I have traveled the midwest all summer and heading into fall.. originally from Texas and what blows my mind is the midwest as a whole is extremely underrated in affordability and quality of life

These states are the ones I would live in or plant roots in as the title says

Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan are quite nice as well but since I lean more conservative as I age I much prefer more business friendly states which mean more opportunities for the middle class.. since Texas is where I come from.. no disrespect against those states but im more of a country/rural person and those states listed fit my vibe

Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas.. no opinion just haven't visited yet probably very rural though which I'm anticipating

I recently discovered that there are a lot of houses under $200k in Tampa and Saint Petersburg. I previously believed that this was a very expensive area like Miami, but it seems that I was mistaken.

I currently live in Indiana and I want to leave. The winters are too cold and dark. I know Florida is humid, but so is Indiana and I've never been bothered by it in the summer. I also know Florida experiences hurricanes. I don't care. I just want to enjoy the sunshine and warmth year-round.

However other than the humidity and the hurricanes I know there must be downsides. I lean liberal but I would still live in a red state to not have to be depressed all winter long. My biggest concern is the pay. I'm planning to go to trade school next year and I've heard Miami pays their trades workers terribly but I'm not sure if it's like that in the Tampa area too.

I’m curious to hear from people who have relocated to a new city or state within the last year or two, especially those who moved for work or a new career opportunity.
Whether you moved to Dallas/DFW or somewhere completely different, I’d love to hear about your experience.
Looking back, what was the most frustrating, stressful, or unexpectedly difficult part of relocating?
Was there anything you wish you’d known before moving? Or something you ended up having to figure out completely on your own?
I’m doing some independent research on people’s real relocation experiences and would genuinely appreciate hearing your perspectives.
I’m especially interested in the challenges people don’t usually talk about when discussing a move, including things that may have caught you off guard even after settling in.
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share! I’d love to hear your stories.

They don't necessarily need to be on the great lakes and what "maritime" means is subjective.

I am thinking about accepting a job in Vancouver, but we really want to live in NE Portland or somewhere relatively walkable and not in what feels like the suburbs. I know that’s the opposite of what most people do for tax reasons. Would we be crazy to do this? Joint income $250k with 2 kids and would want to be in a good school district (I know PPS currently having some issues as well).

Hey I’m right now based out of TX and trying to decide on whether to be based out of DFW or ATX for dating..

I’ve been told I’m fairly attractive, I am slightly toned, I have a good job + I can be personable. I am looking for my future partner and hoping to get married in the next few years if I find her. I’m not really into clubs, bars, etc and am a lot more into intellectual stuff like reading, traveling, history, etc.

I feel super split with the 2 locations bc Dallas is bigger/has more of the stereotypically marriage oriented mindset from what I can tell but Austin is super beautiful comparatively & has the down to earth/relaxed vibe of lady stereotypically that I’d prefer. What would you recommend and why?

I am not sure to what to pick. I am concerned with affordability, walkability, and a strong collection of black professionals. Also a solid dating scene for 30s.

I also don't like miserable winters.

Hello! My family is thinking of moving to one of these places. Moving from eastern NC. We’d be in the suburbs of either, not downtown. I know Nashville suburbs are very expensive these days so probably wouldn’t be in the suburbs south of Nashville. In Raleigh we’re looking either at the Cary or Wake Forest area.

If you’ve lived in either or both of these places please let me know your experience.

Hey everyone,
I’m 20M and I’m about to make my very first move to the US. Honestly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed because I’ve never lived on my own before—I come from a pretty strict/controlling family back home where everything was done for me, so this is a massive step into independence for me :)
Right now, I’m torn between two places: Portland, Oregon and San Diego, California.
Here is what I’m looking for:

• Nature & Weather:
I really want all 4 seasons, forests, wildlife, nature, and streams/rivers. (I know San Diego is mostly sunny/coastal, but hear me out below).

• Vibe:
A lively social scene where it’s easy to meet people and make friends.

• Cost of Living & Safety:
Relative affordability (cheaper rent) and safe neighborhoods.

• Career & Education:
Decent job opportunities and a solid community college with a good nursing program.

My dilemma:
Portland seems to check a lot of my boxes for nature, forests, 4 seasons, and better rent compared to California.
San Diego, on the other hand, has a huge Iraqi Christian community. Since this is my first time leaving home and I have zero experience being independent, having that local community to help me get on my feet during the first few months sounds like a lifesaver. But I’m worried about the high rent, and it doesn't really have that "lush forest/4 seasons" vibe like Oregon.
I know I’m asking for a lot, but I’d love to hear your thoughts, honest pros/cons, or if there's any other city I should look into. How hard is it to settle in either place as a newcomer?
Thanks in advance!

I've received a job offer for a 13-month term position for the government, which would require me to find housing myself for the first time. Looking at apartments now, I don't understand how you're supposed to line up the timing of your lease with a 13-month job.

90% of apartment listings are rigid 12-month leases. That'd require either signing up for 11 months of lease you don't fulfill, or being homeless for a month at the end. Do you just pay out the ass for a month's stay at a hotel at the end? Sign up for another year and just break the lease a month in?

I assume there's something obvious I'm missing, because I've never heard of anyone comment on this before.