Are you moving to Maryland?
No. We have received a number of emails – please stop abusing the technical issue report form – about why and when we are moving to Maryland and whether our books will be now set in Baltimore. Sorry, this is one of those cases where I was really asking for someone else. 🙂
My friend is seriously considering it for two reasons. One, she wants out of the heat, and two, she is worried about the election. I am also worried about the election. Maryland happens to be one of the states that run their own health exchanges. There is a handful of them: California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. She feels that if Republicans win, ACA will be repealed.
Repealing ACA would be devastating to us. Prior to ACA, nobody would insure us because we had a significant break in coverage and some lingering health issues. For example, Gordon has a military injury to his shoulder, which was getting worse, etc. A preexisting condition. If ACA goes, we would be left without coverage. She is in the same boat, and she is counting on state-run health exchanges. Maryland is still south enough for her.
We still want to go to Florida, but – no offense to Floridians – buying an expensive chunk of property in Florida right now seems dicey. Here are some scary climate articles: Perils of Climate Change (older) and New American Migration (recent.) Florida is vulnerable to climate change: the heat is already off the charts and will get worse; coastal flooding will get worse; and fresh water supply has a strong chance of being contaminated by sea water. Hurricanes, which are a fact of life, are not going to stop, and the state had subsidized a lot of the current hurricane insurance policies. They stopped doing it now, but some people are still grandfathered in. Basically, if what happened to Lake Charles happens to Miami, where it gets walloped by 3 strong storms in a row, the state may go bankrupt. Right now, the last remaining insurance companies are pulling out of Louisiana. What happens when nobody will insure the house against hurricane damage or flood?
Florida will need to build flood defenses and revise its infrastructure, and it doesn’t have the money to do it. There is no income tax, which means that those who work pay no money to the state on their paychecks and those who have retired pay no money on their Social Security benefits, pensions, or 401 K. Florida has no inheritance tax. Their property and sales taxes are about average.
Where is the money going to come from? I don’t know. I’m tired of moving. If we buy a house, I want to live in for a while and then leave it to kids. Neither of us wants to buy property only to see it become worthless in a couple of decades.
That said, despite the heat and humidity and climate change, we are still drawn to the sea. Because the sea. But I will admit, while window shopping for houses in Maryland, I looked at so many lovely properties. The green hills, the woods, the pretty lakes… How can you stand living in such prettiness? It’s like England the way it’s filmed on the Great British Baking Show. We could go outside with the dogs in the summer. I could grow things. My basil burned this year. Just burned. ::sigh::
So, if we do go north, it will probably be Pennsylvania or Massachusetts. We can’t be completely in the country. We have to have high speed internet access for work. All in all, the areas of Maryland around the two larger cities seem a little busy and a bit expensive. But then I don’t know much about it. I haven’t even visited the state. 🙂 And Massachusetts is cold. 🙁
We do have to leave Texas. I kind of hate that, because I like the state, I enjoy being a Texan, and I love our property. So much. But the allergies are killing us. I can barely breathe and if Gordon stops taking Zyrtec, his skin feels like it’s on fire. So we got to go. I just don’t know where.
PS. All political rants in the comments will be deleted. 🙂
So what you’re saying, if I understand you, is that old people are terrible and they ruined FL? Seems a bit ageist.
ModK, could you please moderate his comment for inciting fights?
???? This is one of the reasons we love you guys.
The teasing and banter. ????
I live in Florida and other than just being overall awful, allergies suck here as well. I have to take Zyrtec yearly. And it’s hotter than you can believe from April (sometimes March) until November.
????????????????????
If you hire a lawyer that is certified to argue cases in front of the VA, you can get that injury covered and even a small pension. I recommend a lawyer to all my vet friends. The ones that try to do it themselves sometimes come out okay, sometimes come out badly.
If you have medical documentation from the military concerning the issue, you can take that straight to the VA and get treatment for the injury. No long, paperwork nightmare required.
I have lived in MA almost my whole life, and the winters here have been getting interesting too… we’ve got odd weather earlier and/or later etc. that being said I still love living here and having four seasons, with limited hurricanes and no tornadoes/earthquakes… not regularly at least. My husband is originally from the Middle East and hates snow, and I wonder why he chose this part of the USA out of everything!! But he doesn’t want to move either!
That being said I have massive allergies and ii still rely on allergy medicine all year long, since I have dust and seasonal allergies. I suppose it depends on what specifically bothers you.
I go to Maryland for work regularly and Hartford county and havre de Grace is beautiful too. It depends on what you are specifically looking for!!
Travis is speaking truth; get Gordon in the VA system. My husband did after he left in 2005, best thing he did for his future health.
I live in Maryland, right on the Delaware line. All the seasons without the extreme weather. Hurricanes mostly ignore this area. The worst of the snow seems to head up to PA most years and the super hot summers seem to stay down south. I think I’ve found my climate sweet spot. Not the best place for allergies but I can’t seem to get away from it. I find they are worse in Colorado for some reason, probably the pollution. Best part about where I live – horse country, miles of trails and high speed internet access. I have a 15 minute commute and foxes and deer in my backyard.
???? I’m in Delaware, close to the Maryland border! Your comment is spot on – most bad weather seems to bypass us (although a couple of small tornados hit this year). We’re close to airports, Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York. Allergies can be bad but I don’t know how they compare to those out west. Humidity can be a bear, though.
You know that you just jinxed it right?
My allergist told me that it takes between 2-3 years to develop local allergies. Your mileage may vary. I’d invite you to California, but we are on still fire.
I have lived in CA, latter served in SD in the Navy but it scares me. Earthquakes, sharks and killer bees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTIUDsb2XGs
California is awesome, but SD is hot unless you are near the water, but I suppose the naval base is near that. 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NytIbo_MLD8
32nd St as it was and or is know, was split into the “wet” and “dry” sides. A and C schools, Basic Training, the hospital and etc were dry side. Docked to a pier, we, that is the USS Reasoner FF-1066 were on the wet side. It never seemed too hot or too cold. I get why people love it. My grandparents lived in San Juan Capistrano, a little to the north and I loved visiting them.
i spent time in the Navy helicopter base down below Imperial Beach in the late 60s early 70s, i was in HS-6. That is where we staid between deployments, three squadrons altogether, one in, one on the way, one resting, loved that station, our ship, the older Kearsarge was stationed in SD. me and the wife had a shack literally on the beach, step out the back door into sand. beautiful wife, beach house shotgun shack, and a ’68 GTO convertible, a child of my age. And then i got time living in Visalia working at the NAS Lemoore, they gave me e-5 and shore duty that got me out of 3rd tour to reinlist, had a part time job bartending at the Zero Club. i guess the service got rid of them, rumor was they had a black market going for tax free booze to local bars.
What about around Jupiter Florida? They seen pretty peaceful. I like the Panhandle though it’s pretty darn redneck.
Navarre Beach?
Still the health insurance thing though…sigh
My Dad was on the Kearsarge in the way back. My brother was born in SD. Other brother in Long Beach. nasty place back then. Me, I’m a Santa Rosa Co. Florida girl.
You can scratch the bees off your list, they’re really not a problem. Perhaps just be conscious of what flowers you plant in your yard. There’s not an “earthquake season”. I’ve lived in Los Angeles for 59 years, and I’ve never had so much as a figurine fall off of a shelf. FL has sharks, too. Maybe the beach in Northern California? Properties are more affordable. The beaches are beautiful, but the water isn’t warm. It breaks my heart to say it, though, our weather problem is FIRE. At least it’s not humid. It’s a dry heat ???? It is, though…
I have lived all over and have come to the conclusion that the only safe space on the planet is Regina Saskatchewan. No ocean so no tidal waves / tsunami. If the ice caps melt you’re fine. No hurricanes, tornados or earthquakes. No killer bees, crocs, gators, pythons, bears ….
The downside – so flat they throw a curve in the road to keep the drivers awake and you freeze your butt off 10 months of the year. I was born there and still have family there. I would visit my grandma early April every year for her birthday and it was not unusual to have -20c as the high ❄️ I recommend going only in July, ????
Dont move to regina. Dirty city and gang violence is escalating. Saskatoon on the otherhand is far superior. Overall Canada is a lovely country. You should totally check it out, say for a meet n greet and book signing of some sort? ????
It’s funny because earthquakes don’t really bother California residents and we can’t understand why anyone would live where there’s hurricanes and tornadoes! Ahahahahaha. That being said, California is so big and the geography changes so quickly. I’m up in Northern California right off the coast and while our climate is very mild, our beaches are cooooooold here.
I moved from MD to OH and voila! Allergies I’d never had before. It’s been a decade and I still have allergies and am now ALSO seemingly allergic to MD, where I had spent 30 years of my life 🙁
As any competent allergist can tell you, once you begin to develop allergies, you never stop developing them. So far, I’ve been to 4, heard that 4 times. The thing about allergies in Ohio is that it has different things to irritate you than Texas has, and as the seasons change, some people actually have months without allergies at all. In Texas, you never escape pollen. In Ohio, you have months without it, from first frost to whenever things begin to grow and bloom again in spring. This time frame generally covers Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day. A friend of mine had one allergy to grass pollen, was fine the rest of the year. I’m not so fortunate, but I had 3 allergists in Texas who told me flat-out that I should leave, because my allergies were causing such havoc in my body that I’d die soon, if I didn’t get away from Texas allergens. It doesn’t really matter where you go, once you develop allergies. You’ll suffer from them for life. Nowhere is free of all allergens. But when you deal with 4 seasons, you do get breaks from some things.
There was very little to be allergic to in Thule Greenland the year I spent there. The little vegetation that was there was small occasional arctic poppies in the brief summer, some grass, and and the one arctic willow I saw, clung for dear life to the surface of a rock, it looked like narrow wicker lengths spidered over the top of the rock, clung, again, VERY tightly.
ModK, could you explain that as I was born in Orlando, I am required by law to return to FL no latter than my 55th BD?
Really? It’s a joke, isn’t it?
I was going to say instead of dust to dust it’s Snowbird to Snowbird, but if you’re already in the South then I guess you’re not considered a Snowbird.
Good thing you are only 29.
LOLOLOL
This is starting to sound like a version of Madame Laveau’s curse: those who leave New Orleans are bespelled to return.
You have a few years yet, but then you have to move into The Villages……
Says the woman who has lived in or near Orlando since she was 12.
Isn’t The Villages the community where all the residents drive golf carts with bath poufs hanging off in different colors signaling… erm… “romantic tastes and availability?” ???? A coworker’s mom lives right nearby and her stories crack me up! I’ve often wondered if she exaggerates.
Bath poufs to signal? I want to know more about this, but I’m really afraid to Google it….. ????
I lived in Florida when I was in my 40s. My parents were in an adults only trailer park. I was there for New Years Eve and was horrified/encouraged to see the residents pole dancing and skinny dipping. I left the party early wanting to scrub my eyeballs.
Moved to Texas since after a 30 year hiatus, we got hit with with 3 hurricanes in 4 weeks. This year allergies are horrendous despite using multiple meds. Swapped out hot and moldy for hot and dry. My allergist told me to move wherever I was happiest since I’d end up with killer allergies wherever I went.
like a salmon swimming back upstream to the place of it’s birth?
Ok when I read “when I was born in Orlando…”‘I thought Orlando Bloom. Then I though “wha…?“! I think I need rest. Or a mental health day. Thanks I needed to laugh. Even if it was at myself.
I am 7th generation Floridian, was born in Gainesville, lived all over the US for yrs, was in Texas for 25 years — then moved back to Florida to have my kid (8th gen Floridian & a Conch baby!), before moving back to Texas.
I’m 51 and have explained to my husband that I’m required to move back as well. He asked for it in writing — my cousin created a very nice document and emailed it out, notarized. He has “compensated” by making sure we drive over every other year for a lengthy visit, pre – COVID.
You might see if you can find some documentation to back up your claim as well. 😀
UHG! Duplicate submission.
So Sorry!
Ah, Florida… As an (older) relative used to say, “The land of the newly wed and the nearly dead.” “Heaven’s waiting room.”
Yup. All of this.
We are in CA, and want to stay because of health insurance. Our property generally safe from earthquakes and fires…but…
Fire season is still a bitch. Nothing here is air conditioned, so when it’s 100 degrees and the air is full of smoke…no good options.
Everyone I know, who has the means, is buying property with the impending climate apocalypse in mind. It’s no longer like, “someday…” but like, “Last year was bad, this year was bad and next year will be even worse.”
I have family in Mass on the coast. Again, their property is generally safe, but in the past 10 years we’ve seen entire neighborhoods fall into the ocean. Literally.
No place in the US is or will ever be totally safe, the risks just shift with the geography. Just decide the risk/benefit ratio you can live with and keep your fingers crossed!
Actually if you are in the East Bay (in the Bay Area), all our houses have both heating and air conditioning. 🙂
If there is a big enough earthquake our house might become beach front property soon enough!!
