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I’m in Tullahoma, TN right now and houses are HUGE here! $350k can buy a 4410 square feet house compared with $700k for a 1200 square feet condo in Southern California. This makes me wonder why I even stay in California and worry about my future housing cost when I can pay 20% of the cost by living somewhere else.
If I were to move to Tullahoma, I would need to:
- get a new job
- learn new pasttimes because there isn’t much to do here
- learn a completely new enviornment because everyone is much more relaxed here than in California
- look for a new place (i would probably buy a house after I move here)
- have tons more time to write to you since I won’t be doing much else other than work
- save a lot of money
So basically, I will be saving a lot of money but will be giving up everyone and everything I know. At this point, it is quite tempting but I think I will pass because I love urban life. As a matter of fact, even California is a little too slow for me as I was born in Hong Kong.
Maybe I should start to put “refusal to move to another city with a lower standard of living” as my main expense since I spend so much more in California!
I know there must be some of you who moved because of standard of living so what made you move? Did you regret it and did you move back?
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
So MoneyNing, are you ready to move? You will difinetely miss the weather here (not today though)!
You know, I bet there is more to do there than meets the eye. A casual visit might not reveal much, but a deeper, closer look could reveal loads of things in the area you could do or become involved in. I guess because I live in a more laid-back area of the country, I’m a bit prejudiced.
In fact, I’ll move further away from the busy life as soon as I can! But that’s just the fabric I’m made from, y’know?
Emily: no, I’m not ready to move yet but do you also live in California?
Ann: Good to hear some opnions from a different perspective. I’ve sometimes felt the urge to move but it’s mainly just that, an urge. So far, i’m still doing pretty good in CA but I’m sure that as I grow older, so will my desire to be away from the busy life.
My wife and I were thinking about doing the same thing, due to the terrible economy here in Michigan. And, the recent announcement to raise the State Taxes.
Yes, I also live in California! I always think of moving to some other states but just can’t figure what should I do there! Any ideas?
JW Thornhill: Good luck to your decision!
Emily: Great to know that you are close
Let me know if you move to another state since I’m sure your circumstances are very similar to mine and can help me make my decision also.
Moved from rural coastal Oregon to suburbs of Portland. Stayed 6 years. Was ready to move back here for 3 years but it took that long to find a job with health insurance here.
I dropped income by a quarter at least.
But…I am so much happier here and enjoy the laid back small town aura - where everyone knows everyone etc. It’s easier going, less stress, time for happiness, enjoying family/grandkids, and gardening. Plus all the outdoor activities, fishing, boating, clamming, hunting, walks in the woods and on the beach.
Bought a small 460 sq ft house, remodeled and added on - now 1036 sq ft, with a garden approaching that size
As I remodeled I made it handicapped accessible - as my plan is to stay in it til I die. Nice to know I am (hopefully) settled for life, and very very content in small town (4000) life 
I know small town life would drive some people crazy - but big city life was way too stressful for me! Good luck with your decisions!
for JW - Oregon has NO sales tax - so far.
However, they ding you for income tax and property tax and all kind of fees instead.
marci: Great story and thank you so much for sharing. I wish I can let go of the city life and just go to a small town and enjoy my life too one day!