Moving Because of Standard of Living?

by MoneyNing

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 }

Emily September 28, 2007 at 10:58 am

So MoneyNing, are you ready to move? You will difinetely miss the weather here (not today though)!

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Ann September 29, 2007 at 1:05 pm

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?

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MoneyNing September 29, 2007 at 5:35 pm

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.

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JW Thornhill September 30, 2007 at 11:22 am

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.

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Emily October 2, 2007 at 5:54 pm

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?

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MoneyNing October 2, 2007 at 6:47 pm

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.

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marci July 3, 2008 at 12:21 pm

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!

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marci July 3, 2008 at 12:22 pm

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.

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MoneyNing July 3, 2008 at 12:45 pm

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! :)

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