😉
Depend on how you define East Bay, here on the Oakland/Berkekely/Richmond etc. side of the hills many older homes have neither central heat or central air. We added central heat to our 1926 vintage bungalow in 2005 and just this year bought a freestanding ac for the bedroom. Our average temp year round is 50 – 70F but the occassional hot and/or smoky spells are becoming more frequent. Still, it beats the heck outa Ohio and Georgia, where we lived in the past!!
Oops, I just saw that you’re in Oakland. So yeah, Northern Cal.
No, no, there’s air conditioning here! I couldn’t live without it. You must be by the beach, or up north. It’s like England, for some silly reason they assume that it’s never going to get hot, so lots of homes don’t have air con. But it does get hot.
San Francisco.
I’m in fancy new construction – no AC.
for the probably 2 weeks a year its actually hot enough for air con in England its cheaper to buy a fan and live with closed curatins and windows during the day and air the house at night.
That said global warming seems to make summer come in May and rain through July. Or August. I’m confused- lockdown weather has blended in together and all I remember is zoom meeetings in the garden in the early days .
These are still home-office based while we wait to go to hell in a handbasket what with Brexit, Boris and Covid combined. Still, I have a fluffy (loudly snoring) cat on my desk most days so its not all bad!
Grew up in the Houston area and never had allergy issues until we moved to the Brazos- we too live on allergy meds part of the year but since we have the best neighbors in the world it’s difficult to think there are better ones out there.
I grow my tender herbs outdoors and in one of those aero garden hydroponic indoor units so no burned basil or scorched thyme. You might give them a shot since that way you can get fresh basil in winter.
I didn’t realize until the pandemic how much I thought was colds from students was actually allergies. Zyrtec is my best friend.
ROFL! Gordon, sleep with one eye open for a while!
I keep telling you that Ohio has what you want. We have Lake Erie to the north, not as far as you’d think in a car. We have rivers. We have stunningly gorgeous foliage in all seasons, including winter because of the pines. I’m trying to post a photo of a tree in my yard, taken yesterday, to show you what things look like here right now. If you drop south of I-70, there’s almost no snow most of the time, but you might get some, depending on exactly where you are. We have four seasons. Take a look at Ohio. It’s worth seeing.
I will say, eastern OH is spectacularly beautiful. Every time I drove through it I wanted to stop for a few days.
As a fellow Ohioan, I appreciate all the truth in this post (mostly Ohio is a joke to people lol). Their number 1 reason for considering Penn/Mass though is the state healthcare markets. Ohio doesn’t have one.
Consider Eastern Pennsylvania someplace….4 seasons, many lakes, can get to Philly, NYC, Washington, Boston, Baltimore, Niagra Falls, and New Jersey/Delaware/Maryland Shores all relatively easily..????????
Erie Pa is NW PA. 90 minutes to Buffalo or Cleveland and maybe 2 hours to Pittsburgh. Beautiful summer and fall foliage. Although we do get a bunch of lake effect snow sometimes…
Um…Niagara Falls is all the way in the western part of New York state, so not exactly close to the east. It takes about six hours to drive across Pennsylvania from east to west or west to east. That said, western PA is a pretty nice place to live. Pittsburgh has museums and theaters, sports teams, universities and colleges, and friendly people. Housing costs are reasonable. You can buy a lovely 4bed/3bath/2car garage house on 1/3 acre for under $300,000. We are not prone to hurricanes, tornados, wildfires, or earthquakes. We have four seasons. Winter frost kills off many of the allergen-producing plants.
I have also been considering leaving Texas mainly due to heat (which will get worse) and concerns about growing older in a state with so few services. The Houston heat and humidity is almost unbearable. But it’s a state with more and more young people, the food is fantastic and diverse, and there’s plenty of space and no income tax. It’s tough. I hold back my desire for water views by a yearly vacation to Penascola or St George Island. Sigh…it’s tough.
I went to Texas Accupuncture in Arlington, Texas and went through their NAET program (Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique). Of course it’s not covered by insurnace – It’s alternative medicine, but I was allergic to wheat and now I can eat it without issues. I love Dr. Tu, maybe you could find someone near you and help with the allergies. “Say Goodbye to Illness” written by Devi Nambudripad explains the technique and how it evolved. http://www.texasacupuncture.net/naet/ Each person is different so what worked for me might not work, but I’m amazed at the difference in my life. We’d love for you to stay in Texas! 🙂
I am glad this worked for you, but this is one of the ‘therapies’ listed on Quackwatch.org to avoid due to lack of evidence and possible harm. It is not recommended by professional allergy organizations (and they are very open to alternative medicine, have subsections at national meetings on alternative medicine, have done very serious research with Chinese herbal therapies, etc. – so not ‘mainstream medical bias’). I had patients, likely very similar to you, that I ‘cured’ with good education and discussion, not requiring expensive testing and treatments without evidence.
I was born and raised and still live in Washington state. We have some bad stuff but after driving through most of the other states I haven’t seen one I would like to move to. Thankfully I do not have allergies. I enjoy visiting Florida and Maryland. Such a beautiful state. I do not envy you moving again. I have read the blog through 2 or 3 moves and know the hassles you went through. Is there anywhere in the US without allergens? Whatever your choice I hope it goes easily for you.
Western Washington is beautiful, has a state insurance exchange, and if you pick your specific microclimate carefully you might be surprised at the mild temps WITH OUT crazy rain, and plenty of sun.????
Murder hornets.
I’ve read about the dry part of Washington state in Patricia Briggs’ books. Sounds like a good possibility.
That’s exactly where I live. It’s not the best nor the worst. We are getting a lot of the smoke from Oregon and California fires here, but allergens are minimal. Unless you are sensitive to sage, that is. We have a ton. Our summers are beastly hot, but there’s AC everywhere.
I grew up in Richland and lived there (except for a handful of years in Unincorporated Benton Co / Kennewick doughnut hole) until I was 30. Went to Ellensburg for 5 yrs. Now Western Wa for 17 yrs. Family is still there for multigenerations now.
Tri-Cities is…VERY conservative. It’s insular and quite regressive. The SCOTUS case of a Florist refusing to serve a same sex wedding is for a florist down the hill from the high school. Until the last decade, the Richland High mascot was an atomic bomb cloud for 40+ years. It’s the location of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation of the Manhattan Project. I do know there are a number (small?) of Russian scientists who immigrated at the end of the Cold War. Richland has historically been a science community since WWII.
Really, though, no trees or lakes. But it does have the Columbia River.
I’m in NC and it’s pretty nice here. Hot in the summer, have mostly mild winters. We get an earthquake (mild) every few years. I have thought of moving to the Northwest (after retirement) because I’ve heard the climate is milder (more temperate), but am wondering how the burning forests will affect things. I lived in DC and the lifestyle is much nicer here and housing is affordable, but I’m watching Raleigh start to build like crazy on undeveloped property and even tearing down old buildings and putting something new up. My allergies are pretty mild.
Maryland can get awfully hot and humid. Having spent some 18 years there, I’d never recommend it to anyone wanting to escape the heat.
It does, but nothing on the heat and humidity of the deep south. I currently live in Maryland and have lived in Alabama, Texas, and Louisiana (and Pennsylvania, California, NJ, NY, Ohio). It really is a lot worse and for a lot longer part of the year than here in Maryland.
Truth. I’ve lived in MD almost 60 years, but I’ve visited the south many times, and our heat and humidity is nothing compared to what the Deep South suffers.
Texas has professional heat and humidity. As someone who lives in Northern Virginia, I can confidently state that VA and MD are amateurs in comparison.
That’s around DC. DC being an almost-swamp that MD & VA didn’t want, so donated the land. Once you are well away from there, the humidity isn’t a real problem.
Or maybe I just think so because the humidity in DC and surroundings is SO bad that anywhere else seems nice. At least everything is air conditioned, so when you step out of a building and your clothes instantly stick to you (truly not exaggerating, it’s like being slapped in the entire body with a hot wet towel), you can at least step back in and be dry.
Sequim, Washington averages 12-16 inches of rain a year, is on the water and has sunshine and cooler temperatures. Large retirement community with decent doctors, golf courses, trails, and Costco! Can not go wrong here. Love it since retiring six years ago. Come visit!
And all the lavender fields!
I love the Washington peninsula! If there were IT jobs for my hubby, I’d seriously consider moving there.
I would say move to the lovely state of Kansas but no one would take me seriously. Hot or hotter than Texas. Cold or colder than Mass. Eastern Kansas has rolling hills, pretty trees, and is really really affordable and so much space. Sunrises and sunsets unlike anywhere else in the world and beautiful every day. Not likely to fall into the ocean. Tornadoes are shifting east and happen with much less frequency. Allergies not quite as bad as Texas but almost. We also have coyotes, trash pandas (raccoons), bobcats, and foxes. So it will feel like Texas. 🙂
I live here and other than the politics, I LOVE it. Allergies are everywhere. You won’t get away from them. But if you move to a flyover state, you get way more bang for your buck! And north KS is gorgeous.
Wow! More NE Kansas members of the BDH. Fantastic! I feel less alone, even if stuffy due to allergies.
Kansas is right next door to Missouri. I came home to the Sho Me state after 2 years in California, and have never regretted being back. Allergies, some, yes. Decent amount of rainfall most times. Cold enough in winter to be good for apple trees. If you stay out of the big cities, the people are fairly calm and sensible. We don’t have the ocean, but we have some beautiful streams and lakes. Missouri has been home to some exceptionally famous authors. I don’t think we would mind adding two more. Not even a little bit.
Having driven in Massachusetts, all I can say is if you dislike bumper to bumper traffic where you creep along a few feet at a time, keep clear of Boson. When my husband drove me up there to catch a plane at their airport, it took him 3 hours to get home again and 2/3 of that was just getting OUT of Boston. I’ve also been there on a sight seeing tour with my parents. Parking difficult to find and horrendously expensive.
As for the climate, yes, there is snow.
P.S. It really bites that the few airports in Connecticut don’t have a lot of connecting flights anymore.
Boston has a lot of really crappy weather. I’m a weather geek, and I watch the Weather Channel all the time because it’s relaxing. And especially in winter, it’s not good in Boston. Probably an awesome place to visit, though. I know I’d love to.
The traffic has been WAY down, for months. Back in April? I drove on 128 (I-95 which is beltway) to You-Do It Electronics for something, and the traffic at 5 PM was at 3 AM the previous year, levels. I suspect whenever the ‘rona crisis ends, the traffic levels won’t rebound to their previous densities–the Green Line extenion maybe will finally be up and running and that will reduce some of the traffic congestion, and businesses and which/who have been working remotely are likely to not want to deal with the traffic every day and the expenses of as large footprints of expense office space as they have had.
Snow– yes, there can be snow. But the year of nine feet of it (which broke all the records) as preceded a yaer or two prior, where the entire winters there was about ten inched of it! And I decided that in a choice between Biloxi in August last century (and it’s probably worse now) and a winter with nine feet of snow, the snow’s preferable!
If one doesn’t have to go out in it, snow is very pretty. For that matter, I don’t mind shoveling a -few- inches of the stuff–and there is the option of paying someone -else- to dig it out/plow. People drive around with trucks with snowplows, looking for customers….
The trick with going to the airport in Boston (and the airport IS in Boston) is to not drive yourself there. Use a limo or drive to one of the big lots with Logan Express bus service or commuter rail or MBTA trolley or subway service (make sure it’s a lot which has overnight parking extended ..), etc., but don’t drive there to fly out of!
I agree that you don’t want to live too close to Boston! Currently living in central mass and now an hour to an hour and a half drive from Boston, but I grew up 45 minutes outside of it. I’m in farm towns now which are beautiful, but still close enough to go to museums on the weekends… pre-covid that is! There is a lot of variation to traffic depending on where you live in Massachusetts and internet can vary based on area too. But being self employed you cAn still get a bigger property in a smallish town and be close enough for errands and still more private.
Except for international flights we avoid Logan like the plague!! Always seems to be construction making it worse!! We use Manchester NH airport, closer to us too ????
Sigh. People jumping to conclusions without reading what you wrote :).
Maryland can get hot and humid (having lived here for decades), but it’s nowhere near Texas summers. (Remember, our motto is We Have Seasons!) Taxes are higher, but, again, the Health Exchange and other services benefit from that. We do have some idiocies with traffic and traffic plans, but that’s true almost anywhere.
There are not-too-expensive (and with access to Internet) places to live near water on the MD Eastern Shore; someone may have mentioned that for your friend.
Come and move to England
They spell things weird there. Ilona and Gordon would have to learn a new way of spelling. 😛
I agree, move to England. Devon and Cornwall are beautiful and have mild winters. Jersey and Guernsey have micro climates and are surrounded by the sea.
Free health care and you already speak the language.
