everyone is going to have a different opinion.
Dave just got back from visiting his family and, I'll quote what he said when he got back: "We're moving there someday" (and you know how much he LOVES California). The weather is fabulous (I don't mind the rain, and I don't think you do), it's beautiful, and all my friends that grew up there absolutely loved their experience. (Though, I will say, I knew some people from Bend and they were a little strange. I'd shoot for Portland area––I had a friend from Clackamas/Happy Valley--and that really is the name.) So, if we do end up there, you really wouldn't be that far from ALL family. :)
Vacationed in Oregon several years back. Pros: no sales tax, someone pumps gas for you, gorgeous area. Cons: seemed like EVERYONE smoked there. May be that way in Washington too, not sure.
I don't know anything about Boise, but I'm right with you on the hesitation with raising your family in Zion country, but I also hate the weather there, so that's a twofer for me. Good luck hunting!
Utah. I'm here. Grandparents are here. Enough said. Did I mention to Steve that the MoTab is also here? That we are 1 of 4 families on my whole street that are LDS? I know that is not always the case here, but is there really something wrong with having most of your children's friends growing up with the same values? Of course I miss Denver, but we do like it here!! (Who is this other tami?!)
Thanks for all your tips. I will keep you posted on the progress :)
I tried to comment yesterday and my computer wouldn't cooperate. I love CA and it can't stay bankrupt forever, right? I have heard great things about OR and WA. After living on the East Coast away from family, but in a great place with young families and lots of members of the church, I learned you will be happy if you choose to be. I chose to be happy there and made great friends and loved living by our nations capitol. Every place you live has something fun, cool, historic etc. You will be happy cause your family will be there! My advice is pray, pray, pray about it. Make the decision and GO FOR IT! (Oh and don't leave this area.) Ha ha.
Well . . . I am sure glad you are doing all the research right ahead of us. Our list includes good old Sacto, Medford and Boise. I think it will be one of the three. So let me know everything you find out:) and maybe we will be neighbors again one day.
See you in a couple of weeks!
Okay, so can I put my 2 cents in and say that Dallas is an awesome place to raise a family?! The weather may be a bit extreme in the summer, but the other 9 months of the year are perfect. Mild winters, and great fall and spring-it reminds me of CA weather.
And, the greatest part... The cost of living is unbelievably great! All the money you save on buying your super cheap home you can use to fly back to family whenever you feel the need! Also, no state income tax (:
1- I'M FROM BOISE! And I love it & would move back in 2 seconds. It's dreary to drive-by on the highway...but remember, the highway always showcases the dreariest of any city; who puts the pretty stuff by the highway??? MOVE TO EAGLE, which is the town adjacent to Boise. There is a large enough LDS population to provide you & your kids with a social scene, but a large, large population of non-lds people. YOU WILL LOVE IT THERE. It's the best-kept secret of the western states. Shhhh.
2-I currently live in Cedar Hills, which is right next to Alpine. Cultural monotony aside, we love it here. (but I'd move back to Boise in a heartbeat; wanna be neighbors???)
Email me!
Just read Mique's comment. Rexburg is a far cry from Boise; Boise isn't rural! My husband grew up in the Bay Area of CA & loves Boise.
Can you tell I'm biased? ;)
excuse me ... where was the sacramento area on that list? was it taken off? or is that just a granted? because that's what i'm rooting for. i said it on dh's post and i'll say it on yours. you wouldn't want to leave jane with 0 cousins would you? (guilt, my speciality.) and kate! (if you read this) i am shocked. SHOCKED. i was banking on a ca return from you and dave. you people and your crazy non-ca schemes.
holy comments! ok, I only have two things to say. one: SLC (and even provo) probably aren't as bad as everyone thinks. there's some real cool cultural stuff going on and there will always be people who feel the way you do. however, and I don't really know for sure so this is speculation, you will probably not be in the majority. two: I bet you could be totally happy in any of those places, but family is a huge factor, and should carry a bit more weight than the others. just my two cents.
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