Shopping for a New State

Part of our “Year of Change” (or YOC, as I’m calling it) is moving. To a new State.  I have wanderlust. I want to pack a suitcase, jump in the car and just drive. 

Buttttt since I live in the real world, I am dating states like I’m hosting The Bachelorette.This is a big deal to me because I have lived in the same place for the last 21 years and really feel this is a great opportunity for us to make our own start in a new place; time to leave the nest and familiarity. It’s an exciting, yet terrifying, prospect. 

So how do the unadventurous, borderline-OCD, types make life changing decisions? With research, comparison, and pop-culture references of course.   

I should start by telling you that contestants will be graded mainly on job outlook and climate. We are both just starting out in are careers so moving some place where jobs can be obtained is a must (duh, right?) Climate is important because we are kind of picky. I lean towards cooler climates while my husband would prefer somewhere with definitive seasons. I have done a ton of research, but here are the highlights and “fun facts” as I see them.

Who’s invited to the mansion?

Alaska

Photo borrowed from Wikipedia

Population:  710,231, Median age: 32.4 years old

·          Climate: We would prefer to live in the panhandle which is the warmest part of Alaska. Juneau averages over 50 inches of rain per year, while other areas receive over 275 inches (Seattle gets about 37 for comparison). This is the only part of Alaska where the mercury averages above freezing in the winter.

·         Job Outlook: Median income $66,953; good job opportunities for both A (my darling husband) and I. Also lots of student loan forgiveness opportunities for me if we are willing to live in a rural or depressed area (the jury is still out on the topic). 

·         Pros: We love nature, Alaska is obviously beautiful, and we don’t mind the cool climate. We would love exploring the landscape and love outdoor activities.

Cons: The landscape and weather can make it difficult to get around at times. “A quick trip to the grocery store” isn’t always an option when we run out of Haagen-Dazs. The biggest con is that living in remote or more rural area may mean you are stretched thin in your job.

Connecticut

Photo borrowed from Wikipedia

·         Population: 3,574,097, Median age: 37.4 years old

·         Climate: A grew up in CT and he always brags about it having “real seasons.”  In Washington seasons tend to blend together with soggy leaves in the fall that get covered with slush in the winter and then people throw on their shorts when the temperature hits about 50. In CT the only thing that really sticks out to me is that “during hurricane season, tropical cyclones occasionally affect the region” (thank you Wikipedia). That would be a whole new animal.

·         Job Outlook: Median income $67,034; job outlook for both of us is pretty good.

·         Pros: A grew up in CT and has a lot of fond memories. I love how close it is to other fun places (NY, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and A has family in NJ) for weekend trips.

·         Cons: My husband has lived there before which may defeat the purpose?

      We are single and ready to mingle (with other states). Do you live in one of these states? We would love to get your two cents on what makes your location good or bad. Don’t see your state represented and want to give me the “what for?" Please do. 

-M