The exchange rate will kill you and you get a lot less bang for your buck house wise. we’re a lot more squashed in unless you have serious money. I’ll admit that some of the scenery is stunning, the weather is usually temperate and the NHS isn’t too bad 🙂
I am a American living in England. Whenever people ask me why I moved here I say the weather and they think I am joking. I am not. After dealing with the cold and snow of NW Montana growing up and then the heat and humidity of South Carolina I find the very mild UK weather lovely. I also love the NHS! I have developed some severe chronic health conditions since moving here and I am terrified of the thought of affording healthcare back in the US. No one believes me here when I tell them how expensive it is.
yeah, being an immigrant in England right now is *super* fun. Especially one with Eastern European name/accent. ????
Good luck. Pros and cons to many areas; I have lived North, South, West, and East. And none totally allergy free (though will say the Texas cedar is one of the rougher ones). Although I am originally from Louisiana, my husband is the one who refuses to move further north than Maryland to avoid cold winters (I have had some inquiries from head hunters for the Boston area – he balks, so I end up turning down the interviews). There are a variety of places to live in Maryland, seaside shore to mountains, plenty to do if you want to venture into the cities, but open spaces if you don’t. There is pretty good penetrance of high speed internet in many of the less crowded areas as well (much, much better than Louisiana, my parents can’t get decent internet 5 minutes out of a city there). Depends on what you want, like any area. But if you have been away from the cold winters and snow shoveling for a while, may not want to go too far north.
Not sure because I haven’t seen it in the comments section. But… Sedona AZ has the hands down best weather in the entire country I’ve ever experienced. never above 80 really, and never gets really much below 45 in winter. Snow very very rare. No earthquakes, wildfires in Sedona pretty much nil, has fresh water (Oak Canyon).
If you like snow, or to be in the pinon forests near Colorado border line drive up to Flagstaff to ski, drive back down for Sedona. The AZ university in Flagstaff has lots of arts n activities. There’s a great observatory there.
Want more heat? Drive a few more hours down to Phoenix or Mt. Lemon… I loved the area, just there’s no beach or water.
But I can’t imagine many allergies either, as there’s not much vegetation comparatively speaking.
That said, I never had a allergy in my life and now I’ve developed a mysterious allergy that is seemingly seasonal. My co workers say its Rag Weed, but I dunno know. It might be a combo special of many pollens. Just know that when it hits, even the Zyrtec takes time to take it down. And yes, it seems to be a recurring thing 🙁
Every place has it’s “stuff”. Having lived on the beach where my car rusted and we had to change out AC units every 3 years but the view was AMAZING! and so worth it, to the cold where it was below freezing for 17 DAYS and we had to run a bath to heat the bathtub before it was bearable to inner city Houston with the coolness factor and heat and bugs and traffic, my take is you go with what makes you happy. The insurance factor is a bitch, and that won’t fix until you’re 65, but maybe you can wait on the beach until then? It’s a nice problem to have to not be limited to where the job sends you. I’ve kept moving every 3 years, but now my take is I have a base. I can long term or short term from here, but here is where my stuff is staying. Helps that I’m 65+ and retiring in January. Best of luck in the hunt! I think that’s my favorite part!
Washington State is where I was born and lived for 24 years, until moving to N. Idaho last year for business. Both states have good things about them and I can heartily recommend them both. Sequim, WA, as others have mentioned may be worth checking out for you two. The North Pacific coast is uniquely beautiful- if only barely swimmable for a couple of weeks in the warmest part of summer. The climate there is very popular with retirees mostly, as it sits in a unique little rain shadow- hot and dry enough that they are known for growing lavender there.
Land prices in WA can be all over the place though, which is another part of what pushed us to Idaho (which within a year’s time is already as expensive), but that tends to be worse in the more urban areas along the I5 corridor. The healthcare in WA is very, very good. Allergies got to me at certain points in the spring and fall, but I seldom had to take any drugs. East of the Cascades I had no allergies whatsoever. Another nice thing is the internet availability even in rural areas has been excellent in our experience- strong enough to support the heavy data consumption of 2-3 people playing mmorpgs at near 60 frames among other downloads and use ????
Massachusetts isn’t as cold as it used to be. And not only does the greater Boston/Cambridge metro area stretch almost all the way north to New Hampshire and south to the Cape Cod turnaround (thus providing affordable housing in places in there), the entire state has hi-speed internet. Rte 28 is called the tech corridor of the east — there are simply too many schools and tech companies in the state to NOT have it everywhere. And it has much of the gorgeousness of MD, with far fewer red spots. I would move back to Cambridge in a heartbeat, although it would probably end up being Arlington (yes, there’s one in MA, too), Medford or other places around and a bit north. I desperately miss the Boston-area music scene. Some of the most talented musicians in the US, who make just fine careers playing the hundreds of clubs that offer free or practically free ($5) cover charges, and have no interest in “making it big.” I’d say I’ve never lived anywhere there was a music scene like that — which is true — but I’ve also only lived in the DC area, Baltimore area, Boston area, and here in Austria (Wien). So while what I say is true, it’s not based on a very wide range of experience.
“Massachusetts isn’t as cold as it used to be.”
Didn’t Massachusetts have a huge snowfall a year or two ago?
My sister has lived in MA for decades, and she still spends as much of the winter down South as she can manage.
Yeah, don’t take that seriously. Winter in Massachusetts sucks.
Yes? Climate change doesn’t mean it doesn’t get cold in winter. But the average winter temps in Boston rose several degrees F between when I arrived in 1992 and when I left in 2004. I’m certain they’ve risen since.
And if it’s snowing, it’s warm enough to snow. Once it gets below 25°F or so, it’s too cold for snow.
I live in MA as well. When I moved here in 2016 from IL, I had some serious sticker shock. If you want land and a nice house, you need to get out past Rt 128. Cambridge, Belmont, Arlington are all ridiculous for what you get.
I live in Concord which was considered chi-chi when I grew up in the area. Never thought I’d live here but it was far more affordable than a traditionally “blue collar” town like Arlington for a comparable house.
Also, you can find some fairly reasonable houses on the water, be it sea, river or pond. Although if it’s right on the beach say in Winthrop or Hull, you might end up with a large ice cube after a bad nor’easter.
In terms of high speed internet, it’s a religion here so you shouldn’t have any problems.
You should look at the trends in the effects of climate change and plan for your great grandchildren, and for yourselves as fast as everything is falling apart. Those “good” areas will shut down their borders when the time comes. I now this sounds paranoid and conspiracy theory nutcase, but… Look at the weather channel and headlines
Massachusetts is nice, but I agree, cold. The older I get the less happy I am with the cold. That being said, it is October here in MA and my cherry tomatoes are still optimistically throwing out blooms, so maybe they know something I dont.
Also, it is a poor time to buy since the housing market is still going strong. However, if you are really looking for a forever home then that wont be too much of an issue since you wont need to worry about market ups and downs and resale value.
And we would love to have you. 🙂
I would offer my services as an avid window shopper, but I am obsessed with old, ugly houses so unless you want something that looks like a cross been Amnity Horror and Bates Motel I would stick with your usual methods, haha!
I thought I was the only one who looked at the Bates house and thought, “I believe I could do something with that.”????
Do people really email authors asking if they are going to move to X area?? When its supposed to be for technical issues? Seems like an invasion of privacy… people are weird lol.
Sorry to hear about the health issues though 🙁 I can’t believe that if you have a military related health issue that the military wouldn’t guarantee healthcare for you??
I too am wondering the best place to move because of climate change and other factors. Plus, depending on how the political climate ends up in the US I don’t even know if I want to be here anymore…
Theoretically, the VA should take care of the shoulder, but VA care is different in different areas and they are married. The US government gives married people a lot of legal privileges, that’s why “freedom of religion” doesn’t really apply to marriage equality on a legal level. It’s about taxes, medical privacy, inheritance, etc.
The flip side is, if your spouse has a major medical issue or gets sued after an accident for an unpayable sum or some other awful thing, you’re affected too.
I know people who have legally divorced but still live a “married” life because of the negative side to being viewed as a legally indivisible entity.
wait so… if you get married the VA won’t cover you anymore? Maybe I just don’t understand all of the cases
Sleepy, VA disability of less than thirty percent does not help that much. Much depends on the paygrade the veteran held when separated from the service. A fifty percent disability or more is where better health coverage begins. Some U.S. States and Territories supplement the Disabled Vet by levying less taxes such a property and some automotive taxes. If a person believes they should be compensated for an injury that is Military Service connected, there are several organizations that will assist that veteran free of charge, they include the VFW, the American Legion and DAV and there are others.
You might want to consider the Shenandoah Valley or just north of it in Maryland. They generally do air conditioning, they get a little snow, the scenery can be quite nice, and if you want to go to the beach, it is less than a day’s drive (I think). There should be many places with high speed internet in both VA and MD; my VA representative to Congress keeps sending me emails about the VA Broadband initiative.
When I saw the title of this post, I laughed. You made it clear that you were asking for a friend when you posted the question about Maryland. 🙂
My mom took me to Worcester, Massachusetts to show me where she lived. With the hills, it reminded me of where I use to live in southern Missouri (the foothills of the Ozarks). It was funny to hear people talked about how hot it was in Boston (she took me there too). It was only in the mid 80s.
What got to me when I was out there was how short of a drive it took to go to another state. I am so use to being in the same state after driving for 2 hours.
I am keeping mum about the ACA. I work for a healthcare system in the DFW area. I work in the quality/health policy/CMS arena. One of the areas I am keeping an eye on is the ACA. It is a healthcare soapbox I could get on and it would be hard for me to get off after 5 minutes because I would also give a little history lesson with it. 😀
I live in Virginia Beach and would really like to buy on the beach. But it seems very unwise because of coastal flooding. Prices there just keep going up, so people aren’t acknowledging it yet. I live on an inlet and have seen more flooding each year, though our property is high up. And I have lived all over, so I suggest you really study winter before you move to Massachusetts. Putting on boots to take out the trash, shoveling the driveway before you go anywhere so it doesn’t get packed down and icy, winterizing your house each year. Winter in the north takes work. That’s why old folk winter in Florida. But good luck
“Winter in the north takes work.”
I’m Russian…
So “Winter in the north takes vodka”?
And Ushanka hats. ????
ROFL, Ilona, you would feel at home in Quebec Canada
+1! (^_^)
“Putting on boots to take out the trash, shoveling the driveway before you go anywhere so it doesn’t get packed down and icy” –> It actually makes me eager, haha! To see the kids playing hip deep in the snow while I shovel, then going inside for hot chocolate, winter suits draped everywhere to dry… sigh. I love winter.
(I love all seasons in fact… I’m highly suited to the place where I live because yes, we have 4 seasons! Even more so than Maryland!!! ;-))
Some figure skaters I follow thought they understood the cold because they lived near Detroit. Then they moved to Montreal for a new coach, and they said they were really shocked at how cold it was there. Really shocked.
I lived one year in Mongolia before moving to Boston area. I still have only ever had the chance to wear my real winter coat twice in 4 years. The winters here are never that bad, and I walk everywhere or use public transit. People remember the 2014-2015 year for snow but the last few years have been a lot milder. We will see this year as I would like some snow since we are all stuck at home anyways.
And did you get enough of it? I’m originally from Oklahoma and miss the people, but not the weather
Ilona, if/when you have time to blog more again, I’d love to hear more stories about Russia.
Not that I’d question or blame you a bit if you didn’t. Intrusion, annoyance, privacy, time… *how* do you seem to enjoy it so much?
Thanks for all the entertainment!????
Western Washington has mild winters, and good Beer and cider. SequimWa for the win! Checking it out!
BTW I’ve been trying to get this to you two.
Arabella’s theme????
https://www.facebook.com/MelissaEtheridge/videos/575486883070148/?vh=e&extid=0
“I’m Russian.” Solid gold reply. I’m dying over here, in Honolulu, where I wouldn’t consider moving from (lived all over the east coast myself).
I live in the western part of Texas and I can tell you we love going near where y’all are but our allergies kill us after a day there not that they are much better here.
We love Texas also but want to move out because of the heat as well it is way to hot for me I am only 32 but had a mild heat stroke during a golf tournament 3 years ago and now I don’t even walk out of the house from late morning until almost dark in summer unless there is clouds and some wind because I can’t handle it.
Although we do have it better heat wise than where my husband is going to work which is Qatar have you seen there temps and what is says it feels like there ????????????????????????
We love Colorado and surprisingly our allergies are fine there. We looked at Florida because like you said the sea and there are also great golf courses but it would have to be a winter stay only because it’s way to hot and humid and hurricanes do not seem fun.
I wouldn’t move near D.C. I heard the water makes you crazy. Please move where you will be happy and comfortable. I heard happy people write alot. However, not sure how you could write more.
I feel a bit weird making this comment, as you do not know me at all, but “Gordon has a military injury to his shoulder, which was getting worse, etc.” immediately caught my attention. I am an attorney and a military (not retired) spouse. It is very likely that Gordon is entitled to treatment from the VA for his shoulder, and if he doesn’t already have it, a VA disability rating that can mean a monthly benefits check. I strongly recommend Consulting with Disabled American Veterans https://www.dav.org/veterans/ if Gordon has not pursued these benefits. They have counselors who can assist with the process.
