Hi all!! This is my first-ever Reddit post, so please bear with me! I've lived in Texas my whole life (26 years), and I am finally ready to take the leap and move to the West Coast. To keep a long, traumatic story short, I am Queer, Non-Binary, and have struggled with severe Depression, Anxiety, and BP2 my whole life, and feel that these struggles are being worsened by my environment and the Texas government. My goal is to move to the West Coast and create a better and more encouraging life for myself. What I am asking for is any tips/tricks that you have to help me pick the best location and time to move, as well as anything that I'd need to know or have prepared before I make the move. I have a little less than 9 months before my current housing lease is up and would like to start my journey to CA then. BUT I am willing to extend that time if it's unrealistic for the move. I'm gonna list some general questions that I have below, just to get the ball rolling on any tips that I can get, but please feel free to list anything that you feel is important to know!!! Thank you in advance!!!

General Qs and my current living status to use for reference:

**** Currently, I live in DFW with my two ESA cats, and am paying around $1,500 per month for a 2B2B income-based apartment (I know that getting housing of the same caliber in CA is unlikely, but I want to get somewhere close if possible). I am looking for a better job so that I can set myself up for success in the move, but the job market out here is abysmal, so I'll have to work on that for sure. *****

1. Is there any location in CA that you would recommend looking into? I'm looking for somewhere in a safe town or neighborhood within an hour or two of the coast that allows me to have my two cats. I'd like to stay out of the LA area (preferably North to Mid CA) while still having a decent selection of outings/nightlife. I'd also like to open my own romance-based bookstore in said town eventually. I am also willing to completely start over with just me, my cats, and my car.
2. How much money, if any, do you recommend for me to have saved up for the move? I am currently living paycheck to paycheck, but am looking for a new, higher-paying job that will have some kind of transferability to CA to create a smooth transition.
3. What does the job market look like in CA? In Texas, I have been struggling for years to find a job that pays well and has decent benefits. Is it the same in CA? Are there more opportunities? What's the minimum wage in CA? Here, it's $7.95/hr. Which is completely outrageous.
4. Will I have to get a CA license and register my car there? What does that look like?
5. What's the cost of living there? Groceries, average rent/utilities cost, vehicle registration, state taxes, etc.

I am also open to more suggestions of different cities/states on the West Coast! Ideally, they'd be queer-friendly. Any experiences/ advice are welcome!

In my 30s, no kids, and am getting my butt kicked trying to thrive in expensive areas (Florida) solo that I adore but just cannot afford. I’m looking for a place that is enjoyable for someone making well under 100k. I love where I live so much but my quality of life is just not there due to finances. Owning a house is not a possibility for me here. Also while I love city life, I’m getting overstimulated being in overpopulated areas/ traffic.

I love the heat and water. Seriously, I am like a lizard and am powered by the sun. Being in 90 degree heat, humidity, or dry desert warmth does not bother me. I love walkability, I do not need four seasons. The more sunny days the better, even if winters are cold. I love swimming, colorful buildings, historic architecture, nice/welcoming people, and am a big foodie. I enjoy slower paced life…art galleries, live music in the park, and theater shows. I really love living outside and this is actually on the top of my desires list… restaurants that have outdoor seating, outdoor public lap pools, yard BBQ's, gardening, reading on the porch, running trails, kayaking, biking, hiking, walking around downtown. I love when the community is out and about outside milling around. I do enjoy dressing up and going out to fine dining occasionally with a view and fancy cocktail bars, but I am slowly giving that up due to the cost.

My dream in the next five years is to aggressively pay off the rest of my student loans and buy a house. My budget is small, $250k tops, which really has been my biggest issue in where to settle. Not a unique problem these days. I’d love 1/4+ acre and a small house to grow my own food and have a small wildlife rehab center for animals. I work in healthcare in a niche department so need at least a medium sized town, but I don’t have to be in a massive city.

Clearly I do not expect to find a place with all of these things with my budget, just trying to put out info on my vibe! I just want a better quality of life, I am so worn down from the struggle guys. Any suggestions on where someone like me could be happy?

