Looking for a change of scenery and hoping to keep the change of seasons...(TOP TEN NEEDS)
I have lived in Syracuse, NY all of my life with a stint in Jamaica Plains, MA. I am 31 and my fiancé and I are looking for a new place to live that still has changing seasons, but less harsh winters. I do love a good city (Boston, San Francisco) but would rather live in driving distance just outside of one (maybe no more than 20-30 minutes.) Basically I love the city and the country and want somewhere in between. My top ten needs (in no particular order) are:
1- Weather… If I could have fall all year, that would be perfect! I am getting increasingly sick of Syracuse winters, but I hate humidity. I love to garden and would love a place that I could enjoy doing so more throughout the year.
2- Water… I prefer to appreciate a lake or ocean from the shore, but I love to fish. We really don’t want to stay in a place that’s land-locked. We wouldn’t mind having to drive a couple of hours to see some water or waves either
3- Hiking- I’m a big fan of National and State Parks and would love to live somewhere that we could enjoy them without having to travel too far
4- Live Music- I have a wide range of taste in music, although country probably ranks last. I love to be outdoors enjoying a show.
5- Local Events- Like a farmer’s market or international festivals are some of my favorite ways to pass the time.
6- International Grocers/Restaurants- I also have a wide range in taste when it comes to food. I love cooking new things and like to have those items (Thai, French, Asian, Italian, Greek, Indian, etc.) available for purchase so I can whip something up at home. Same goes for restaurants… Love to try new ones any chance I can get.
7- Peers- We’re both 31 and not sure if we want children- very certain we want two dogs at least! Not as big of fans of nightlife as we used to be but we still enjoy going out with friends from time to time.
8- Affordable housing- right now we rent a pretty big 3 bedroom in a decent area for only 600+. This is a steal, we are aware- but we don’t want to spend more on living in a place and not be able to go anywhere or do anything fun. We would eventually like to buy our own house, of course.
9- Public Transportation- I own a car but wouldn’t mind NOT owning one. Walking, biking, busing or taking a train to work would be lovely!
10- Education/Career- I am in the field of accounting and plan on taking classes online to continue my education. He is a baker.
Looking forward to hearing some ideas!
1- Weather… If I could have fall all year, that would be perfect! I am getting increasingly sick of Syracuse winters, but I hate humidity. I love to garden and would love a place that I could enjoy doing so more throughout the year.
2- Water… I prefer to appreciate a lake or ocean from the shore, but I love to fish. We really don’t want to stay in a place that’s land-locked. We wouldn’t mind having to drive a couple of hours to see some water or waves either
3- Hiking- I’m a big fan of National and State Parks and would love to live somewhere that we could enjoy them without having to travel too far
4- Live Music- I have a wide range of taste in music, although country probably ranks last. I love to be outdoors enjoying a show.
5- Local Events- Like a farmer’s market or international festivals are some of my favorite ways to pass the time.
6- International Grocers/Restaurants- I also have a wide range in taste when it comes to food. I love cooking new things and like to have those items (Thai, French, Asian, Italian, Greek, Indian, etc.) available for purchase so I can whip something up at home. Same goes for restaurants… Love to try new ones any chance I can get.
7- Peers- We’re both 31 and not sure if we want children- very certain we want two dogs at least! Not as big of fans of nightlife as we used to be but we still enjoy going out with friends from time to time.
8- Affordable housing- right now we rent a pretty big 3 bedroom in a decent area for only 600+. This is a steal, we are aware- but we don’t want to spend more on living in a place and not be able to go anywhere or do anything fun. We would eventually like to buy our own house, of course.
9- Public Transportation- I own a car but wouldn’t mind NOT owning one. Walking, biking, busing or taking a train to work would be lovely!
10- Education/Career- I am in the field of accounting and plan on taking classes online to continue my education. He is a baker.
Looking forward to hearing some ideas!
Total Comments 3
Comments
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Posted 05-13-2009 at 06:14 PM by 2goldens
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You might want to consider the Seattle area. There are 4 seasons, but for the most part they are mild. We usually have snow about 3-4 times a year in the amount of 3-5 inches, but this year, it was less days and a huge amount of snow in the amount of 24" over the christmas holidays. The myth that all it does is rain here, is just that a myth. The rain is more like a mist or drizzle. Any self respecting Seattleite never carries and umbrella.
Everyone in this area hunts for deer, fishes for salmon, dungeness crabs, and goes to the beach for clams. Also, most of the lakes are stocked with trout. There are very strict laws about licenses and fishing limits, but you can still get enought for the freezer.
This is a very artistic area. There are lots of professional artists and it is common for certain communities to have tours. I live about 30 miles north of Seattle. The original downtown areas are made up of 100 year old buildings, but along the freeway are malls, Casinos, hotels, and ampitheatres. There is all the entertainment you could want.
People here have picnics and enjoy music in the park in the local downtown area. In the summertime there are all kinds of festivals and fairs for people to enjoy on the weekends.
I am also an accountant, and If you don't have a degree, getting a job is not that great, but there is loads of temp work than can get you in the door. I have a lot of years experience, but my wage rate is in the neighborhood of 35-50,000 with the higher end being at the managerial limit. If you do have a degree, a staff accountant starts at 40K a cost accountant starts at about 45K and a financial analysist is in the neighborhood of 60K.
Seattle is a foodie town. If your husband is a baker he can get a job easily. However, I would recommend starting your own business in an area where there are a lot of restuarants. We don't have a decent bakery in this area and I know it would be successful.
Rents are not cheap here. A decent apartment in my area would run you 900-1200 per month. That would get you a 2 bdrm townhouse with a garage and a private backyard. You can rent a house for 1000-1400 for a 3 bdrm. Most houses are on fairly large lots so there is usually a lot of yard work necessary. Look up these areas on the web for jobs, and apartments. Everett, Lakewood, Edmonds.Posted 05-14-2009 at 03:09 AM by yukiko11 
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Thank you! I have been to Seattle, actually. Flew out there and then drove back to NY. I loved the place! I will definitely look into it. We're less concerned about having a 3 bedroom- that was just my way of explaining what we're used to paying at the moment. I just thought winters were bad there too- but I REALLY enjoyed my stay there!Posted 05-14-2009 at 07:49 AM by fawnie78
