I thought this might be a fun thread. I was born in Queens and lived on LI until age 27. I left for grad school then. I almost went back in 2000 at the end of grad school but decided to try Virginia "for a couple of years." That was almost 21 years ago now. I go through phases every now and then of missing it a little bit, but I usually don't. My wife is from the Bronx and has no desire to ever live in the metro area again, so we are here for the long haul.
Sounds like you're going through some tough times. I hope things get better.
I never would have thought I'd find myself in central PA but it really is an interesting area. Hershey is 3 hours from NYC, 2 hours from Philly, 1.5 hours from Baltimore, and 2.5 hours from DC. There's a LOT you can do in a day trip.
Plus chocolate.
My entire family is UNY - everyone enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking and open space.
I Love UNY. I like Metro as well, but not full time.
I don't know if we could ever move out of NJ, but we love our time in the Pocono's every weekend.
You will Dave. The kids will want to go more and more. Every chance that they can, they will want to get out of the city (isn't Hoboken still the mosy densely populated city in the US?).
The other thing you will see is once one family member leaves the area, it becomes easier for other family to leave.
I still have a ton of family in Monmouth County & love visiting. Give me a mansion on the Navesink tomorrow & I'm there :-).
Ha - ok Bruce...or is he on the Shrewsbury?
Quote:
Originally from Brewster NY, spent my 20’s in LA. Moved back to hometown region when it was time to start family life.
Just retired and wanted an urban lifestyle. Move to center city Philly. Apartment is 1/2 of what I would pay in any neighborhood in NY that I would want to live. NO taxes at all for city or state on retirement income. Getting ready to walk to a jazz club. Surrounded by bars/restaurants. Been here 7 months. Exceeded my expectations. Put my home sale proceeds in a CD thinking I’d need it soon to by something but I’m enjoying the freedom of responsibility of a renter in a wonderful building in a wonderful neighborhood.
By any chance did you hang out at Fore n Aft, or Kelsey's Bum Steer?
Sure did, around 74-80’. Fore n Aft had great shows. Rat Race Choir, the Good Rats, Twisted Sister. Plus the added benefit of nickel beer night on Wednesdays (Carling Black label) from 7-8 to get us warmed up. Kelties would get packed around midnight when the bars in CT closed. Lots of time at Norm’s as well with the blind owner and sometimes bartender Norm.
Quote:
I'm turning 33 in April. Plan to be gone from New Jersey (hopefully) by 40. Other than my job, very little is left here for me.
Sounds like you're going through some tough times. I hope things get better.
I never would have thought I'd find myself in central PA but it really is an interesting area. Hershey is 3 hours from NYC, 2 hours from Philly, 1.5 hours from Baltimore, and 2.5 hours from DC. There's a LOT you can do in a day trip.
Plus chocolate.
How close are you to the park/town area?
I never thought of leaving, until I visited Sedona. Loved it. Don't have plans to leave, but the thought of leaving has dawned on me more now than ever before. Can't pin point exactly why I changed from "I'll never leave" to "it is definitely a possibility". Perhaps the congestion, cost of living, cold weather, none of which entirely bother me yet. I guess I'm just willing to tolerate it. The benefits of staying, for me now, still outweigh the downsides mentioned above. Benefits are work opportunities (I'm a lawyer and can't fathom taking another state's bar exam, but some states do allow waive ins), the social scene, the change in seasons, family, friends, our block full of great people, etc.
One thing I've learned is that one's taste changes over time. Maybe we'll go eventually, but for now I remain a nyc guy.
Nice thread.
Never liked the congestion in NJ. I needed more elbow room and wanted better weather. Ironically ended up in Massachusetts since we thought it would be a better place to raise a family than Southern California (we were right) but now back to dealing with weather. Been here 25 years.
I miss some things about New Jersey. The lake I grew up on, the Jersey Shore and real pizza. I don't understand why Boston doesn't have good pizza.
Both my kids are Giants fans in Patriots territory. Can't wait until we're back on top.
Quote:
In comment 14793694 fuzzy said:
Quote:
Originally from Brewster NY, spent my 20’s in LA. Moved back to hometown region when it was time to start family life.
Just retired and wanted an urban lifestyle. Move to center city Philly. Apartment is 1/2 of what I would pay in any neighborhood in NY that I would want to live. NO taxes at all for city or state on retirement income. Getting ready to walk to a jazz club. Surrounded by bars/restaurants. Been here 7 months. Exceeded my expectations. Put my home sale proceeds in a CD thinking I’d need it soon to by something but I’m enjoying the freedom of responsibility of a renter in a wonderful building in a wonderful neighborhood.
By any chance did you hang out at Fore n Aft, or Kelsey's Bum Steer?
Sure did, around 74-80’. Fore n Aft had great shows. Rat Race Choir, the Good Rats, Twisted Sister. Plus the added benefit of nickel beer night on Wednesdays (Carling Black label) from 7-8 to get us warmed up. Kelties would get packed around midnight when the bars in CT closed. Lots of time at Norm’s as well with the blind owner and sometimes bartender Norm.