That should be “now retired” not “not retired.” 🙂
+1 to this!
The VA should take care of the shoulder, and yes will also provide health care to the vet. Your mileage will vary because each VA clinic/hospital has a different level of caring. Not care, caring. Some are great and some are un-great. See a service officer at one of the veteran’s agencies like the DAV or American Legion, etc. They are wonderful at navigating the maze that is VA compensation. (I was scrolling to see if someone would post something like this)
He probably is entitled to VA benefits, but the VA is not the best.
They damn near killed my father. It wasnt one person failing him, but a tragedy of errors from multiple people.
I’ve known close friends who have had horrible care there too.
The good docs, work there just long enough to get a better job elsewhere, and leave asap.
Thank you. We took care of the shoulder 4 years ago. We didn’t go through the VA, but through ACA. I knew we were in trouble when he asked to go to the doctor and then when the doctor asked him what was his pain level, he answered, “Seven.” He couldn’t sleep because of how much it hurt and he didn’t tell me. So we fixed it as quick as we could.
Maryland is super nice. It’s my favorite of everywhere I’ve lived so far (Michigan, Illinois, Germany, Massachusetts, California). We’re in a pocket due north of DC where we have easy access to a lot of stuff–not just DC and Baltimore, but also u-pick farms are a scenic half hour or less away, with minimal traffic. Lots of hiking trails and historic features nearby. People are friendly and generally reasonable. Our 3000+ sq ft house and acre lot (stream in back! With a little bridge!) was under 600K five years ago. And we’re constrained by commuting to jobs, where you’d have your pick since you work from home.
I think the closer you get to any major city, the more you deal with the competitive mindset-short slide over to judgemental/cliquey/unpleasant from there. (I personally found Massachusetts a bit cold in both literal and social climate, but it will depend heavily on how close you are to the ever-expanding Boston/Cambridge area.)
Happy to provide details on request, for you or your friend. Keep us posted!
How about Hawaii? Pick an island. Grow your own food. Maui and Kauai are great.
I’ve only lived in the Bay Area and in NYC so I’ve limited experience. But as a Russian immigrant who came here as a child when I visit Texas I feel like an immigrant and in the Bay Area I feel like an American, with immigrant parents, it’s a significant difference. California has a housing crisis and if you can work from anywhere I see how WA and other states are more attractive but the weather is really nice and it’s beautiful. And the opportunities to pursue anything your kids might be interested in is superior to most places in the U.S.
Texans have been very accepting of me. 🙂
Because you’re awesome. 🙂
And as they say everything is bigger in Texas, so of course that means #1 NYT best selling authors
Oregon Coast. I lived on the Central Oregon Coast for 7.5 years and I so want to go back. So much. Eventually. It’s getting warmer, the Pacific Ocean is gorgeous. Love, love, love.
What a shame that you cannot live in Missouri. My husband and I are transplanted Texans, though his family was originally from here and his extended family still lives here. 4 seasons – yes! Friendly people – yes! Even though we are 15 miles north of a small town and 6 miles south of another, we still have high speed internet through Green Hills Communications – that’s optic fiber, not satellite. We bought 15 acres with house 2 barns and gardening garage shed. We love it!
Where in Missouri do live? On the Kansas City/Springfield/Branson side or the St. Louis/St. Peters/St. Charles side or near Columbia?
Wow. 🙂 I am green with envy, hehehe.
You could try Virginia or North Carolina! Though this may not solve the ACA issue. We don’t get a whole lot of winter, but we still have four seasons, and we’ve got lots of lakes and rivers, plus mountains on the western side of the states. And it’s close enough to drive to the beach for a long weekend or week (at least where I am in VA).
I was going to suggest this. If you want water but aren’t dead set on the beach, then Lake Gaston (NC/VA) or White Lake (NC) might be an option. The NC beaches still have some good buys but are filling up rapidly. The southern NC beaches weather through storms better than the Outer Banks because NC 12 always gets wiped out. And there is great diversity of population in the summer due to long distance owners. My cousins just bought a place on Oak Island (NC, not the one on TV, alas) and they love it.
Ilona and Gordon met in NC. And I can tell you. We have crappy allergies too. Some break in winter few months . I’ve lived in Virginia and PA. Both are nice.
If New England is too cold and MD/DC are pricy, Pennsylvania is a very nice option. I particularly recommend Western PA, where I live. The cost of living is reasonable, roads are good such that it is possible to live way out in the suburbs and still get to amenities like good hospitals quickly.
The ocean is 4-6 hours away, but you could buy property with a river or lakefront view.
The cities in PA are predominantly blue, the more rural areas mostly red.
We do get winter, but most of the listed states get winter.
Washington would be a good choice to be near ocean. I have a cousin in Seattle and they love it.
+1 on the Hawaii suggestion, for the allergies. It’d still have earthquakes and sharks. Don’t know about killer bees… But seriously, my lungs and sinuses rejoice as soon as I breathe Hawaiian air.
Hi there,
I never comment but thought I’d share some places that are similar to (where was it you went on vacay recently…Destin/Gulf Shores?) Check out Mobile County, AL (pronounced MO-bill because we’re southerners and that’s how we roll) and Orange Beach, AL. They’re both on the Gulf Coast but Mobile County has a lot more open land and it’s great for gardening/farming. Of course these places are still super hot but they don’t have some of the issues that Florida has like what you mentioned above (though I might be slightly prejudice because I live here). We also get a good amount of rain throughout the year so it’s not as dry as other parts of the south. And as a perpetual sufferer of allergies myself, I can honestly say that since moving here I haven’t had one single attack. The downside is hurricane season though, so ya know… Other places that are also really lovely and might be worth looking into would be Fairhope, AL (another coastal town) and Birmingham, AL. Clearly I’m only good for places in AL, ha!
How about central coast California? Taxes are high, but the insurance exchange compensates (somewhat). It’s more rural than SD, but you can get to big cities in a couple hours.
San Luis Obispo is great if you want the advantages of a college town. Lompoc or Santa Maria are more sprawling, but still not big cities.
The ocean is moody and gorgeous, steadfast and unpredictable in a purely Pacific way.
Yes, there are fires, but don’t buy in a new (last 10 years) construction area or close to public forests and you should be ok.
I know CA is on the “nope!” list, but it never hurts to try. 🙂
Plus, our food is great!!! Whatever cuisine you want is available in the big cities and the produce is remarkable.
I am moving to Ohio with my husband after he retires at the end of the year. We are moving to Akron. We were so excited before COVID. The Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, the art museums, the playhouse square (second largest after NYC). We hope the symphony will still have the Blossom Festival near Akron. There are many, many parks for walking trails. Our daughter drove 2.5 hours to go climb mountains last week. We are looking forward to reduced summer heat and winter ice even if winter is colder in OH. Also trips to see the lake. Check out the cities on the lake. So cool. Have fun and be safe.
If allergies are your main reason for moving then you may want to consider that Pennsylvania and Massachusetts are both in the top three of most challenging places to live with allergies. https://www.aafa.org/allergy-capitals/
Hey, I live in Massachusetts and my basil and everything else burned this summer. Lol. We can get pretty hot here but like the saying goes, just wait 10 minutes. And I live by the ocean. Ok so shoveling snow has gotten old but autumn is worth it. I just can’t do the hurricanes and tornados other areas get and no way do I want to deal with an earthquake. Ok we get those too but they just go boom and that’s it. From what I’ve heard you can see the ground actually move in California when there’s an earthquake. I get motion sickness so I’ll stick with shoveling and raking leaves. Just remember the grass is always greener.k_beaston@hot
Having lived in Oklahoma, Massachusetts, Maryland, and California – I can say, you aren’t going to get medical protections and economic initiatives similar to CA anywhere else because it has one of the world’s largest economies with a robust GDP – that said, it does suck in many ways.
If you don’t like snow, do note that Maryland is very cold and gets snowy in the winter, but it is a nice defined winter that lasts a single, short season (barring climate change *sigh*). It has affordable areas, but you have to research it and ANY coastal properties pretty much anywhere are risky propositions right now due to climate change.
If the ACA gets repealed, I am also fucked. I’m staying in CA, even though I hate it, just because of good access to healthcare.
Hope you can find your dream place and be happy without allergies ????❤️
COME TO CANADA!!!
We have Maple Syrup and a good Prime Minister!
We have health care, and lovely scenery!
Yeeessss. Come to the Dark Side Andrews family!
????????
Well….you could move to England…..but it rains a lot!
Throwing it out there:
Southern part of BC, Canada. You have fans. The climate and prevailing political environment may suit. And you have fans. And we have a Federal Spin Doctor Department that has the universe convinced and bamboozled that we are an extremely nice, polite, and almost-crime-free utopia!
To be fair, and full disclosure, there are fires, floods, some earthquakes, mosquitoes, and “Are you freaking KIDDING me, they got voted in??” Among other issues. And not in all provinces or territories, and not necessarily at the same time (except the ‘squitoes, they have World Domination Plans everywhere).
And you have fans.
Just sayin’.
So sorry you’re in such a rough spot! That’s a tough situation. My family will also really struggle if the ACA is repealed.
I live in Michigan, couple miles from Lake Superior. We have an inland sea, high speed internet, beautiful old houses at a reasonable price. Allergy season is short.
And we have snow. 300ish inches of snow from October to April. You get used to it. And if you have a plow guy you don’t even notice it.
Just saying…
I have never had allergies but have lived in Dallas for the last 7 years and BAM, allergies this year! Not the best time to have to worry if I am having an allergy attack or got Covid!
So what you’re saying is, you want to live in Australia ???? we’re about to go into a lovely summer, and we probably won’t even catch on fire that badly this year ????????
When this craziness is over, you atleast should come for a visit!
I always wanted to vacation in Australia. Then I saw the video (which I think Ilona posted) of a spider dragging a mouse up the side of a washing machine.
Nope, just nope. Read my pixels, not gonna do it.
Gordon would never leave. We’d get off the plane and he would be like, I am home, thanks. Hug the kids for me.
Australia looks so beautiful, but your rules are a little strict about immigrating. I think if you’re of retirement age, which I believe is 55 or older, you have to have $600,000 in order to live there. But if I had it, I would definitely do it ????
Perth Australia is one of my favorite places in the world. Californiaish climate but better. No earthquakes. The water is amazing. The people are so nice and fun. Kangaroos running wild and less than 2.5 million people in an area that covers 1/3 of the country. If I had the money I would move there.
Ever considered the PNW? While the Pacific is chilly, walking the coast in a storm is wonderful, and the trees and mountains are gorgeous. Both Portland and Seattle are great cities when you need an urban hit.
I had horrible seasonal disorder when in Portland. I just can’t do 10 months of drizzle and grey sky. 🙂
You could always try Ireland. I lived there for five years. It’s basically PNW with an accent.
Although it’s north of Massachusetts in terms of latitude so the winter days were even shorter and it gets gray and rainy like Seattle, I never had SAD while living there. I can’t explain it but it was a nice side bennie.
I think it still has a low tax rate for intellectual property, too.
That was my experience in Pennsylvania.
The seasonal affective disorder, I mean.
As a San Antonian I totally relate to your allergy issues. When I moved here I couldn’t put my makeup on in the morning because my eyes ran nonstop. Have you tried allergy shots? I did several rounds and they provided a tremendous lot of relief.
Yes, I am trying to keep you in Texas. I know, our coast sucks but Belize and the Mexican Caribbean are a short flight away and they’re fabulous. Basil: ignore the instructions about full sun and plant in a shady spot that just gets a bit of morning sun. I tried it this year and mine is not only still alive; it never bolted. People who write “full sun” have never been to Texas. I’ll skip politics and just wish you a sensible solution to the medical insurance problem-have been there.
Ditto on San Antonio and the allergy shots. A really good allergist can give you great advice on the right medications to take as well.
My brother had the same issue. Used to live in Dallas, no big problem with allergies. Moved to Oregon; no issues. Moved to San Antonio. Bam! Allergies from hell.
All my brothers live in Texas (but different cities) so I’ve been thinking of job hunting down there. The possibilities of allergies taking off has been a drawback. The possibility of being in the same state as House Andrews and seeing them at book signings has been a big plus. So please don’t move. Or if you do, just move to one of the Gulf sides so you’re in the same state. 😉
I admit, I was wondering if you were going to move or just to set a novel there. My imagination is clearly too limited!
I’d suggest California for purely selfish reasons, but that state is on fire, and I think every state will have issues.
So, my most personally selfish request: choose a place to live where you can be happy. That’s the most likely to produce novels for me!
You know…Washington state isn’t awful. And we have ocean.
Hubby is retiring in 2 years and we have no idea where to go either. I was born in the Caribbean, but going home is too expensive. We loved Okinawa Jp, his dad is there, but without military orders or some type of contracting job its expensive as well.