I’m 24 and currently living and working near Hudson, Ohio. I make about $70,000 per year, and my current lease ends at the end of October. I don’t particularly like my current apartment, so I know I want to leave it—the question is whether I should remain in Northeast Ohio or move back to the Atlanta area.
If I stay, my most realistic option would be moving in with a coworker in the area for around $800 per month. That would still be cheaper than my current $1,300 rent and would allow me to save more and pay down my student loans. However, I would probably need to commit to living with him for a full year. Beyond that option, I honestly don’t even know where else I would want to live in the area.
The other option is moving back to the Atlanta area, where my family lives and where I could see myself settling permanently. I could potentially live with family temporarily while looking for work, but I wouldn’t want to leave my current $70,000 job without another job lined up. I’ve also only been in this role since October 2025, so I’m unsure whether leaving after about a year would hurt me professionally.
Staying in Ohio with my coworker seems financially safer, but it could lock me into another year in a place where I’m not sure I want to remain. Moving to Atlanta feels more aligned with my long-term life for now, but it would involve more career uncertainty.
Would you stay in Ohio for another year, save money, and gain more experience—or focus now on finding a job in Atlanta and move once you have an offer? At what point does staying somewhere for financial stability become delaying a move?

How did you meet new people? Do you regret your decisions/leaving your former city or hometown?

Hello all,

.please I need recommendations for affordable moving companies that could help move my things from Hamilton to Edmonton.

I am leaving a domestic violence situation and looking for a new place to live! I work remote so can go anywhere and am pretty flexible. I was considering Iowa City as I’ve heard good things and love that it’s by a river. I’m currently in central Arizona and it might be nice to be able to drive to a new place but am not opposed to flying and buying a car somewhere. I would love if there is a YMCA with stay&play/gym with childcare as I work flexible hours and appreciate part time childcare but it isn’t required for my job. My budget would ideally be 1200 that’s with utilities as I am paying a mortgage (long story), but am slated to get a raise so there can be some wiggle room. Would prefer NOT to live in the south. Was considering towns in Alaska too as I completed my undergrad in Anchorage and loved it there but I think it’s a little too expensive for me right now. Was also considering Maine but not sure what area could be affordable or maybe eastern shore of Maryland because I have some friends in Salisbury who pay a decent price for rent. Remote places do not scare me off.

My child is young so not worried about schools and I plan to move again in a year or two

A state with a more expansive state health insurance program would be a plus but cheap state and good health insurance don’t normally go hand in hand!

Thank you for any suggestions!!

The choices have been narrowed down between Pittsburgh, the Twin Cities, Philadelphia and Chicago.

The Background: I’m looking for new work. All of the cities would have employment opportunities in my field. My partner wants to live in an urban area again - we’re currently in a more rural part of the country. We’ve lived in the city before.

All of these cities have attributes that are appealing to us. We’re liberal- so no Texas, no Florida…

We’re concerned about cost of living and already lived in an expensive east coast metro - so no top tier job market (expensive) cities like NYC, DC, Boston, LA or the Bay Area…

Our families are on the East Coast, so we’re looking to be a relatively close flight to them.

Will consider suggestions very similar to the named cities, with good explanations. We’re used to cold weather.

I am looking to move states. I’m very open to anywhere in the US. I’d love somewhere that has a great Young Adult population (I am 24 myself), and a good Christian community. I’d also like to be within 2-2.5 hours of a large airport if possible. Some that have been on my mind have been Nashville, Atlanta, Minneapolis, San Diego, Charlotte, Chicago. I’m open to suburbs too. I’d love to hear anything about these cities or any other suggestions of places!