Lol I used to go there as well, from around 79 to 82. Saw those same bands and many more. Loved the Aft
An absolute home run as we watched the three mature. When they'd all finished college and dispersed we split to Florida in 2015 as daughter and s-i-l were busy professionally and training for triathlons.
When I retired, the taxes were another factor. We had planned for years to move to South Carolina. Our timing was just about perfect -- sold our Middletown house at peak price, and bought on a Golf Course near Charleston. The cost of living is so much less in SC. They give big tax breaks for seniors, my State Income Tax was $26 (and I had a good year.) The weather has been awesome, we went to an outdoor Oyster Roast last night.
I went back to NJ last year for the Giant/Jet game.....those Jet fans are a typical rude bunch.
Show her the difference in taxes....We just had a really cold day here in So. FL...was 48 deg at 6 am...was 55 soon after sunrise and 68/70 by noon..golf in shorts.
No snow to shovel...
Go to Zillow and spend some time looking at homes you could afford and how they compare.
You may go to City Data and compare things like crime rates. If it’s important possibly school systems and things they might offer.
Ultimately take a trip or two and spend some time visiting areas you are considering
Traffic is the same as Nashville is crazy as are real estate prices but everything else is great. No state taxes and 1/3 the real estate taxes so it's an extra 20 grand in our pockets. Miss some of our old friends but I was never a social butterfly anyway and I come up from time to time.
Had to get the dish for the Giants though.
Added bonus is that hopefully my oldest will be stationed at Fort Campbell in a year so we'll be close to him.
Lived later on Long Island my kids were grown and out of the house, couldn’t see paying $13000 in taxes for a 1560 sqft home. So downsized to a 2 br condo in Va. for less than $300k taxes are $3000 and I have 1265sqft which is perfect for us! New kitchen and baths, gas is cheaper, overall utilities are WAY CHEAPER!!
So I guess for me living in NY was becoming oppressive! Quality of Life much better. I don’t think twice about the move!
Contemplated moving back after graduation because the job market is still catching up. But the massive Bill Gates project is working and snagged a job at a sales and marketing software tool called Drift and never plan on moving back.
I'm not one that is going to harp on the taxes because mostly I found at least in this area the salaries scale or at least only come out slightly ahead. The quality of life though is unreal, good weather 10 months of the year, great beaches, more laid back attitude, great drinking, tons of things to do. Moving to DT St. Pete from St. Pete Beach even though I work DT Tampa because I need a city I can walk around and do things. Tampa has a lot to do but at the moment you still need to Uber around. This area is a huge vacation destination so you always have shit going on.
I'll always be thankful for growing up outside of NYC as it has given me some unique personality traits that are very useful, but my first foray at 18 to school out of the area to Va Tech just made me realize how high strung and how much of an asshole I was. Its just kind of normal in the area, but once you go outside the bubble you realize the shit isn't normal.
Don't have kids but plenty of my friends and neighbors do. Check middle village in queens. Several people i know have kids and moved here, and love it. Small town feel and look in a city with city amenities.
My second wife and I shared a dream to purchase a farm and we made the move 19 years ago. I love being a country bumpkin and we live on our own private piece of landscape surrounded by views of tens of thousands of acres of preserve.
Another benefit I can walk to my favorite fishing hole from my backyard anytime I want to.
You'll never be able to convince me to return to the city. Why return when I live in heaven with a loyal dog, fishing rod and a pick up truck.
Lived later on Long Island my kids were grown and out of the house, couldn’t see paying $13000 in taxes for a 1560 sqft home. So downsized to a 2 br condo in Va. for less than $300k taxes are $3000 and I have 1265sqft which is perfect for us! New kitchen and baths, gas is cheaper, overall utilities are WAY CHEAPER!!
So I guess for me living in NY was becoming oppressive! Quality of Life much better. I don’t think twice about the move!
I am in Virginia Beach. We love it down here. The beach is lot more accessible than it was on LI (far less traffic), and the ocean temps are so much warmer. I could never enjoy a cold beach again. Any water temp below 75 is too cold for me now.
Only things I miss are good corner delis, pizza, and bagels. People in
the NYC area are too mean, pushy, rude for my liking.
One thing I’ve missed is in NY it’s easy to get the best of nearly anything.
I had some Thai on Friday that was barf in broth, and people rave about it here.
It’s also 77 today, so there’s that.
I miss the pizza the most (I still know the number for Joe & Pats). It’s true CA property tax is low but that means we struggle with funding for schools and other services. And other cost of living expenses are high. Will likely move once I retire in 7 years - but not back to NYC.
Though people in the DC area think life is a hustle in this area, its nothing compared to what my brother/sister/brother-in-law go through up there. Particularly those in finance up there. People are much more subdued here. They may not think so, but they are. It is what it is at this point. I imagine our kids will settle down around here after college, so we’ll be here forever I guess - at least part of the year. Wife doesn't want our grandchildren (someday) to not grow up around family. I'm cool with that too now.
When I finished my education I moved to Albany to avoid the commute that my dad had to and from the city every day.
When I retire I will try to leave the state for another state with less taxes. Property taxes and income taxes here are high and the city of Albany is now a slum.