Our moms live in NJ, we like the schools and the area but not the cold. We are looking at east coast somewhere but who knows where. PA, Md, Va, Nj but no further North.
I feel Gordon on those allergies. We are in NC at the moment, I am on Zyrtec, Singulair and Flonase. If I miss either of my pills I start itching like a crack fiend and will develop welts….
I am looking at the Virgin Islands, they have hurricanes yes, but we might be able to build with concrete as my island of Trinidad and Okinawa do, so a better chance of the houses holding up. But then the hurricanes are getting stronger
So many choices which we need to narrow down soon.
Good luck to you guys!
I was born in Trinidad! But I live in MD now. My family lives in NC!
Hi there! Most of mine is in NJ, NY and PA. Honestly thats why we want to stay on the East Coast. The Caribbean community is strong on the East coast of the U.S.
You mention that Gordon’s skin burns when he stops taking Zyrtec. You may already know this, but one of the side effects of cetirizine withdraw is intense itching, sometimes perceived as burning. This side effect is common enough that some other countries now require it listed on the drug inserts (not in the USA, unfortunately).
It took me many weeks of slowly decreasing my dosage, some real discomfort, and the help of another antihistamine to get (mostly) clear.
I still have occasional issues with the itching, but they are becoming less and less frequent.
Hoping the situation improves for Gordon.
Ditto here. I used Zyrtec at the recommendation of an allergist to manage hives, but it didn’t work all that great. I went off cold turkey and through three weeks of itching that made the regular fist-sized hives seem mild in comparison. I should have tapered, but once I started I just wanted it out of my body ASAP.
As far as Florida goes, they have a pretty high luxury tax. So everytime you buy a beer you pay almost double what you would pay here in Alabama. Anything deemed nonessential is taxed. That’s how they make their money.
Since I’m not sure where in Texas you are, you might just move to the other side of the state. I know the environment and air are totally different from Dallas to Midland.
I would love for y’all to move here but all we have are a couple of nice lakes and Little River Canyon.
Good luck.
You could come to Italy! ????????????
Sea, country and mountains are in easy reach from almost everywhere!
As one being packing because of upcoming home renovations, I understand the reluctance to moving and wish you to find your perfect lovely corner ????????
I know you guys are not big fans of cold but Minnesota is gorgeous!!!! Sometimes haha but it’s a great excuse to stay inside and be snuggled up warm.
Not sure if this is helpful at all, but I moved from MA to CT about 15 years ago. It’s very similar in most ways, but a *little bit* warmer in the winter. My parents live in the Berkshires in western MA, and they’re usually 5-10 degrees colder than us, with more snow. I would say our high speed internet is pretty good in the cities and suburbs, not necessarily good in the more rural areas – as you’d expect.
Western Pennsylvania is nice and green and our weather is usually boring. Weather in January & February kinda of sucks, but you can become a snow bird! I am biased, of course, but check out Pennsylvania.
I live in MA and it is cold. But it’s less cold if you live by the ocean there are some beautiful beach towns in the Cape.
I loved Austin (many many years ago), but my allergies about killed me there. 🙁
Have you considered Hawaii? I live on the Big Island in a town called Waimea and I love it.
I live in Honolulu but I was going to suggest Waimea too. I love the Big Island.
Great Lakes? All four seasons there plus extra winter.
Please consider Vermont. With climate change, we’re becoming positively temperate. No ocean, but Lake Champlain. Great Internet depends on where in Vermont. There are taxes, which we all hate. But, health care. It is gorgeous here and I can breathe, in spite of my allergies. Come visit. We don’t invite just anyone to move here. Only people we like!
I live in Wisconsin. It is cold but beautiful with 4 seasons and lots and lots of Lake Shore views.
I’m a native Texan but my entire extended family is from Maryland & Pennsylvania. I love Texas, but I too would like to breathe properly someday. And I love visiting my family whenever possible (pre-pandemic, anyway), but true story is it expensive to live up there. There’s no winning, really. Unless…all you care about is SEASONS ???? of which, as you have already noted, Maryland does have all four ???? oh and they have cheap crab. Long story short… I have no point. I just love your books and this topic caught my attention for the above reasons ????
Oregon.
Hi Ilona. Living in MD is great. I live in a neighborhood with very fast internet and although my property isn’t huge it borders these gorgeous woods that is protected lands that no one can build on. So it’s like living around people but with the feel of being secluded. The drinking water here is really clean and it’s better than any other place I’ve visited or lived except Iceland.
However I know what you mean about internet access because a coworker of mine lives about 40 minutes north of me and she has no internet at all. No internet companies put infrastructure there.
Yes the taxes are a bit high but I feel we get many benefits from it as well for instance we have a great school system.
PA is about a 4 hour drive from my house and it’s beautiful there as well. I visit the PA Amish country every year and I love it there. I also love visiting Pittsburgh.
You and Gordon are my favorite authors so of course any fan of yours on the east coast will love to have you. Take care!
Oh and one more thing. I’m an environmental marine biologist focused on how climate change is affecting benthic arctic invertebrate populations. You are right to be weary of purchasing coastal properties. That’s all I’ll say on that subject matter to avoid me spiraling into a rant. ????
“Yes the taxes are a bit high but I feel we get many benefits from it as well for instance we have a great school system.”
This. We pay taxes for a reason. Now I’ll avoid spiraling onto that rant.
Also the rest of it, although I’m closer to PA and visit it less often.
I’ve lived in Ohio, Minnesota, Maryland, Wisconsin, New Hampshire and Tennessee. I grew up in Ohio so it is my favorite for sentimental reasons but, objectively, if you don’t mind the cold either Minnesota or New Hampshire are great places to live. Minnesota has lakes and the ocean is only a short drive away (1-2 hours at most) in most of New Hampshire. I dislike the heat so neither Maryland nor Tennessee are favorites. But, sentiment aside, Northern Ohio has a lot going for it. My home town is a college town and have free concerts, plays, and an art museum. Cost of living, especially housing, is low. We get some snow and cold but usually only in January and February. Only rub is that ACA thing. For that reason alone, I’d go with Minnesota.
I live in Maryland now and used to live in Vermont. I love both, but would recommend Vermont over Maryland, no contest.
The downside is obvious–it gets cold, and it stays cold for a long time.
But there are excellent clothing options and ways to heat your home that won’t get absurdly expensive. Many Vermonters still use wood stoves–sometimes just as a cheap way to supplement their other heat source, sometimes ad the primary source of heat. Aside from that, every Vermonter will happily give list tips and tricks to beat the cold. They’ve all dealt with it, and Vermonters are some of the kindest, most community-focused people I’ve ever met.
High speed internet is common even in the most rural parts of Vermont. The valleys make cell phones unreliable so people have compensated with widely available internet. Like many things in Vermont, internet is usually run by a coop so you’re also spending more money on paying for your neighbors’ salaries rather than some global CEO you’d hate on sight.
Really that goes to the essence of Vermont–a focus on the local communities. Farmer markets pop up in every little town; most stores primarily sell items grown or made in either the New England area or Vermont itself; and you get to know the employees at every nearby diner, restaurant, and grocery store. Oh, and that state is stunningly beautiful.
I promise I’m not on the payroll. Just don’t dismiss it too quickly due to the cold.
And on a darker note, it’s getting warmer every year.
Canada is nice. Healthcare is good. If you lived in BC , winters aren’t as cold. Just a thought
If and when you decide, I highly recommend Murrysville, PA. It has wonderful shops and restaurants and grocery stores that all deliver, a countryside setting while less than 20 miles to Pittsburgh and only 5 miles to Monroeville where both UPMC and AHN have hospitals.
I’m in western PA, near Pittsburgh, and it is absolutely beautiful—with rolling hills that lead to the Appalachians, and lovely lakes and rivers to summer on. We are only about a 5 hr drive to DC/Baltimore and you can drive into NYC in about 6 -7 hr drive. We’re also about 6 hr drive from Chicago. It’s like the perfect spot. I’m originally from MN so I love the milder winters. Highly recommend!
Oh dear. I’m so sorry you have to move. I grew up in Boston and lived in one of its bedroom communities for 50 years, never really thought we would leave. Due to taxes and other costs, we retired to NH which is now really a colony of MA. Simply could not put up with the snow and the cold, not to mention the cold and the snow. Massachusetts is not that much better. I was rooting for global warming most of my life. All other considerations aside, for reasons of climate perhaps you should stay south of New England.
Moved from GA to MD, not looking back. Allergies are Manageable, close to everything and some beautiful beaches on the eastern shore. I’ve never been proud of my state but learning what “Maryland proud” means since moving here.
I can highly recommend Maryland and assure you that you can be semi-rural and still have access to high speed internet, easy access (30 minutes to an hour depending on exact location) to all the amenities of the metropolitan area. There are 3 major airports, rail service in some areas and mostly good roads. I have lived in the Virginia/Maryland area for 5 decades. If you would like to have more information, email me. I would love to have two of my favorite authors close by 😉
Are you sure you want to stay in USA?
Because in any EU state you would have Health care covered.
You could have the other side of Floridian coast! And the kind temperature of mediterranean state would do good to Gordon’s shoulder.
Come to Canada. Vancouver is beautiful and gives you sea. Not too cold and not too hot. You would like it. ????????????❤️????
Oh and I almost forgot… Plus free healthcare… and it’s Canada.
I live in the pioneer valley of MA. Yes it gets cold. My husband is from the country of Panama in Central America. His allergies are severe. When he moved here it took him 2 years to get use to the cold. On top of that, his allergies didn’t start to bother him for about 15 years. They are very severe again but he gets relief in the winter time when all things stopped growing and is blanketed in snow. BUT the mosquitoes during summer haveEEE. Is there any place good? Maybe the Artic?
I understand that you are looking at staying in the USA but…
…have you considered the other side of the pond? Especially now that your kids are grown enough for all those pretty, Mediterranean-climate places to be a possibility?
Our scorching heat tends to be…uh…less than Texas and our cold snaps are *definitely* more tepid than in Maryland. And hurricanes are something you see on TV.
Oh, I forgot to add: National healthcare and,a thought for your old age, most everything in hospitals is fully free once you reach 65 or 70 (and medicinals are also heavily discounted then).
Covid free New Zealand would love to have you. You can get all four seasons in one day here, and high speed internet is really reliable.
My son tells me Maryland taxes are high. He used to live in Virginia and worked in DC. I’ve moved from Texas to Alaska and love it. But I’m odd, I like the winter here. And after your last post I’m not surprised you were inundated by people wanting to know if you were moving to Maryland.
The eastern shore of Maryland is nice. I don’t know what the insurance is like in Delaware, but there are areas there (a little south of Rehoboth) that are supposed to be nice, not too crowded, not as expensive. Maryland to the NW of DC (near Frederick) is nice. I am pretty sure the internet is everywhere….. Northern Virginia is nice also (again, don’t know what insurance is like there).
Minnesota is nice, but you’d have to live near one of the bigger cities to get internet. Lovely during the summer, but winter is long. Back in the day it was cold but sunny during the winter (dry cold so layers work, unlike in Massachusetts where it’s damp cold that just goes through all the layers). S
Best wishes.
i live in massachusetts. it’s crazy expensive here. it’s cold. three months out of the year you want to hibernate because it is so cold. one year we had so much snow that the pile in the city of boston didn’t melt until july. however, i would never want to live anywhere else… well maybe kauai. we have top notch health care and and sensible government. the berkshires maybe a good place to look. cold, but many authors and artists call it home.
My husband is English and was born in Malaysia (his dad was in the Royal Army, posted there) so he loves hot weather. We moved from the northeast corner of Pennsylvania to Vermont, which is often warmer than our former home (because of lower altitude). No ocean, but gorgeous clean air and pretty fall foliage and a climate that’s going to be like Asheville, NC in a few years. Rivers here don’t flood (historically); could property overlooking a river do?
I lived in Florida for 18 months. Pro’s – very pet friendly. There are some beaches in the Eastern side (I lived in Ft. Lauderdale) that had fenced off doggy beaches. Foody-town plus. Wonderful restaurants! South Beach Sand Castle Competition (It’s just not Christmas until you see the sand castle Santa complete with Reindeer). Completely photogenic everywhere. If you are a photo-bug, you will love it. Cons – Expensive! To put it in perspective, my move was a corporate move. Which means I lived in a hotel until the budget movers got there. They got there on a Wednesday morning. Cable and internet guy got there to do the hookup shortly after the movers gently dumped my stuff. So, I’m watching daytime tv for noise while I unpack. All of the car commercials were Mercedez, Jaguar, and Land Rover. Not too many folks home in the middle of the day, middle of the week, can afford those. I was home middle of the day middle of the week, and I couldn’t even afford the insurance on one of those, lol. Another con, the weather. They have cyclical weather. So, every 20 or so years, you get a really really really (enough really’s?, okay, one more) really, bad hurricane Season. And the entire area goes completely nuts, rightfully so. But it is still way bad. Another con, humidity. I have seasonal allergies. I live on Zyrtec and Benedryl. When I moved to Florida, my lungs were so weak from a lifetime of allergy suffering, I went from popping Zyrtec daily to carrying an inhaler. I didn’t have to use it much, but my first couple of months there before my doctor finally figured out the issue were scary with that whole “not able to breathe” thing. But, if you are a nature lover who has dogs and loves to wander around, it works. Hope that helps.
