I want to move

[Beantown]

I haven't started a thread on here in a bit, and with the recent outburst of "I need advice" type threads I wanted to join in the fad and see what kind of advice you guys can come up with.

For those of you that follow me on Twitter, you know about most of the stuff that's been going on in my life (some more than others). Broke up with the GF, can't get over it, can't get the confidence to move on, blah blah blah. This isn't a relationship advice thread, though, that's just the beginning of the background.

I'm quite discontent with my life and I think a lot of it has to do with where I am, physical-location wise. I don't like the people around me, I don't fit in well, I'm living back with my mom and her boyfriend and I don't like that, and I don't think I can take the next step of my life here.

In fact, I'm about 99.9% confident in saying that I need to move to continue my life. It's strange, I always thought I could stay in MA my entire life because there are things I do like...but right now, where I'm at in my life, I can't do anything here. I've worn out most of the bridges in my social life here and meeting new friends in this area is rough.

So, with all that said, I want to move. As those Twitter followers know, I've narrowed it down to North Carolina (probably the Charlotte area as my dad travels there a lot for work and there's a restaurant location there for the chain I work for that I could transfer to so I have a job to start) and the Portland/Seattle northwest area. I've enjoyed the time I've spent in NC and can see myself enjoying the climate down there, and then I've been told, personality-wise, I'd fit in quite well out in the Northwest.

The point of this thread, and my main questions are: how does one go about doing the research of places to live when both areas are far away and I can't just drive out and window-shop for a place to live? Does anyone who lives in those areas have any suggestions of places to start? I'm looking to make trips to both locations early this fall and would love it if any of my OSers in the area could hook me up with places to go, things to see, those kind of things.

Basically, I just need some help to get motivated to actually kick-start my *** to going through with this and you guys are generally good at that.

Yeah. That's it. Thanks.


(also, if anyone wants to let me crash at their place, I am a 24 year old male who, despite writing about serial killers, does not want to murder you in your sleep. I do have some stomach problems so I tend to poop two or three times a day so I might punish your toilet a bit but other than that I'm harmless.)

[ImTellinTim]

Re: I want to move

If you're heading to Seattle via US-2, you can crash on my couch. I just require at least a day's notice. And good beer.

[jeremym480]

Re: I want to move

I don't really have any advice, but I actually did something similar about 9 years ago.

When me and my ex separated I felt like I wanted to just get the hell up out of North Alabama. One of my best friends was living in Mobile, AL at the time and I had visited him for my birthday. I stayed for about 4 days and I like the area so on the day I was leaving I stopped at two car lot's and put in applications. A few days later one of them called me and wanted me to come in for an interview. I explained that I actually lived about 6 hours away, so I they did the interview over the phone and I got the job. I was in college at the time and my teachers let me take my finals a few days early. As soon as I finished, I took off and never looked back.

Nine years later, three states and a bunch of friends/adventures later - I'm married, making double what I would've made if I would have graduated college and couldn't be happier. My point is that sometimes when you make a move like that you just have to take a "giant leap of faith" and things have a way of working themselves out.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

[55]

Re: I want to move

Portland and Seattle are both great cities to live in and would be a much better permanent fit for a guy like you than North Carolina IMO. There are a hell of a lot more like-minded in that area, for sure.

Bonus: If you're really into serial killer stuff, the Pacific Northwest is the serial killer capital of the world.

Also, you can take I-90 all the way from Boston to Seattle... so you're still technically moving down the street!

[dingleberryfinn]

Re: I want to move

New York City.
[/endtroll]

[Redacted01]

Re: I want to move

The first state, Delaware!

[Marino]

North Carolina, come on and raise up. Take your shirt off and twist it round your head. Spin it like a helicopter.

[HealyMonster]

Re: I want to move

I would go online and look at various areas in these 2 locations. Once you iron out some decent homes/apartments that fit your budget and are attractive, I would reach out to a realtor in the area, and let him/her know the situation and schedule an appointment to see a bunch of spots when you go out to visit.

On top of that, Id look up some "local" areas that are popular and spend some time there, taking in the feelings you get around people who live there.

Might even be good to make some OS connections and let them show you around for a day or so.

I think once you really check out these places, your gut will make the decision for you.

[Marino]

Re: I want to move

Ill save you the time. North Carolina...preferably the Triangle.

[roadman]

Re: I want to move

Here you go.

Plug in the cities, find out cost of living, crime rates, climate and how it compares to other cities.

http://www.bestplaces.net/

[NDAlum]

Re: I want to move

I live in Charlotte and enjoy it. LOL @ the triangle man I hate that place. However to each their own. Some guys like fat women and they can do what they want!

[Husker_OS]

Re: I want to move

Love North Carolina so I'd vote for Charlotte.

When you're looking at moving though I'd suggest utilizing apartmentratings.com to see what the better apartments are in the area. Takes some of the guessing out of the situation.

[thaima1shu]

Re: I want to move

Seattle is terrible, it rains all the time and everyone is suicidal. Don't come here...

But really, it depends on what you're looking for. What exactly are you looking for in a city?

[Jr.]

Re: I want to move

I did this when I moved from Charlotte to Denver for graduate school. Had to find an apartment without the ability to actually look at any. I checked out Rent.com and Apartmentratings.com to look at places. Rent.com actually gives you a $100 Visa card if you sign a lease with a place that you find there. I recommend doing a shorter lease at the first place you live, just in case what you find out online isn't 100% true. That way you're not stuck somewhere that you don't like for an entire year, and you can physically look for places to move when your lease is up.

As for areas of Charlotte, it kinda depends on what you can afford. I would personally stay out of West and East Charlotte and look at the North and South areas or the outskirts of downtown. My fiancee could afford to live in the Dilworth area (downtown) and the Northlake area (North Charlotte, off of I-485) in a 1 bedroom apartment with a full-time job, so depending on what you will make at the restaurant and where it's located, those areas are good spots to check out.

[Chrisksaint]

Re: I want to move

North Carolina, come on and raise up. Take your shirt off and twist it round your head. Spin it like a helicopter.