I'm originally from NJ and moved to Michigan about 4 years ago. Have to admit that I never thought that I would live here, but moved here as part of a job relocation. I like it here-not the population density of NJ, and it has pretty much what you are looking for on your list. Having said that, if you drive along 75 down in the Detroit area and it's suburbs, and have to travel in the direction of traffic (i.e, towards/away fromDetroit during the rush), you will almost feel like you are back in NJ.

The standard of living is not bad, but you won't save ANY money on car insurance. They have no fault out here like NJ, and you know what your rates are now. I don't live any where near Detroit, yet I am paying about the same rate (no tickets, accidents, kids on my insurance) as I did in NJ. Housing prices are WAY cheap compared to NJ, but more expensive than Texas (not sure about NC), again, unless you want to live on the outer ring of Detroit, then it would be like buying just outside of NYC.

As to the snow, my relatives back in NJ actually got more snow that we did where I live the last year or so. I live in the central/eastern part of the state, and the main snows fallin the southeast and southwest corners of the state (lake effect snow), as well as north of where I live. In any event, there is more than enough snow for me.

I guess it all depends upon what sort of work you do and if there are jobs available for your skill set (a weak point to moving to Michigan). If I leave Michigan, I will probably head to North Carolina myself. Good luck in your decision!

 

Knoxville, TN You get 4 seasons. you are only an hour from Smokey Mountians National Park and you can live on Norris Lake. Norris is the cleanest lake east of the Mississippi. Norris is about 30 minutes north of Downtown Knoxville.

 

Michigan


Oh, btw, has anyone mentioned a more than favorable housing market? In fact, it's insane! Sad for us living here, but awesome for the buyers.

 

arlington , tn.

only thing missing is the snow
good fishing close ...several lakes and rivers .. lg and sm mouth and trout across the river
guns are no problem
also includes a fishin buddy to split gas and food

 

I would agree with shortbus on this one...it sounds like you would like Northern Cal or Oregon. I'm a so cal person myself but I lived in Redding for 2 years ( nor cal ). It has all you asked for ( snows hit or miss depending where you are ) and doesnt have crappy humid weather.

 

and the closer you get to the Oregon border, the more redneck the area is. then you end up in Medford - if you like meth, that's the place to be. i'd call a happy medium between Redding and Medford, a nice place like Yreka maybe. or, if you really like the coast, and fog, head over to Eureka and Humboldt State. some great microbrews and more potheads than you can shake a bud at . . . . . . . . CA, it's not just a place, it's heaven on earth . . . . . .

 

Thanks for all the ideas guys!! It really is appreciated that you would take the time to help a brother out! As far as income when moving....I am retired on Social Security Disability so I'll get paid the same no matter where I live....and what I am getting by on now in NJ should go a lot further in other areas. My wife is a Bank Manager so she should be able to find work anywhere in the country. I'm going to take a few hours later tonight and google the areas you guys gave me to see what their all about. I am begging my wife and brother to consider Maine...I go there every year for a Bass tourny and absolutely love it there...but they also came with me a few years ago and noticed that the local population is....well.....not the most attractive people in the world. Not saying all Mainers are butt-ugly but they are in the town I was in...hell going to wal-mart was like walking into a state fair

 

Just think though, If you move to MINNESOTA, I could visit you 3-4 times a year!!!

Oh wait, that might be a negative for you!!![8D]

 

i think that is any walmart it seems

 

You think its bad in Maine, go to a walmart inTexas