Virginia is lovely. I don’t know if Richmond has enough internet for your work.
But you can get on Amtrak Autotrain and visit Florida with your car if you live in Virginia. Its a lovely overnight trip.
When I moved from Miami to DC for my first civilian job I took the autotrain with all of my worldly possessions crammed into the car. Of course, driving from Miami to Sanford Fl (autotrain terminal) with minimal visibility was harrowing.
I would say check out Rochester, NY we are away from NYC and have good health care and internet. We have a great lake which is like being on the ocean with beaches. We also have the finger lakes which are wonderful as well. On the downside we have horrible taxes and snow….and snow….I have lived all over the country Portland, OR, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and back to Rochester for elderly parent duty. My answer is there are issues wherever you go pick the one with the least issues and go for it.
I’m sorry it seems to always turn into wild twists and turns here! Massachusetts is awesome. We live in Beverly just a few minutes from Salem. I can’t live far from the coast for my sanity sake as well as my marine biology job
Anyway, happy writing. I’m looking forward to all that’s coming soon!
I live in Pittsburgh. We have high-speed internet and we’re below the snow belt. Allergy reactions are not too bad here. I needed claritin when I lived in Kentucky. We have winter but not as extreme as New England. I miss the ocean too but property is too expensive near it. I’ve settled for rivers instead.
So pleased to have a post from you today. I was going into House Andrew blog withdrawal. (Not a complaint. I know you’re under deadline pressures.) Thanks for insights into your lives.
I grew up in Massachusetts & lived in Baltimore for two years. Once you get outside of the beltway-maybe 45 minutes, it is just lovely. The ocean is still not too far away. Massachusetts on the western end is very reasonable and again less than two hours from the beach. Southeastern Ma. Is ok
Hope you find a wonderful in between that is a perfect blend of hot and cold with low allergies. I wish I could find a place like that. I hate the heat but I am not a fan of hyper cold either. Ugh!
I understand everything you are saying and I’m with you on your concerns for the ACA and for what we are going to do as the results of climate change continue. Good luck finding the right climate for your allergies. Aside from places like the North Pole and Antarctica, I don’t know any place where I would be safe from my allergies. I even spent years getting allergy shots and though for a while it was a nearly miraculous cessation of allergy symptoms, the last few years have had a resurgence in the sneezing, itchy eyes, and that weird itching in the back of my throat. So, I can’t recommend Kentucky. I hope you and your family find something better.
I live in Pennsylvania, Chester county Southeast corner next to Delaware and 30 minutes from the Mason-Dixon line. It has become very popular since we bought our house 50 years ago and the town we are near has a foodie vibe,or it did before the virus. We have a lot of big malls within 15 miles.Hospital and doctors everywhere. However property is somewhat expensive “average” is $400k but can go more for state of the art kitchen etc.,over an acre, probably $750k. Moderate weather , lows in the 20ies and highs in the 90ies at the worst.
Someone mentioned Ohio. I don’t know if I have a hate on for Ohio because I’ve lived here all my life, but no. Don’t do it.
First, there is no sea. The lakes are sketch box, but they are here. Allergies are a bitch, and you can get them in any season, including winter. All things considered, cost of living is pretty good here, and the weather isn’t too bad. We do get all four seasons if you’re into that kind of thing. It’s especially mild if you live in the valley like I do. Only thing is, it’s really, really flat. I mean, unless you go to southern Ohio…but I’m Black, so I don’t…
I live in Texas as well, and suffer from allergies. However, I notice that when I go to Temple or further north, my allergies disappear almost immediately.
You might think about the mountains of Western North Carolina. It is beautiful cooler andin some parts has good internet.
We met at WCU. I grew up, at least partially, in Jackson County. My family still lives there in Cullowhee and Sylva. Both our kids were born at Harris Regional or whatever they’re calling it now. We were very poor and our memories of that area are not the best. It’s kind of the place we left behind. We have considered the coast or Outer Banks but neither of us have ever been to that part of the state.
I currently live in Raleigh, NC, my husband is from Bryson City, NC which is near Sylva. We really like it here, it’s six hours from the mountains and only an hour and a half to two hours from the beach. We enjoy day trips to the beach whenever we feel like it and the weather is fairly mild here.
But have you seen our Maryland flag?? It’s seriously worth moving here for.
You mentioned Massachusettes off-hand. I have family that moved to just outside of Amherst, for proximity to UMass. Where they live is really close to a large state park, but also within civilization. The satellite photos reminded me of the country suburbs I grew up in. They’re from Texas, and outside of the winter, they seem to like it.
I live in Southern New Mexico in the desert and I love it here. I do have allergies but mine are manageable. It does get very hot here but it’s a dry heat like an oven.
I love Maryland and I am also not worried about health insurance since we have mAryland Health connect. We do get hot but not for long. July/August. Move here or PA!!! Yay!!
I’ve moved a lot throughout my life, CA, MA, VA, MI, OH….. new England is beautiful and because I lived there as a kid there’s a part of me that will always feel like its home, but yeah… winter; CA was fun (I lived near both LA and San Fran) Yosemite is beautiful, but between the droughts, brush fires, earth quakes, and mudslides and the fake people, we left; I spent college in MI (MSU not U of M) and loved it, it was fun, but again… winter; Lived in Northern VA (which is a DC suburb), if you don’t like politics or living around Karen’s and Kevin’s then you don’t want to be anywhere near DC (VA or MD)… we ran away and never looked back; we found ourselves settling in Ohio, around Columbus… beautiful smaller city, small town feel but a 20 minute drive from downtown, all the plusses of country and city living, its growing and a lot of business is headed here, the weather isn’t arctic like MI or New England, but we have seasons, and we may not have the ocean, but there are really big lakes…. we also have native earthworks all over the place and a kick-butt zoo….. as you can tell, we’re a little partial to where we ended up. And yeah, I cant go south either, pine allergy.
Massachusetts has a lot going for it. I moved out of Texas because my parents were elderly and lived in NY, and I also hated the heat. I came back to Massachusetts where I had friends, but could still get to NY in a hurry if needed. Yes it gets cold, but there are blankets and sweaters to keep warm, remember that naked you are still hot. Yes the heating bills will match your Texas A/C bills, but only for about 3 months. Most towns handle the snow quite well. The big Nor’easters like 1977-78 have been rare. Some winters are snowier than others. You can have country and still be near an urban center. Try us, you might like us.
Also Massachusetts has a seacoast.
How about Canada? You could live on the East Coast (sea!) or BC (also sea! but more expensive.) Also, we have healthcare.
Massachusetts isn’t *that* cold! It’s a lovely state. If you want country a don’t mind being a couple hours from the ocean, check out the area around Amherst, MA — there are five colleges, so there’s a lot of infrastructure (public transit, good internet, etc.) in what is otherwise a quite rural area.
If you’re looking for beautiful coasts, I definitely recommend New England! Both Connecticut and Massachusetts have lovely shorelines, but CT is much less expensive. Check out the New London, CT, area for some truly quaint towns and wonderful beaches! MA, on the other hand, is where you’ll find some of the best American history in the country. If you’re interested in museums and culture, Boston’s the place to go (if you can afford it) or one of the many adorable towns up and down the coastline, all of which are connected to Boston via the commuter rail.
Yes, it can get cold in the winter (which is why I’m not recommending Maine, which is also beautiful), but there’s 90+ degree days in the summer. As my friend who recently moved here from Florida says, while snow and ice can be scary, there’s nothing quite like having four seasons.
I won’t speak for your allergies as I don’t know how your bodies work, but in New England I have more issues with the smog in the cities than the pollen.
Good luck with the (eventual) move.
I LOVE New England. In my next life, I’m going to be born, live, and die in New England!
We would love to have you join us here in Massachusetts. It is only cold some of the time! And while the area immediately close to the coast is expensive, inland is not so bad, and still a reasonable drive when you need some ocean time. Connecticut is also great that way. I’m sorry you can’t stay where you are – we are a former military family now in our “forever home.” I am not moving again until I have to go to a nursing home!
Boy, I understand allergies, native Texan, bad allergies. I have been “told” that Colorado is really a good place for allergies.
Have you thought about California? I live in SoCal and while I can’t really recommend the OC, San Diego area is lovely. By the ocean, 70F mostly all the time. Its expensive but that area is less so than the bay area, where I am from. The bay area is really nice, but pricey if you want by the ocean. But in SoCal there are places by the ocean that are nice and not super pricey. Weather is good, just not as much space as you are used to. Plus we have our own healthcare exchange so the healthcare issue is less of a worry.
Come to California! We don’t have 4 seasons by the ocean and it can be pricey but the weather is nice year around and as long as you don’t life in fire rich areas you’re house won’t be burned. We got that nice State Health Care you want.
My allergy affected friends eat bee pollen (from the area your in) and they say it makes it sooooo much better. Also a lot of towns planted pretty male trees that drop nothing in the spring (no ground clean up) but makes the air hazy with the pollen they spread so maybe check that out when picking a new place to live and stay away from boy trees. find a helpful list here! https://www.aafa.org/media/2608/aafa-2020-allergy-capitals-report.pdf
sources:
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/seasonal-allergies-blame-male-trees
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/may/16/how-urban-planners-preference-for-male-trees-has-made-your-hay-fever-worse
I’m in western PA, near Pittsburgh, and it is absolutely beautiful—with rolling hills that lead to the Appalachians, and lovely lakes and rivers to summer on. We are only about a 5 hr drive to DC/Baltimore and you can drive into NYC in about 6 -7 hr drive. We’re also about 6 hr drive from Chicago. It’s like the perfect spot. I’m originally from MN so I love the milder winters. Highly recommend!
I still vote for Idaho. I know it’s not close to the ocean but there are rivers and lakes all over. 4 seasons. No crazy weather. If you go more north it is absolutely beautiful but you will have a much more snowy winter. Southern Idaho is actually considered a desert and has cold but pretty dry winters. This year we are getting a long warm fall and I am loving it. It has still been in the 70s and sunny most days. Spring and fall are usually mild. Summer is hot and dry. There are no hurricanes, there are no tornadoes, there are very few earthquakes and the ones we get are smaller than other places, depending on where you go the fire issue is less than other western states. I wouldn’t recommend any of the smaller mountain towns just because of the possibly of fire but if you stick to the bigger towns in the valleys like Twin Falls, where I grew up, or Boise, where I am now, you will get smoke but not actual fire. Unfortunately because everyone else has figured out how amazing it is here house prices have been skyrocketing. You should have jumped when I suggested it a couple years ago.
Gosh that all sounds terrible. It makes me so grateful to live in England. Our National Health Service is both fantastic and free and living by the sea in the South of England is magical.
I hope that you’ll find a great place to live, grow old and leave to your kids.
I stayed in MD for a summer month decades ago and really liked it, I understand the appeal. And my grandmother used to live next to Fort Lauderdale, so I understand what you are saying about Florida, all of it.
Here in the south of France, we’re in a fire hazard area, with earthquake potential.
I wonder if there’s a place in the world that is safe, considering we are peeing in our aquarium.
Maine is fun… cold in the winter but never scorching hot. We’re interesting characters to boot. Not to mention the stunning coast and mountains 🙂
My husband and I researched various states and factors involved, when he retired. We eventually moved to Maine. Our taxes were a quarter of what we had been paying in lower Connecticut. Not everything is as easily accessible but the roads in winter are cleaned within 24 hrs. The weather is better and we rarely lose our utilities unlike where we had lived previously. I do not regret the move which we made 17 years ago and the beauty we see each day.
For something less common, try northwest Arkansas (specifically, Benton or Washington counties). While the rest of the state tends to poor, rural, and red, the northwest corner is growing rapidly and is relatively well-off financially, and probably more purple politically. Beautiful scenery, lakes, major university, museums, and still retains a quirky charm. When I grew up there, it was pretty isolated, but it’s not any more. Overall cost of living should be lower than a lot of the US. If I were retiring, I’d go back there in a heartbeat.
Move to Oregon. We have amazing bookstores and many, many coffee shops.
Miles of beautiful beaches and headlands.
We will not debate the average rainfall.
Us generational Oregonians evolve webbing…….
The comments to this post are hilarious. We are all so tribal. I love the PNW, I care not at all that it skips the horrible apocalypse that other areas call “winter” and instead does rainy, cold and rainy, and dry. My allergies here are terrible though.