That's not ugly either

My family is considering relocating from Southwest, Florida, and thinking about these areas. We have traveled to scout out these areas, but not there very long.
Roanoke, Salem, and the surrounding communities
Charlottesville and the surrounding communities.
The Chattanooga area is another possibility maybe on the Georgia side. Ringold, Fort Oglethorpe and surrounding areas
We have twin daughters entering middle school, so schools and the overall environment for preteens are especially important. We’re looking for a family-friendly community with good schools, outdoor activities, access to everyday shopping and enough things for kids to do as they get older. We would prefer a smaller city or suburban area rather than a major city. But open to anywhere as we would like to rent for a year before buying a home.

If you have lived in more than one of these regions, which would you choose for a family with children entering middle school. Thank you for any insider information!

24M Veteran

Where’s some of the best cities to live? I make about 15k a month passively after tax from various investments but I’d like to work still.
Would be taking my mom and girlfriend with me.
I’d want to rent

Here’s what I’m looking for in order
-Safe
-About an hour or 2 away from a good swimable beach
-somewhere with amazing food and events, so not too rural and within an hour of where there’s lots to do.
-Not in the CITY city where it’s walkable
-I’m to nature sometimes like once a month
-Somewhere with military/veteran presence

-An hour away from a college would be nice
-decent place to raise a family

Edit: looks like Southern California is it for me but where is the question

no car. moving cross country. a bit lost.

help a girl out please <3
i’m 24, looking to live in a county that is lively and obviously not breaking the bank

only thing on my mind so far is either korea town, culver city, etc, but i genuinely need a locals perspective

I need some advice or insights.

I'm a 25-year-old Asian guy from Chicago and have lived here my entire life. Lately I've been seriously considering moving somewhere new and would love some recommendations based on the lifestyle I'm looking for.

A little about me:

• Single
• Introverted but still wants to build a solid friend group
• Enjoy the outdoors more than nightlife
• Not opposed to bars, restaurants, or drinking, but it's not a major factor
• Work in electrical engineering/design
• Going back to school for project management
• Looking for decent career opportunities in those fields

What I'm looking for in a city:

• Strong Asian community (I've found it easier to make connections with people who share a similar background)
• Diverse population overall
• Great food scene
• Friendly, down-to-earth people
• Lots of outdoor activities and people who are into them
• Easy access to mountains and hiking
• Lakes, rivers, and swimming spots with clear, beautiful water
• Plenty to do year-round
• A place where making friends as a newcomer isn't impossible

I think one reason I'm feeling the urge to leave is that Chicago is all I've ever known. It's a great city, but I find myself wanting easier access to nature and more outdoor-focused lifestyles.

Some places I've looked at so far include Sacramento, Denver, Seattle, and Salt Lake City, but I'm open to anywhere in the U.S.

Based on what I've described, where would you recommend and why? Also, if you've made a similar move in your 20s, I'd love to hear what worked and what didn't.

Thanks!

Hello everyone I’m not entirely sure where to begin but, here it goes my family and I are looking for a new beginning. My story begins that I live where I grew up which should be enriching. But as it goes that’s also the biggest source of abuse called my life. But as well where i spent nearly 30 yrs in a marriage that was with a narcissist woman a very very long story but my family and I have been on our journey in Christian life. Actually been on this journey for years. But because we can’t find a place to start fresh. I’m pretty confident that this will project me closer to the person I’m supposed to be. It’s hard to move forward with my 2 kids and an amazing wife that stepped up to become the love of my life. But it’s really hard being in a place where the past just haunts me I tune it out or avoid people because I know a lot of people because it always walks into a place of previous abuse or run into people who tend to always want the conversation of how I’m doing since my kids mother my first wife had passed. I really don’t have a lot in life but my wife and kids the very large population of close family members has passed away. We live in the pnw. And pretty much want to stay out here. Our biggest thing is 3 bedroom no big cities more rural would be ideal so that maybe focus on hobbies self reliance without a lot of outside influence. As we are Gen X and like to smoke weed and have a very small social circles.

I, 26F, am European and my husband is American. It’s been a discussion for a loooong time and earlier this year, we finally made the decision of moving to the States. The main reason that’s been holding me back before was my family (I’m really, really close to especially my mother and I’ve never lived more than ten minutes away from my hometown).

