Hi all, I want to move out of the Midwest to a warmer climate. I'd like an area with good jobs, water, and nice beaches. Thoughts?

Where in Oregon? I am seriously considering relocating to Oregon from Washington.

I'm in the Portland metro area

I'm in the Portland metro area

Ahh I live in olympia wa. Thinking of going really south like Medford area.

I live in Tallahassee FL. I recommend Panama City Beach FL as a great place to live.

guess im bias to Louisiana... Even though it's Hot a mule nuts some times.... lol

So Guymontag, whats your fancy?

Reading through these posts is great. I too love NC but I have family there and the job situation there has always scared me a litte. I'm currently in radio but I'll probably be looking to do something different so I want to have a job rich environment where I go. I do plan on finding a job before I go there but having an area with good jobs in the first place in case something falls through seems like a good backup plan. I like the idea of Oregon but I'm worried I'd miss the sun. I like the weather and fun stuff to do in Texas as well as jobs but I've heard so-so things about the beaches. Florida beaches are great but I'd hate to move there only to have to panhandle on them because I can't find a good job!

I'm from the midwest (Iowa), but moved to Texas as soon as I could after college. Texas has lots of jobs (unless you are in education) and it is very pro business. No state income tax. The beaches aren't that great since they are on the Gulf of Mexico, but we have lots of nice lakes. The weather is awesome. What is your occupation?

Radio right now. I just earned a BS in business administration plus I'm quite handy at tech so I may try to switch careers.

Reading through these posts is great. I too love NC but I have family there and the job situation there has always scared me a litte. I'm currently in radio but I'll probably be looking to do something different so I want to have a job rich environment where I go. I do plan on finding a job before I go there but having an area with good jobs in the first place in case something falls through seems like a good backup plan. I like the idea of Oregon but I'm worried I'd miss the sun. I like the weather and fun stuff to do in Texas as well as jobs but I've heard so-so things about the beaches. Florida beaches are great but I'd hate to move there only to have to panhandle on them because I can't find a good job!

Ha! By process of elimination, sounds like I'll have a new neighbor soon....well, me and the other 24 million folks around here...

I live in Southern Orange County, about half-way between Los Angeles and San Diego and it's a perfect spot for me. However, to go to either of the "big cities" (not that SoCal isn't a continuous big city...with the exception of my little corner) takes about 1 1/2-2 hrs with even moderate traffic, so definitely sync your job and residence as much as possible if you're really thinking about moving here...

Neighborhoods can go from extremely posh to not-posh within a couple of blocks, so if you need any feedback, let me know and I'll be happy to help

Ha! By process of elimination, sounds like I'll have a new neighbor soon....well, me and the other 24 million folks around here...

I live in Southern Orange County, about half-way between Los Angeles and San Diego and it's a perfect spot for me. However, to go to either of the "big cities" (not that SoCal isn't a continuous big city...with the exception of my little corner) takes about 1 1/2-2 hrs with even moderate traffic, so definitely sync your job and residence as much as possible if you're really thinking about moving here...

Neighborhoods can go from extremely posh to not-posh within a couple of blocks, so if you need any feedback, let me know and I'll be happy to help

To hear tell from the rest of the country I'll have to sell my first born into slavery upon entering CA just to afford it though, right? Just kidding. I do hear the cost of living is very high in CA and that can be daunting to a simple Midwesterner! What are modest salaries that will get you by your state?

In the Midwest, 100k/year can keep you living VERY comfortably and a five bedroom three bathroom house can easily be had for $150k.

In the Midwest, 100k/year can keep you living VERY comfortably and a five bedroom three bathroom house can easily be had for $150k.

Sounds like Texas!

To hear tell from the rest of the country I'll have to sell my first born into slavery upon entering CA just to afford it though, right? Just kidding. I do hear the cost of living is very high in CA and that can be daunting to a simple Midwesterner! What are modest salaries that will get you by your state?

In the Midwest, 100k/year can keep you living VERY comfortably and a five bedroom three bathroom house can easily be had for $150k.

Actually, the firstborn market in CA is rather depressed, so I'm afraid that strategy won't get you far

It's true that the price tag can be a bit steep here, but there are no minimum salary requirements per se....remember, all the wealthy folk here have their cleaning ladies and gardeners etc. and they have to live somewhere, too!

The biggest shock for those coming from more sparsely populated areas of the country is the lack of any kind of land around our houses...in the suburbs around Los Angeles, we have miles and miles of track houses, each with a postage stamp sized back yard and a few inches on each side, which may command an asking price of 600k anyway. 150k gets you precisely nothing. Having said that, our economy is somehow accommodating all these high-end mortgage and rent payments so if you do get a job here, it might very well allow you to not become homeless....so my advice would be to scope out that part of the deal first.

For what it's worth, OR (more specifically Portland) would be my second choice off your list. I love the quirkiness of the place and it's tied for my favorite foodie town in the country (together with NOLA)...although that distinction might not be of much importance anymore However, most of the "water" there seems to be coming from above and my splendid SoCal tan always suffers if I stay in Portland for too long

Hi all, I want to move out of the Midwest to a warmer climate. I'd like an area with good jobs, water, and nice beaches. Thoughts?

Florida is Hot in the summer and awesome the rest of the year . Jobs everywhere

Not only does the weather matter but the job situation too. I grew up in the Midwest. I lived in Maryland for 44 years after that. But, you can get used to any kind of weather after a few months. I agree with the person who said find a job 1st. When I moved to Florida, I was retired, so did not go into the job search. There are a lot of jobs available here, depending on what you are looking for. I would choose, Florida, Texas or North Carolina when looking, but then a little prejudice in choosing the East Coast!! Best wishes!!!!Karen

I was just down in Fort Lauderdale and it seemed like there were jobs everywhere down there. Things are tight job wise here in Tallahassee

If I ever repatriated back to the USA, it would be to Boca Raton, FL (so beautiful and lush) or my homestate of California. Love those two places for the natural beauty and the friendly people.

If I ever repatriated back to the USA' date=' it would be to Boca Raton, FL (so beautiful and lush) or my homestate of California. Love those two places for the natural beauty and the friendly people.[/quote']

I love Boca! I graduated from Boca High, many,many years ago!