Quote:
Taxes, Taxes and Taxes!!
Lived later on Long Island my kids were grown and out of the house, couldn’t see paying $13000 in taxes for a 1560 sqft home. So downsized to a 2 br condo in Va. for less than $300k taxes are $3000 and I have 1265sqft which is perfect for us! New kitchen and baths, gas is cheaper, overall utilities are WAY CHEAPER!!
So I guess for me living in NY was becoming oppressive! Quality of Life much better. I don’t think twice about the move!
I am in Virginia Beach. We love it down here. The beach is lot more accessible than it was on LI (far less traffic), and the ocean temps are so much warmer. I could never enjoy a cold beach again. Any water temp below 75 is too cold for me now.
Rick, I’m in the DMV, Fairfax, I moved here to be near my daughter. I was on LI also 20 minutes from beach, I miss that, but I don’t regret the move at all. Hell Nassau County raised my taxes as soon as I left another $2000!!
I still have a ton of family in Monmouth County & love visiting. Give me a mansion on the Navesink tomorrow & I'm there :-).
Ha, what part? And when?
From Freehold myself. Left in 89ish, just before the horse race tracks were built. Involuntary for me too. Parents divorced. Moms got tired of the bullshit and moved back to D.C. where her family is from. Still in the area now.
Though people in the DC area think life is a hustle in this area, its nothing compared to what my brother/sister/brother-in-law go through up there. Particularly those in finance up there. People are much more subdued here. They may not think so, but they are. It is what it is at this point. I imagine our kids will settle down around here after college, so we’ll be here forever I guess - at least part of the year. Wife doesn't want our grandchildren (someday) to not grow up around family. I'm cool with that too now.
Completely agree with you on the DMV, I live in Rockville.
Contemplated moving back after graduation because the job market is still catching up. But the massive Bill Gates project is working and snagged a job at a sales and marketing software tool called Drift and never plan on moving back.
I'm not one that is going to harp on the taxes because mostly I found at least in this area the salaries scale or at least only come out slightly ahead. The quality of life though is unreal, good weather 10 months of the year, great beaches, more laid back attitude, great drinking, tons of things to do. Moving to DT St. Pete from St. Pete Beach even though I work DT Tampa because I need a city I can walk around and do things. Tampa has a lot to do but at the moment you still need to Uber around. This area is a huge vacation destination so you always have shit going on.
I'll always be thankful for growing up outside of NYC as it has given me some unique personality traits that are very useful, but my first foray at 18 to school out of the area to Va Tech just made me realize how high strung and how much of an asshole I was. Its just kind of normal in the area, but once you go outside the bubble you realize the shit isn't normal.
I've got some friends at Drift (Melissa Lefleur, Jim Kelliher, Armen Zildjian , Danielle Tocci) It's a great company. Do you know any of those folks?
Quote:
then 4 years in Boston, graduating after the 1978 blizzards. Moved to the Bay Area of CA for a job. Went to Med school in Philly but went back to Oakland for residency and have lived in East Bay ever since.
I miss the pizza the most (I still know the number for Joe & Pats). It’s true CA property tax is low but that means we struggle with funding for schools and other services. And other cost of living expenses are high. Will likely move once I retire in 7 years - but not back to NYC.
hey I'm from staten island too let's connect
Hi Paulie. Email be at aob@astound.net and we can connect.
Having said that, I have a daughter-in-law who is awaiting word on her applications to several NYC area universities for her PhD program (Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Stony Brook among others) so who knows? They will have two of my grandchildren with them and so maybe I'll follow them out?
I still love visiting Long Island, though now with my grandfather passing I only have one aunt and two cousins left up there, at least with close family. Still have a lot of extended family there, but how often does anyone make a trip just to visit second cousins?
very small world. Armen is cool as hell. he's unbelievable. I've know Jim since the late '90s. Armen since 2013 or so.
Now I live just over the DC border in Chevy Chase, Maryland. It’s peaceful, woodsy, quiet and while there lots of nerds (like Now Mike in Maryland) and political wonks, I might go a year without getting honked at or tailgated... and I’ve evolved into a pretty chill and content person.
That all said, NYC is still the king, and I really do miss the rich character and expressiveness of the good citizens NY/NJ.
But I met a CO girl who had moved to NY for work. After 5 years wanted to move back, so I was either going with her or left in her dust...
Moved to Denver in ‘01. Married, 2 kids, lived here near 20 yrs now. (My family still hasn’t forgiven me...!)
It’s funny. There are so many people from elsewhere who live in CO. It’s been a wonderful place to raise a family. But I still miss NY area..maybe for what it was and not what it is like now? I don’t know.
In all honesty, you blokes at BBI keep me (and my 17-yr old, rabid NYG fan son!) related to my old life! Go Giants!
Instead, my best friend from HS lived in Charlotte and asked me to come visit. I went for a week and realized, that's where I wanted to be. Put some resumes out there and got a job and moved. Been in NC/SC since 1994.
My family is still in Upstate and my sister is in Manhattan, so I get back enough to see them. Enough for the taste of NYC without having to live there.