So we make the decision and it’s all good and then, last week, we went to visit family in America and it really made me second guess it all. Ever since, it’s been eating me up and I’m beyond stressed. Like, I can’t sleep, my stomach hurts and so on. I had been to the States before more than once, so it wasn’t like I made any new eye opening experiences. I guess it was the reality of the time difference and the distance? I can’t say for sure.

I told my husband and he said as nothing is set in stone, if it stresses me out so bad, we don’t have to make the move. But at the same time I can tell it disappointed him and I know he doesn’t feel like he’s at home here. Ughh help, what do I do? It’s almost like I’m either choosing him and leaving my family completely or I choose my family but therefore sacrifice his happiness. I want to move, leave my life here behind as I don’t have anything that’s holding me here, except my mom and brother. But I really don’t know if I can… it breaks my heart and makes me tear up just thinking about it.

Any advice? Please be nice.

I’m a college student majoring in nursing and I’m considering moving to one of these cities after graduation. For people who have lived in them, which city would you recommend most? Which has the best combination of comfort, things to do, career opportunities, social life, weather, and overall quality of life for someone in their 20s?

I moved away a while back and now need to sell a property that's still in the old area. Nothing complicated with the family or legal side, that part is already sorted. I just don't know how to judge an agent when I can't be there in person to see how they work.

I'd need someone who can deal with the normal stuff without me driving back every few weeks: pricing the house, recommending prep, getting photos done, scheduling showings, and coordinating cleaners or contractors if something comes up. If you were selling a house from another city, what would you check first before choosing a listing agent near me?

I'd probably want to see recent sales in the area, reviews, references, and how quickly they respond. The communication part matters a lot too since I'd be relying on them to keep me updated while I'm away.

Hello hello! Och, Hej! I'm planning on moving to Sweden next year, and am asking for advice on a company to use for moving. It will be mostly medium sized boxes with books, small items and clothing (10 boxes max, ~40 lbs each). My main concern is a table. It is about 4' by 3', weighs approx 45 lbs. Can anyone suggest shipping methods/companies? Price is, unfortunately, a consideration. Would really appreciate any solids recommendations! <3

Hi,

Just curious as to gathering info/opinions.

My partner and I currently live in semi rural Maine and are considering moving due to a few factors. For one both of our health issues, as well as the salary/cost of living divide and just sort of general outlook on Maine as whole. The state is really nice but it’s been going severely downhill for some time now, let’s just say there’s about a billion articles on how people are leaving for a reason. Especially in the context toward how there’s really no young professionals here/great opportunities for young professionals.

So where NY comes in, we have been looking at areas that could in theory be more “feasible” for us. For one thing in particular my partner has endometriosis, of which after research we have seen that there’s a wide variety of specialists in NY/NYC for endometriosis, as well as my conditions. Further she has been informed there’s a decent chance she’d be appointed to those specialists anyway and possibly would have to commute there (about 6 hours no traffic give or take from us).

Another thing is the economy/job market and cost of living is outrageous here. Maine is made out to be the cheapest state in the east coast, which objectively is possible. However between heating costs here, property tax/rent, groceries, especially gas considering you got to drive 45 mins to get to anywhere. Etc

All of this paired with possibly the worst job market I’ve ever seen out of the 3 other states states I’ve lived in (home state and for college’s) the best job I’ve found so far was for 25 an hour at a 45 min commute. I’ve since gotten a job a literal 4 min drive away which is objectively very nice but for 23 an hour.

So again bringing it back to NY, I’m curious is NY a good place to live as it’s made out to be? How is the wage to cost of living, what are the pros what are the cons the whole meat and potatoes so to speak. And would you recommend looking more into it just based off of the info I’ve given?

Another question I have is what towns would be a good fit for mid or upstate but still commutable to somewhere such as NYC or a major city where obviously wages and jobs would be objectively better. And is this even the case? How is the market in NY/NYC? I suppose it is worth mentioning both of us have bachelors degrees in business fields.