Anywhere that isn't Florida is a plus in my book. Culture wars aside, the dang heat and humidity would kill me immediately!

Thank you for responding and for your insight. The cost seems to be the biggest adjustment we'll need to make. The public schools here are...let's just say we have seen some stuff

Awesome! I added it to my list of places to look into. Thank you so much for taking the time and energy to respond and help :)

That's great to know. I appreciate the social and cultural insights. Midwest doesn't really discuss feelings either. We only discuss money to humble brag about some thing we got on super sale at a department store. "Thanks it was on CLEARANCE!"

This would absolutely happen where I live! and we'll hold the door open for ya when you're half a mile away and wait patiently for you to pass through even though it probably stresses you the F out

I appreciate your insight! Coming from Chicago and having lived in N Europe for a spell, I was used to keeping to myself, then had the huge NC culture shock of "we must interact with everyone always and they will offer their opinions and pity on every aspect of my life even in an elevator" I'm used to it now and it's fine and I'm probably one of them! But good to know there will be another cultural/social transition ahead. As a natural introvert, should be a comfortable change! I honestly love love love experiencing new places so hopefully this will be ok too

Gosh yes! Working in the school system you see so much "Oh hi Mary" and the second she is out of earshot "Did you SEE what SHE was WEARING???" I'd rather have someone just tell me that my shirt is ugly or better yet, not care at all.

MTG area - oh god I can't imagine. I'm in Greg Murphy-land who really has the same exact views but is slightly less of a fame-hog. Barf.

Did it take you awhile to adjust to the higher COL even when paired with higher pay? We're a little worried about the transition time as our dollar will not go as far but I already work 3 jobs so adding more work isn't an option at the moment

Better a vocal minority than a vocal majority! This was really helpful, thank you so much for taking the time to help us!

Thank you! I appreciate the welcoming message and taking the time to respond. This was really helpful and will add Pioneer Valley to my list to look into. Accessible healthcare in rural areas??? What is this sorcery you speak of

Thank you! After hearing all this feedback, im really excited about the future!

We had kinda rolled it around in our heads, but my SO really struggles to drive in traffic to the point where I think he would possibly have a really really bad wreck. I have friends in Durham and I love to visit though. It’s so refreshing to see people under the age of 50 out and about bc it’s retiree central here! We might keep and rent out our house near the beach as a retirement option!

I appreciate hearing the downsides. I think the weather sucks down here where most people love the eternal summer/spring. I find it disorienting and overly sweaty and moldy. The darkness will take some adjustment as it’s been ten years since I’ve lived somewhere with real winter

Thank you! We’re trying to keep it under $250,000 …even that makes my palms sweat. but also are very used to being underpaid in NC and income ratios are different everywhere. we know it’s gonna be tight moving to literally any other state we are looking at but it’s worth it

We are thinking west for more nature and lower cost of living. He’s a teacher. I’m a pediatric therapist. Both with major student loans. Budget would definitely be under $250,000 - even that makes me sweat a little. However we are both used to NC pay which is some of the lowest in the country for what we do. Recreation: hanging with the dogs, reading, board games…as I think about this it’s all very indoorsy. It’s so hot here (to me as a midwesterner) that I only really go outside 3 months a year. But I used to love hiking, kayaking, just walking around, ice skating, any rec sport, checking out local art and music.

I absolutely will! Thank you so much! This advice has been invaluable :)

That’s great to know there might hope for housing! We are not looking at big cities. Partner is a small town person plus I couldn’t imagine not gardening or playing with dogs outside so some space, even a little bit, is important! Good to know it might be possible - thank you!

That’s great to know! We would love to be fairly rural, small town or on the far outskirts of a more populated area because we’re pretty laid back, quiet folks but also have the pipe dream of also being able to meet some like-minded ppl. I have no problems with people having different views than my own (well, I try) but hooooo boy when you’re so intensely surrounded by people and institutions that have almost opposite values and shout them loudly, it’s just hard to make friends and engage in community. Truly amazing that that’s possible in your state!

That’s really important to know…especially in the teaching salary. Thank you!

That’s good to know! My sister lived in VT for some years so I had heard of Massholes but didn’t know if that was a real thing or hyperbole haha

January 6 supporters, my apologies, I should have written that more clearly!