[11BB4]

Currently I live in North West VA. Very pretty here, but between the cruddy people and the (complete lack of things to do) I/ we hate it here. We have a little girl that's just over a year old, when she gets older (there is nothing for kids to do here except VAPE, drink and get in trouble). I know because I grew up here partially when I was young, and nothing has changed.

So we are looking at a few places, these include (Dallas FW/ Austin Texas, Charlotte/ Raleigh North Carolina, or Tampa or Melbourne Florida).

What are we looking for:

1. Gun Friendly (I refuse to rely on the Police to protect me)
2. Veteran Friendly (I've heard that Texas and NC are among the most veteran friendly states)
3. Semi Decent Colleges and Universities (I will be continuing my Engineering Degree, so that's important)
4. Good Schools for Children and Teenagers
5. Semi Cheap Housing/ Not looking to spend 200k on a teeny tiny house
6. This may sound weird but some place with a (Russian Community) not like little Odessa or Brighten Beach in NY, but an area that has a decent population of Russians or even Greeks (Orthodox Churches etc).

Each of the states were looking into, we have watched videos on and they all seem great. They have: Shooting, Hunting, Strong Veterans Support Groups, Lakes, Parasailing, Sky Diving, Scuba Diving, Trails, Parks, Zoo's, you name it.

Have any of you ever lived in any of these places? If so how did you like it? What were the pro's and cons? Are there some places that maybe we should look into?

I really appreciate it, thank you

[MrJones17]

I've lived in all of these states. More specifically, I've lived in Austin, Sarasota, and currently live in Raleigh.

1. All of these places are gun friendly.
2. Not sure about veteran friendliness.
3. Best colleges and universities are going to be in the Raleigh area. That's what this area is known for.
4. I don't have children, but if I did, I'd want to raise them in Raleigh.
5. $200K doesn't get you anything in Austin. It can get a fairly decent place outside of Raleigh and are open to townhouses/condos. Tampa will have some decent housing for $200K.
6. I hear Miami has a lot of Russians. Not really sure if Raleigh or Austin have large concentrations of them.

Keep in mind, Austin is not a coastal city, Raleigh is 2 hours from the coast, and most cities in FL will be an easy drive to some of the best beaches in the country.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by 11BB4

Currently I live in North West VA. Very pretty here, but between the cruddy people and the (complete lack of things to do) I/ we hate it here. We have a little girl that's just over a year old, when she gets older (there is nothing for kids to do here except VAPE, drink and get in trouble). I know because I grew up here partially when I was young, and nothing has changed.

So we are looking at a few places, these include (Dallas FW/ Austin Texas, Charlotte/ Raleigh North Carolina, or Tampa or Melbourne Florida).

What are we looking for:

1. Gun Friendly (I refuse to rely on the Police to protect me)
2. Veteran Friendly (I've heard that Texas and NC are among the most veteran friendly states)
3. Semi Decent Colleges and Universities (I will be continuing my Engineering Degree, so that's important)
4. Good Schools for Children and Teenagers
5. Semi Cheap Housing/ Not looking to spend 200k on a teeny tiny house
6. This may sound weird but some place with a (Russian Community) not like little Odessa or Brighten Beach in NY, but an area that has a decent population of Russians or even Greeks (Orthodox Churches etc).

Each of the states were looking into, we have watched videos on and they all seem great. They have: Shooting, Hunting, Strong Veterans Support Groups, Lakes, Parasailing, Sky Diving, Scuba Diving, Trails, Parks, Zoo's, you name it.

Have any of you ever lived in any of these places? If so how did you like it? What were the pro's and cons? Are there some places that maybe we should look into?

I really appreciate it, thank you

I have lived in TX and NC (Outer banks) and am moving to FL. I would look at FL as it has what you are looking for, just have to narrow down other things of interest in the State. I picked the Central East Coast after several years of visiting and searching. I do NOT like crowding.

[lluvia]

#5 200K - Spend it on some land and a trailer and live semi off the grid and away from restrictive HOAs so you can shoot your guns.

[RedneckRebel]

Cassadaga fits what you are looking for. All of northeast of orlando has a high presence of russians. Go a little farther ouy, like cassadaga, you get a little more rural, qnd can have fun with you guns. Plus ucf is a quick shot down I4

[11BB4]

I appreciate it. I plan on looking into it. I love doing the Long Distance Precision Shooting thing, and love the beach. Seems to be a tall order these days lol.

Some others have PM'd me and I've heard that the Melbourne Beach area is good as well. Quiet, good schools not too far. The Russian community is not an absolute MUST, but definitely a plus (mostly for the Orthodox Churches).

I heard that Texas has the jobs, but that Florida does not have too many. Not sure. Anyways, thanks for the comments and input thus far everyone. Continued input is sincerely appreciated, thanks again.

[TD*]

Tallahassee

[C24L]

you aint gona find cheap houses in Austin.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by 11BB4

I heard that Texas has the jobs, but that Florida does not have too many. Not sure. Anyways, thanks for the comments and input thus far everyone. Continued input is sincerely appreciated, thanks again.

What kind of jobs???

[Fredesch]

If pursuing an engineering degree, Austin has UT and NC has research triangle. You should also think about wether your course credits will transfer and if you move you will loose in state tuition.

Consider staying put until you graduate.