My husband and I got married almost three years ago. We currently own a condo in South Jersey, however, our salary vs. what we pay in mortgage and all expenses leaves us almost with no money to save for our biggest dream, which is having a baby. I need advise on some good cities we could move where we could pay low mortgage, and having a good paying job. I have been in North Carolina, and although it is one of my best choices for now, I know that the cost of living is low, but salaries are low as well. I want a place that will allow me to save money (because I would like to stay at home with my baby), and with good education and safe environment. I know it seems like what everybody would want to have, but I really need to move out of Jersey, it's killing all my dreams!!! Thanks for all the help you could provide.
Sincerely, Looking beyond Jersey
Dear Looking,
Thank you for your note!
The "best" states for relocation are Florida, California, Texas, Georgia and North Carolina, measured on the basis of where people are moving and also taking into account where they are moving from.
However, some of the most popular states for relocation have so many people competing for jobs (people in the state already, plus people outside the state looking at online job ads), that salaries are kept artificially low by the pressure of competition. I would like to suggest a few specific metropolitan areas for your consideration where factors such as housing, jobs and lifestyles offer a good fit for you over the next 10 years or so.
I would like to suggest that you look at the fast-growing communities in the southwest. In these cases, there are an abundance of good jobs, and plenty of land stretching out into the desert to provide affordable homes. Further, as newly constructed and expanding communities, they have better infrastructure, and generally are better areas for young families. Many like-minded couples are moving into the same neighborhoods which leads to more choices among day-care centers, schools, churches and family services.
My primary recommendations are:
Las Vegas, NV
Reno/Carson Valley, NV
Phoenix, AZ
Of the three, my personal favorite is Reno but the Las Vegas economy is simply on fire and should be looked at carefully by anyone contemplating a relocation for a better life.
Las Vegas
Although Las Vegas has a national reputation based around the gaming industry, the city is exploding with opportunities for jobs and affordable housing. The summer days can be quite hot, but even in the summers the evenings cool in the dry desert air. The areas to the southwest of the city (Henderson and south) and in particular to the west (e.g. Summerlin) have zero lot-line town homes and houses at prices that will surprise and delight you. Plus, the city has a great proximity to recreation at Lake Mead, and has many affordable flights in and out of McCarran Airport. The gaming industry pumps a lot of money into the city and the newer areas have excellent infrastructure.
My suggestion for real estate assistance in Las Vegas is:
John Vanhara
MillionSaver.com
Office (702) 212-3513
info@millionsaver.com
http://www.millionsaver.com
Reno/Carson City
Reno is far less known than Las Vegas, but combines a little of Vegas "energy" with more of a "small city" feel, and has excellent proximity to Lake Tahoe's skiing, water sports and scenic wonders (about 40 miles up the hill). The city, like Las Vegas, is expanding rapidly, and the best values tend to be towards the east (in the direction of Sparks), and especially to the south in the direction of Carson City. Carson City is the nation's smallest capital city and is quite charming, and the land between Reno and Carson City (Carson Valley) is exploding with affordable developments in towns like Genoa. Like Vegas, there seems to be an endless supply of new jobs and a surprising variety of employers.
My recommendations for real estate/relocation assistance in Carson City and Reno are:
Skip Benton
Century 21 Mountain Properties
18603 Wedge Parkway, Suite F
Reno, NV 89511
775-853-7408
http://www.skipbenton.com
I have exchanged links with both for a while; Jeni in particular seems to have a good service for inbound relocation.
Phoenix
Phoenix (as well as Tucson to the south, which is higher in the mountains and typically a little cooler), combines a thriving economy with a booming real estate industry — my conversations with home builders in the area are around their complaints that they can't build homes fast enough, or find enough good contracting help. The area I suggest you look at is to the south of the city, in Pinal County, as growth over the next ten years is expected to go in this direction, and values are sure to rise in the long-term. Retirement communities are in the northwest direction towards Sun City along US 60. There are many excellent communities close to Phoenix and neighboring Mesa and Scottsdale but the houses are getting older and more expensive the closer to the city you go.
My recommendation for real estate assistance in Phoenix is:
Bob Hakes
Bob Hakes Real Estate
(480) 984-7384
bob@bobhakes.com
http://www.bobhakesrealestate.com/index2.htm
Bob has good information on the "Southern Valley" as well as having an excellent free relocation package.
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There are many other great communities worth a mention such as Austin TX, Flagstaff AZ, Pensacola FL, Jacksonville FL, Hilton Head/Beaufort SC, North Charleston SC and Asheville/Hendersonville NC to name a few. But these three I think represent the "best of the best" given your situation. I did not see exactly what you and your husband do for a living in Southern Jersey, so have assumed that your skills are transferrable. A line of work to consider out west is the real estate industry itself, where good sales associates are in strong demand at the moment.
Good luck with your search, and write and let me know some time the decision you made, or if you have any more questions I can be of assistance with.