1. Allergy shots!! I was a non believer and a naysayer for decades until I was desperate!!!! Now, I can breathe ❤️ I religiously get my shot every week. It takes time to work, but did I mention that I can breathe!!
2. Pacific Northwest especially WA west of the Cascades… So beautiful. Check it out before you move.
I mostly grew up in Northern VA. There are a lot of amazing places in Virginia. The Shenandoah Valley is absolutely gorgeous. And it’s also on the ocean, even though Virginia Beach is pretty small.
Maryland is beautiful and also has a nice shoreline, but since I lived in VA, I have to point out that MD drivers are terrible. They might disagree, but I know what I know. 😉 Also, you’re right that the cities are congested and the whole area around DC is crazy expensive.
North Carolina is amazingly beautiful. A too often forgotten gem with many stunning areas and still very affordable.
Thank you for this post. There is great life advice add new information.
We’d love to have you here in Pennsylvania!
Come to the Pacific NorthWet. No, you probably won’t, but we too have nice trees, lakes, mountains, and the sea. Just a whole lot colder…
Susan
Grew up in Lake Charles. Now live in Massachusetts. I highly recommend it!
Of course, I’m the person who visits San Marcos /San Antonio in August and just cries because it’s so hot.
Arizona is nice:) Hot, but the desert
Landscape is beautiful, and when the stars come out at night it is lovely.
I suggest central Pa. Having lived all over, including Florida, Pa is where we settled to raise our kids. Plus, We get less snow every year, which my hubby enjoys greatly.
I will throw in a pitch for upstate NY, winters are getting warmer and living in Ithaca its beautiful and cool here in the summer and fall. And we have beautiful lakes. The being said, I also loved the lakes and have considered NC (beaufort NC is absolutely beautiful) and/or maryland or virginia. Good luck!
Allergies are the only reason I would ever move to Florida. The week I spend there each year is amazing. And the instant I cross the Kentucky state line I start sneezing. I doubt I’ll ever move, but that week, I truly look forward to.
Lived in Tennessee all my life. It’s a beautiful state, but the allergies will take you down! Hope you find the perfect place…… beautiful, internet, and no allergies! 🙂
If one of the Great Lakes would substitute for the sea you might want to consider that; but you would have to deal with winter.
I grew up in Texas, lived in Massachusetts and am now back in Texas.
Pluses to MA –
I had NO issues with allergies;
Found awesome group of creative, quirky friends;
Summers were great (didn’t buy an A/C until there 6 years) l. Few days in 80s and typically not back-to-back;
Fall is gorgeous;
Mass transit in Boston area is great way to get to fun things to do;
Can easily drive to ocean, mountains, NYC, DC;
Great seafood.
Bad –
Shoveling snow sucks (so make sure have covered garage & a snow removal service);
State income tax (not as high as some state);
Cost of living super high if live with certain radius of ring around Boston;
Traffic sucks in that same ring around Boston or driving to Cape, Vineyard of Nantucket in summer.
I left Ohio 12 years ago glad to be away from my allergies and moved to Texas. The s then became year round of my job transferred me to Arizona. I was assured my asthma and allergies would be much better because Arizona is a “dry heat” and “nothing grows there but cactus”.
I discovered, I’m allergic to cactus.????????
All of that to say, don’t count on moving to cute the allergies.
I’m from PA originally and live in CT now. I feel like I’m in the minority, but I love living in the northeast. I love having four seasons and I honestly don’t mind snow (as long as I live far enough away from the Great Lakes and Lake Effect Snow – that is too much for me). I also like living in a “blue” state. Sure, our taxes our higher but I don’t mind it if it’s paying for healthcare, and I appreciate how our Governor has responded to COVID.
There are Pros and Cons to every town and state. While it’s never easy to relocate, I wish you the best in making your decisions.
I would not recommend the mid Atlantic for allergy suffers. Our trees here in The Virginia Chesapeake area are gorgeous. They literally grow like weeds. However, the pollen, Oh the Pollen and grass pollen and weed pollen wreck havoc on the sinuses. Oops forgot all those gorgeous garden flowers blooming in spring.
My mother lived with me for 5 years. She’d suffered from allergies badly for decades in the DFW area. I thought she would do better here. Boy was I Wrong!
I love it here on the ‘Peake. Fortunately for me, allergies are not a problem. Will be terribly sad when I hv to leave and find cheaper senior living accommodations probably in Florida.
Move to Australia! ????????. Southern WA or Tasmania don’t get as hot… property prices are stable, health care is A+, no hurricanes, no earthquakes, twisters, or tsunamis… some of the best beaches in the world and Health insurance is recommended but not necessary, you get the same care for free.
You just need to become accustomed to our different wildlife… hehehe.. nothing quite as adorable as foxes, skunks and deer here!
You might need a fire extinguisher, some heavy duty bug spray and shark repellent though….. hmmmm… if you die you won’t write anymore.
Move to New Zealand!! No snakes, no spiders, no dangerous animals of any sort, great, GREAT healthcare and the most amazing Prime Minister ever! Oh and New Zealand is absolutely the most beautiful country in the world… truly stunning scenery from the tropical tippy top to the soggy cold bottom.
Colorado is really nice, and both Denver and Colorado Springs are supposed to be pretty good for allergy sufferers. No ocean/sea but we have mountains and lots of wildlife.
In regards to allergies, have you both done the test on your back where they inject a bunch of test shots and determine what you are specifically allergic too? The results could help you decide where to move. We live in NJ and my husband discovered a bunch of strange allergies when they did his. If you like being near water, he says you may need to find a place where the winds come off the ocean to help with the allergies or move to the desert but away from people.
I have had allergies wherever I have lived. I am in Reno, Nevada now, and allergies are tolerable with good meds (Zyrtec and Flonase and nasal rinse). After 5 years in Maryland, the allergies were so bad my eyes were constantly swollen shut. And the humidity! And the Ticks!!!! And fleas! Present in both MD & Virginia, where I lived for 20 years.
Low low humidity here in Reno. This year has been hotter and drier than normal. But that’s happening everywhere. Seasons have also shifted which has probably happened everywhere. But, there are no ticks or fleas. 🙂 And no humidity.
I am not trying to promote Reno, because there are many things that aren’t great, like everywhere else.
Hope you find a good place to land for a while. I ended up in Reno by accident, and even though it isn’t as nice as it used to be, it still suits me well enough. And I can’t imagine another place that has more to offer than Reno does.
I do miss the ocean though. I have lived inland the past 15 years, and I still miss the smell of the ocean, the breezes off the water, and the calls of the seagulls.
Come to Rhode Island – the “Ocean State”. Affordable, beautiful, all four seasons but a less mild winter than Mass. Also, there is great Mexican food (both my husband and I are from Texas). Overall, a great food scene and a vibrant art scene. We live on the East Side of Providence which is a really cool group of neighborhoods (not to be confused with East Providence, which is a different city). There are also several smaller towns where you can live on the water and it isn’t too bad pricewise. Feel free to email me of you want to talk more about it!!
Kentucky is beautiful and Louisville is a great city. Come live here!
You really ought to consider Tennessee. No state income tax, mountains, within striking distance of the ocean. Good VA system for Gordon and the state had a shared risk pool that predates the ACA. Also, I thought the Romance Writers assoc had a health insurance plan?
Check out the NC beaches and coastal towns. The beaches (and Piedmont and Mountains) are beautiful! Cooler than Tx, still very scenic, plus you already have a colleague(I think she does) who has a place in the mountains here. (It can be a trifle humid in the summer, but at the coast, the breeze is wonderful!)
Come to Michigan. We have a ton of lakes, and yes we have winter, and ass holes trying to kidnap our beloved governor, but spring and autumn are amazing.
Check out Port Angeles, WA. It’s in a rain shadow so sunny, right on the ocean, and cooler temperatures. It’s a retirement community for a reason and it’s affordable.
Or even sunnier Port Townsend, WA. It’s so cute! A little more expensive and popular but probably my first choice. It’s on the WA marine ferry system too as is Port Angeles but less routes.
Having grown up in north central PA, gone to college in Southern PA, and lived the last 42 years in south central NY, I can honestly say, if you do not like a hefty dose of humidity with your heat, go as far north as you can afford. Yes, my area (Binghamton, on the NY/PA border along the I-81 corridor) does have cold and snow but not nearly as much as an hour and a half north of us. We still have humidity but it is much more bearable than further south. My brother who lives with me uses the NY healthcare option and has been very happy with it (I am fortunate to have excellent coverage from my former employer).
We have considered moving several times to be closer to family members but we can’t beat what we have. No hurricanes, tornadoes are extremely rare. My area has been hit with two floods (2005, 2011) but we live at the junction of two rivers so it was bound to happen sooner or later. And we both think our governor has done an excellent job of dealing with the pandemic.
Love the sea. Check out Hawaii. They have the Hawaii Medical Insurance Assoc. Nonprofit medical open to Hawaii residents
A few of my friends have moved to CT and are loving it. However, the pollen and harsh winters may not be to your liking. One friend is living in West Hartford and the other on the coast in Groton. I love coastal CT- lots of beautiful towns up and down I-95 not far from the beaches and marinas. I’m considering where to move within the next ten years and upstate NY and CT seem like good bets.
Emigrate to Canada. British Columbia has a variety of climates from Coastal rainforest to regions of semi dessert. And you get socialized medicine.
Well, you have to consider Amherst, NY….biggest suburb of Buffalo, NY….does not get nearly as much snow and as absolutely beautiful, you get 4 seasons, housing costs are stable…in fact the economy is stable! Been here 26 years, moved from Arizona via Florida and would never go back to either one!! Cannot go wrong!
Every place has its charms and its hardships. Your family gets around enough to sample a good part of the country, so you can make informed choices.
I am partial to my home in the pacific northwest myself. I am literally 5 minutes away from salt-water (Puget Sound), and about 2-3 hours from ocean beaches, 90 minutes from mountain passes. Oddly, the allergens on the Eastern and Western parts of the state are different enough that you can get relief just by visiting the other side of the mountains.
To each their own … I don’t do “hot”, so my visits to Florida, Louisianna, and Texas have been carefully planned — and it was still too hot. I think all will join me in just hoping that you find a nice place for writing.
Florida, sure.
I had a nice photo of an alligator climbing a glass storm door with a cat inside watching.
2nd try
Eeeeeeeeeek!
Coastal Oregon is nice. But, there is a fire problem.
Oh, wow, do I feel this post! When my husband gets out of the service we will be making the same choice for exactly the same reasons. Maryland is not as country as you might think. There are plenty of places with reliable internet. It also has so much less cedar pollen than Texas. Lol
I have a friend who’s now moved from Hilton Head to a lake near the upper area of South Carolina and both have been stunning. Her lake view is amazing, the temps are great. Beautiful places, both. (I absolutely loved the sea there, and having never lived near water, really really wanted to move there.)
Another friend lives in Montclair, NJ, and I was *stunned* at how gorgeous it was. I don’t know much about the winters, but they weren’t horrible, most of the time, from what I remember.
I’m with you on the ACA. I have a (relatively new-to-me) auto-immune illness that they deem is a disability, because it is so serious, so if the pre-existing condition coverages are lost, I’m in pretty scary shape. The treatments are extremely expensive, and I’d end up bankrupt or dead.
We recently moved to Pennsylvania from Alabama (a year ago) and we’re loving it. We are just southwest of Harrisburg, and the climate (so far) has been a very temperate 4 seasons – I think it only snowed twice here this past winter. We’re in the Susquehanna River valley with the Appalachian Mountains to the west of us, so I think it’s something of a microclimate. The area around Gettysburg is beautiful-full of fruit farms, apple orchards and rolling hills. My mother-in-law lives in northern PA and her climate is typically 5 to 10 degrees colder – just so you’re aware! We’re in a town with a college and a military base, so it’s pretty purple (typically – maybe blue-purple this year) – so it’s grounded but progressive. We had allergies in Alabama and have not noticed issues here (fingers crossed!) – and as I’m writing I’m remembering I had to give my younger son Zyrtec daily in Alabama and we’re totally off of it – so yay! Feel free to reach out if you have questions about our part of Pennsylvania.
Depending where you live in Pennsylvania and what you’re allergic to, you could be in worse shape than you are. There are TONS of trees in PA of all types. Ragweed and plantain are miserable in the fall.
That said, there are some great places in PA, but if you have to use Frontier as your internet provider run fast, run far. Their DSL is slower than some dial ups I’ve been on.
Pittsburgh area is a hub if IT businesses. There are other areas that have good internet, also.
Plus, if you move to PA, I can clue you in on some great yarn shops.
Maybe your options for living in the country won’t be as limited as you think. I read recently of a coastal native American community using Elon Musk’s new satellite internet and loving it because it was so fast…This could make the world your oyster, even if in a remote cabin in the woods somewhere
My sister went from MD to TX to live with her now husband. She lasted three years. She got down there and found out she was allergic to cedar elm, pecan trees, and apparently severely allergic to fire ants. Now that she’s ok, I like to tell people Texas tried to murder my sister.
