Contemplating moving off LI

DH and I have started to have some more seriously talks about moving off LI. I was born and raised here, lived in Boston for a time and then ended up back here with DH. He grew up primarily in Queens. My parents are here, his live in Europe. My sister is in the process of relocated to NC, DH's sisters will both be back in Europe within the next year. We are in our upper 30's with two kids, ages 3 and 8 months.

The problem we are having is narrowing down an area to look into. We are looking for a place that has as many of these qualities as possible,

- family friendly and good schools
- lower COL with job opportunities in law and higher education
- don't need a highway/beltway to run out and get milk
- less stress (I usually want to rip my hair out on my commute home to get my kids from daycare)
- a town with stuff to do, restaurants, parks, farmers market, etc. We spend a lot of time in Huntington and Northport, and would miss the water, but understand that being on the coast is $$$

So, any ideas? Any areas to check out?

Re: Contemplating moving off LI

i'm sure most LI transplants end up somewhere further south on the east coast, but have you considered the midwest? suburbs of chicago? or bloomington indiana is a cute college town (there's your higher education) with good restaurants, way more affordable than LI and you don't have to drive on highways to get around town and it isn't all that far from Indianapolis (airport and maybe more job opps since it's a "city"). i don't know much about the school systems in those places though

Re: Contemplating moving off LI

A woman I used to work with relocated to the Raleigh/Durham area, lots of colleges/universities in the area so there's the higher ed field opportunities but i'm not sure about law.

Re: Contemplating moving off LI

Contemplating moving off LI

We moved here from Durham 2 years ago. I don't know about law either, but it's a great area for higher ed and technology. Lots of stuff to do and it's not far from the beach (about 2 hours).

I've moved around a lot since getting married - Atlanta, Seattle, Durham, and now here, and I have to say that the culture of the city really makes a difference in connecting with like-minded people. In addition to the stuff you mentioned, you should really think about finding a community and how you'll find them.

Re: Contemplating moving off LI

We are currently researching areas, although not certain if a move is in our best interest as we would be leaving steady jobs for the unknown.

I look online quite often.

My favorites are:

Ballantyne, NC
Fort Mill, SC (Haberhsam) (near Charlotte)
Alpharetta, GA
Apex/Cary, NC

We have family in all of the above, except Apex/Cary.

The winner would be dependent on the best place for my career!

Good luck!

Contemplating moving off LI

My cousins live outside of Cincinnati, OH and love it.

Re: Contemplating moving off LI

For me, I'd move up to the Saratoga area. You're not far from Albany where you'd be able to find plenty of jobs in both fields you mentioned. Cost of living is much less. School districts are good. Very cute towns with boutique shops, farmers markets, restaurants (I like Ballston Spa, Wilton, Saratoga Springs, and Glens Falls). Very family-friendly. Much more property. I have certain things tying me to my current town and unfortunately I will never be able to move away (or at least not for about 15 years), but if I could I would move to Saratoga Springs Based on your list, I think this area would fit your needs very well.

Message edited 1/13/2016 8:44:17 AM.

Contemplating moving off LI

I left LI for Tucson, AZ twice. The first time because I followed my then BF (now DH) to grad school and then the second time because after grad school, he got a postdoc on LI, we hated it and he kept applying for jobs back in Tucson until he finally landed one. It takes some getting use to, living here, but if you're into the outdoorsy lifestyle (hiking, running, cycling, golf), then it's a good place to be.

I don't know about law, but the UofA is the biggest employer here, it's definitely not stressful here, I never have to get on a highway to get groceries, I can go to Trader Joes/Whole Foods every day if I wanted and believe it or not, famers' markets abound.

Obviously, there is no water here though. And it doesn't get THAT hot in the summer. I mean, it does, but its hot for a shorter stretch than it's cold in NY, if that makes any sense.

Re: Contemplating moving off LI

It's nice to be near family, if you're close. Would you consider NC near your sister? That's what I'd probably consider first.

Re: Contemplating moving off LI

We live in VA outside of DC and think it is a great place to live with a family. Everything feels much cheaper than NY. We live very comfortably and never think about money.

Re: Contemplating moving off LI

Thank you everyone for all of your comments. I am going to start checking some of these places out. Raleigh/Durham definitely interests us. The whole idea is pretty intimidating, but I figure one step at a time. Thanks again!

Re: Contemplating moving off LI

I know no one tends to think of the West, but New Mexico is really awesome. We just got back from visiting family and it's really a wonderful state.
North Albuquerque or Santa Fe would be the best bets, there is a lot to do/see, easy access to highways but very easy to navigate the main roads. Very low cost of living, 4 seasons, beautiful mountain background.