Thinking about moving

dr.mel_PT

dr.mel_PT

Cathlete
I currently live in Westchester County, NY. I'm tired of the ridiculous real estate prices and taxes out the you-know-what. On top of that, I don't feel like the pay in this area compensates for the cost of living. Avg cost for a 1BR apt is about $1200/mo + utilities, and avg cost of a moderately sized home is $450K, and I'm low-balling here. I just can't understand how anyone can get ahead in this area!

I was researching areas and Philadelphia looks nice and reasonable compared to the avg pay rate. I went to Penn State main so I know a bunch of people from Philly. What are some decent areas to consider that are at most an hour commute to the city? Any Philadelphians out there?

Of course this is all an idea at this point; I'd need to find a job before I just up and move 2 hours away! I'm 29 & single so I don't have a family to uproot. I just want to live somewhere that I don't feel like I'm getting robbed for what I'm getting.
 
Melissa...move to Pasadena and be close to me!!! Oh, wait...you're looking for reasonable housing costs. ;)

But second best...I LOVE Philly!!! I will come visit you there! Do you know the philly cheesesteak places that are lifelong rivals and on opposite corners from each other (in Philly, of course)...Pat's and Geno's? Willoughby and I did a taste test when we were in Philly. I swear I have a photo of him at both. I'll attach to this thread later tonight.

I hope you move and love love love it. What a wonderful city!

:)Jonezie

PS...You better keep us posted, girlie...so we can live vicariously.

PSS...Before you go rethinking it, the best and bravest thing I ever did was get in my car and move 1100 miles away from all I knew and loved. I cried a lot of the way, but it was a life changing experience. You WON'T regret it!!!
 
Jonezie, we were contemplating heading off to Cali but the prices are comparable to here. Though the weather out there more than makes up for it!! I have lots of friends in the LA & San Diego areas. I still haven't been out there!

When we visit my Philly friends, they REFUSE to go to Geno's and we always go to Pat's. I never got the reasoning, it's always "just 'cause." I guess when we move I'm gonna have to do some taste testing...which could be bad ha!
 
Melissa, I don't know anything about Philly....just wanted to share that after 20 years in Los Angeles I picked up and moved to Tucson about a year and a half ago and it was the BEST decision I've ever made!! It was hard leaving my friends behind (and the familiar) but like you, I was tired of spending most of my income on my rent, utilities, etc. and dealing with the pollution, crazy people, and traffic to boot. Now I have an apartment that's bigger in a building with more amenities and I pay $260 a month LESS for it. :eek: I'm not saying you should move to Tucson or anything....just that if your gut is telling you it's time to move on then it probably is. :)
 
JanetP1507 said:
Melissa, I don't know anything about Philly....just wanted to share that after 20 years in Los Angeles I picked up and moved to Tucson about a year and a half ago and it was the BEST decision I've ever made!! It was hard leaving my friends behind (and the familiar) but like you, I was tired of spending most of my income on my rent, utilities, etc. and dealing with the pollution, crazy people, and traffic to boot. Now I have an apartment that's bigger in a building with more amenities and I pay $260 a month LESS for it. :eek: I'm not saying you should move to Tucson or anything....just that if your gut is telling you it's time to move on then it probably is. :)
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Amen, sister!!! It's so liberating!

:)Jonezie
 
meliffy18 said:
I currently live in Westchester County, NY. I'm tired of the ridiculous real estate prices and taxes out the you-know-what. On top of that, I don't feel like the pay in this area compensates for the cost of living. Avg cost for a 1BR apt is about $1200/mo + utilities, and avg cost of a moderately sized home is $450K, and I'm low-balling here. I just can't understand how anyone can get ahead in this area!

I was researching areas and Philadelphia looks nice and reasonable compared to the avg pay rate. I went to Penn State main so I know a bunch of people from Philly. What are some decent areas to consider that are at most an hour commute to the city? Any Philadelphians out there?

Of course this is all an idea at this point; I'd need to find a job before I just up and move 2 hours away! I'm 29 & single so I don't have a family to uproot. I just want to live somewhere that I don't feel like I'm getting robbed for what I'm getting.
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Westchester county was voted # 2 in most expensive taxes. DH & I moved from Long Island, NY to East Tennessee a few yrs ago. We are so happy about it, and love it. It is so inexpensive to live here, foods about the same, but the weather is nicer and it's beautiful. If you think of moving to this area, let me know and I'll give you more info. BTW, we looked into PA, Wva, and those kinds of areas, but I'm not getting any younger and we wanted better weather, with the seasons, just gentler. - Autumn
 
meliffy18 said:
Jonezie, we were contemplating heading off to Cali but the prices are comparable to here. Though the weather out there more than makes up for it!! I have lots of friends in the LA & San Diego areas. I still haven't been out there!

When we visit my Philly friends, they REFUSE to go to Geno's and we always go to Pat's. I never got the reasoning, it's always "just 'cause." I guess when we move I'm gonna have to do some taste testing...which could be bad ha!
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Melissa...please see photos below. Obviously, Willoughby votes Pat's. But his mom is Geno's all the way. You have to tell us when you get there and decide for yourself.

OMG...you're going to have so much fun!

:)Jonezie
 

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LOL aww that is too cute!!

Well I spoke to the boyfriend and the family over the weekend and they all agree this is a good decision. I will start job hunting when I get home tonight!! My Philly friends are also compiling a list for me for the best areas to live outside the city (I want to live in the suburbs and have the option of taking the train into the city if I want to go). They said being that I have a "New York work ethic" coupled with my undergrad degree from Penn State, I will be pretty marketable down there. Fingers crossed!!!!!
 
Melissa...fingers are definitely crossed! How fun! You are starting a new adventure!

We'll be waiting to here how it's going!

:)Jonezie
 
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