It is coming up on a year and a half until Greg is done with college. We have given ourselves 2 years before we look to move on to our next adventure. Well, honestly, for me it will be my first adventure, as I still live an hour from where I grew up. I have a list of places in my head that are in the frontrunning to be the place that we call home in just a short time. They are all as different as night and day. I wonder if I have an identity disorder of sorts, as I picture myself differently in every place that I have in mind to move.
In first place, obviously, is Tucson, AZ. Pros: beautiful weather, nice real estate, a wealth of Social Work jobs, laid-back vibe, tons of stuff to do outside and oddly enough, snowboarding in the winter for Greg. Cons: very hot summers, being chased by rattlesnakes and scorpions, drug gangs that favor home invasions more than in other parts of the country. Second place would be Asheville, NC. Pros: Hopping music scene, a plethora of outdoor activities, skiing and snowboarding, laid-back vibe, foodie friendly. Cons: Expensive real estate, no apparent jobs for anyone, chance that I will still have to drive in snow. Tied for 3rd: Boston, MA area/Boulder, CO area. I think these would have pretty similar pros: gorgeous surroundings, many jobs, outdoor activities all year long, the Red Sox (Boston-specific), history! (Boston-specific). Cons: Much higher cost of living.
When we plan out our lives, as much as I feel a calling to New England, I can much more easily see myself moving there in my 40's when I have the capital to live comfortably. Plus a few extra letters after my name than I have now. New England will be the place to continue to vacation in the meantime. Asheville is tempting as well, but I can simply not move anywhere that is known for not having employment, specifically Social Work employment. Tucson is a long distance away, there is no doubt about that. However, it has so much that I am looking for. Warmth. Culture. History. Ample employment. Dog-friendly!
Let me look back on this post and smile in two years when we get to where we are going.