I’ve lived in MD all my life so I can’t really compare it to anything else. The weather is bi-polar, the traffic’s a mess (or so I’ve been told), but the scenery is very nice and my vegetable garden came in well this year.
Since everyone is just saying their home state; why not Wisconsin. We have four seasons (time off from allergies), nice spots near cities, and it is hardly ever on fire / struck by hurricanes / droughty / floody or hot enough to burn a tomato. The Great Lakes are a lot like inland oceans except the water doesn’t rise and towns don’t fall off cliffs into them.
Plus, the fall color is lovely right now.
(I would absolutely lose it if you set a story in Wisconsin. But am delighted to keep reading about Houston and Atlanta.)
I guess Washington State is out? We have had the insurance exchanges for a long time (our state bought into healthcare reform back during the Clinton era), we have a lot of ocean, we are a great place for climate change (we’re just going to get rainier over time) and we’re not all that cold in the winter….
(Yeah, that’s just me advocating for you to move back to the PNW 🙂 )
Born n raised in PA. Lived in Hartford, NYC & Chicago. Moved back to south of Pittsburgh. Yinz would love it here!
The west coast is beautiful.
Massachusetts, Massachusetts, Massachusetts!
I’ve read most of the comments, I am so glad I live where I do, and thats South Australia, best place in the world.
I hope you manage to find your Goldilocks state!
Cape Cod. Sea, lakes, ponds. Not as cold as the rest of the state because of the Gulf Stream. Even farmland areas. I grew up in MA, my grandparents lived on Cape and now my brother. You just need to deal with summer tourist traffic.
I’m from Miami and lived for a few years in Maryland, so I have a unique perspective on this.
For Florida –
1) Climate change is a problem, flooding is getting worse but you mostly have to pay attention to the elevation of your property and surrounding area, as some places more inland are actually at or below sea level
2) Hurricane insurance – I don’t actually know anyone who has this. It’s generally way too expensive and covers almost nothing. Andrew killed the insurance in Florida, and frankly there are places in Miami that have not been repaired from that hurricane, 28 years later.
3) Consider properties on the west coast. I have family near Tampa that seems to enjoy it.
Maryland-
1) It is interesting in that it has much more rural (and cheap) areas (ie. Beltsville) that is either a short drive or train ride from DC. There are also far more expensive but less rural and awesome areas (ie. Bethesda). You can easily go over budget with housing, and there are certain places that are just beyond awful but have a decent façade.
2) Cold – it gets much colder there than you think. There was one morning when I woke up and and it was -25F. And I lived pretty much within walking distance of the border with DC on the northern tip. Unfortunately, it doesn’t even snow all that much, so there is no trade-off with the cold.
3) Tell your friend to be careful with the properties up there, if they are buying they may be better off than renting (I am not actually a fan of buying property- I prefer to rent so I have no ties if I need to move)
In the end I would choose Florida (Miami), probably because it is what I know, and I generally feel like an an alien in the rest of the US, which is why I moved to Seoul.
Do a huge move and come to Australia.
Cape cod is zone 7 for gardens. Winters are ameliorate by salt air. I went to the beach for a walk this weekend.???? I live middle-ish and can make it to Mass General in 1 hour 20 minutes. Just sayin’.
Don’t move to Florida! We just moved back to Michigan and are loving it
Grew up in Maryland, which was awesome for the weather, school system, and proximity to two cities. Definitely has gotten a lot more expensive even since my childhood and DC traffic is not fun. Chesapeake Bay has some nice places though if one wants to be on the water but not on the ocean.
Spent ~8 years in PA. Also great weather, plenty to do, and close enough to the coast. Would recommend Philadelphia suburbs – though they can also be pricey. Taxes are reasonable (low compared to many northeastern states).
Currently in Charlotte, NC suburbs on a lake. I always thought I’d only want “the sea” but the weather here is great + cost of living isn’t super high. Asheville and mountains are 2hrs west, South Carolina beaches are 3hrs southeast, and the lake still provides a sense of peace (with less risk of natural disaster). People on average are noticeably nice and there are a surprising number of days of sunshine a year. Wouldn’t solve your ACA issue though.
Move to Australia, beautiful weather, nice people, fast internet and beaches as far as the eye can see ???? plus we have Medicare.
Taxwise- don’t move to Connecticut. We fled to Virginia due to taxes. I’m happy paying my fair share but it was getting beyond pervasive. I desperately miss the treed back roads but not the taxes.
Don’t escalate looking at Maine either. We don’t have a health exchange absent ACA but, we are pretty awesome. We are called Vacationland after all!
Escape not escalate. Dang fat fingers.
Allergy shots? I say this Bc I’m in Houston and I used to be a walking allergy commercial “Before” person all the time. Did the testing. Turns out I am NOT allergic to: mice, horses, ragweed, palm trees and food. I’m literally allergic to everything else. Allergy shots have been life changing and completely worth stabbing myself once a week for a couple years.
I agree! I didn’t see your post earlier. Allergy shots are my last resort but they work.
I grew up in Baltimore and went to school next to Washington DC (University of Maryland, College Park), but left the state for work in 1977 and have only been back to visit family since. Much has changed over the last 40 years.
If I were to return, I would start my search in the Hagerstown area: only about 75 minutes from DC (via I-70/I-270) or Baltimore (via I-70) or Harrisburg, PA (via I-81). Not too far from the Amish country of PA, and the “wilds” of West Virginia. In fact, it’s close to a huge variety of natural attractions, historical sites, and cultural venues.
I have very bad alleriges, and when I moved from MD to FL, they magically dissapeared. Woo!
Only to come back with a vengence 7 years later. My Allergy doc (3rd one I’d seen!!) said that sometimes this happens, you move, your allergies clear up, and once you’re fully adjusted they wollop you again. Also the pine pollen still makes everything yellow cause FL has a LOT of pines.
Hard choices! I live in CT. It is very beautiful! On the Long Island Sound (ocean but not). Beautiful coastline, beautiful farms inland. The bad thing about the east coast, all the way up and down is traffic! The traffic is horrible! I am honestly going to say I sort of miss our quarantine lock down from the spring… because there was NO TRAFFIC. Now that we are pretty close or everything open, traffic so back to close to normal. I grew up in MO. CT is similar, but not as hot. Beautiful fall colors! Just stunning. And history… so much history. ????????????
In my many years on this earth, I’ve lived all over the world. For the last 20 something years, I’ve been in Massachusetts. While the winters can be harsh, they do seem to be getting milder. The rest of the year is wonderful – we never get too hot for too long, and the autumn cannot be beat. That being said, I live closer to Providence, RI than Boston, MA, but we have high speed internet, excellent health care and good public transportation. I can see the ocean in a half an hour drive, or I can look out onto a beautiful lake in a 5 minute walk. There are many positives here.
I’ve also lived in the Carolinas, California, Colorado, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Nevada, Texas and Wyoming in the US and have traveled extensively in most of the other lower 48. Colorado is my second favorite state after MA. Although the scenery is different with mountains instead of oceans, it is still breathtaking (and not just from the elevation). Outside of the US, there are some gorgeous temperate areas in Switzerland and northern Italy where housing can be very affordable (you can buy a ruin for a couple of hundred dollars) and the lakes and Mediterranean Sea are not far away.
Figuring out where to move to is the most difficult part. The weather cannot be changed, but all of the other priorities can be found within the geographical area of your choice – you may just have to look for them. The world is getting smaller, technology is getting better and I like to believe that people are good-hearted, so no matter where you land, you’ll be fine.
Come to Pittsburgh!! It’s still pretty reasonable to live here and there’s lots of fun outdoor stuff. We have great restaurants and cool neighborhoods. When you are jonesing for the sea, it is only 6 hours away.
Yes!
+1
It makes me sad to think of you far away. I was so happy when you moved here. But I understand the allergy thing. If I could move I would. In a heartbeat. For me, Florida would be more of the same. Crushing heat and humidity. I want to escape. But, I don’t see an opportunity anytime soon. I just hope you will still tour for your books. ????
I’m a former Texan who moved to the mountains of CO to get away from the heat. It took a while but I finally found good internet and since I work from home…that’s a good thing. Property is less expensive here than on the coasts. I’m an hour from from Colorado Springs, 30 min from Woodland Park, 2 hours from Denver….we do have forest fires and hail, but the scenery is worth it. My allergies have been so much better since I moved here. I used to have the same issues in Texas. Good Luck on your search! Most of my family is still there. They can’t understand why I prefer the snow!
I have lived in a number of states from northeast to midwest to south. Living on the Gulf Coast, I echo the issue of insurance and hurricanes. Insurance is expensive and has a high named storm deductible. The midwest tends to warm summers and cold winters with short spring and summer. The northeast has nice spring, summer, and glorious fall, but snowy, cold winter. I liked northern Georgia and Pennsylvania. Each had nice spring and fall with a trade-off between warm summer and a real winter. Everywhere seems to have allergens. Perhaps a house on a lake would provide a substitute for seaside.
I love MD, but ur right, it’s expensive unless you’re in the country areas. I’d suggest PA, my cousin-in-law lives there right on the PA/MD line, and financially it’s so much better. If I didn’t have a job in DC, I’d want to move there. Areas a bit past Baltimore, MD and toward PA aren’t too bad financially either (around Bel Air, MD) and the areas are being built up slowly but surely so they’re not soo far out in the “country.”
I have suffered from bad allergies all my life. Where there is pollen, I will suffer. Zyrtec saved my sanity. BUT I also invested in some good quality air purifiers. Am I allowed to say the brand? (It’s the kind of animal that delivers Easter Eggs and we all breathe the same ***.)You don’t have to replace the filters that often, and they actually make a big difference.
Have you ever gotten allergy shots? I have done so about 5 times so far (every time I moved to a new area). The high dose ones worked best, but I don’t know if they do these shots any more – they aren’t steroid shots but immunotherapy, where they inject the stuff you’re allergic to. Which for me was every pollenating plant I’ve ever been near. (There’s one type of acacia tree from back east that I have apparently never encountered. The allergists always comment on that.)
If you like Pennsylvania you should also look at New Jersey. It’s on your list of health exchanges, and there are some beautiful rural areas with fast internet. Also NJ actually has a coastline whereas PA does not.
Come to Washington! We have 2 different climates you can chose from. Arid in the east and humid in the west. We have desert, ocean shore, volcanoes, rainforest, wineries, football, baseball, soccer and hockey.
And the Cascadia Subduction Zone. 🙂
One thing to consider when weighing those self-insured states: firearms. I don’t know if House Andrews is a firearm-owning household, and I don’t need to know. But if it is, many of the states on that list are *not* firearm-friendly. Some of them are rabidly anti-firearm.
Just something to consider, if that’s on your radar.
I hope you guys find something suitable, and soon! I wouldn’t be able to take the TX heat, adding allergies on to it would just make it a living hell.
Define “firearm-friendly.”
I don’t know what that means.
Maryland is a great place to live. Here in {redacted}, we are well above sealevel rise. Summer is hell, alas; but your basil won’t burn. You can grow tomatoes.
You come near the philly area we will have hangouts and you can cuddle my corgis!
I just moved from MD after living there for the last fourteen years. We moved home to Indiana to be near family. The climate is good. Summers are not as humid as IN and mild winters with some deep snows every few years. They clear the roads down to pavement lickety-split though. The bulk of the state seems to revolve around Baltimore and I have nothing good to say about the city or the traffic. But Carroll County in the northern part of the state is great.( Hampstead and Manchester area are very popular for regular folks.) Property prices drop the further from Baltimore and D.C. you go. Medical care is EXCELLENT. I underwent treatment for cancer at Johns Hopkins and rarely had to pay out of pocket for anything. I didn’t realize how good I had it until I started paying for my CT scans here in IN with the same insurance company.
MA does get cold, but if I were looking here I would be more turned off by the housing market. Anywhere within commuting distance of Boston *starts* at 300k for a house. The median housing price in MA is 450k and has been rising by about 4-5% every year for a decade. As much as I love my home state I cannot recommend it as a place to retire for someone without significant roots here.
How bout new mexico? My aunt lives there in las cruces- small town but still university life. We love az but ugh the heat lol. Or colorado? Have an aunt in boulder and loves it- and good seasons still lots of space unless you are in a resort town. Regardless your health is the most important so dont listen to any of us lol. We will luv you from anywhere!!!
I love southeastern Virginia (View of the Chesapeake Bay out my bedroom window), but the mold and pollen are off the charts— one of the most profitable places in the US for ENTs!
I live in California (good insurance but expensive house prices). I’ve lived in Massachusetts and loved it; and I really like Rhode Island and Maine as places with coastal communities that are just lovely. I’d move back to New England in a heartbeat if my family would agree.
New Jersey has good points as well, but is very pricey. The good news about Internet access, is that Starlink will be coming on line soon, and is better in sparsely populated areas. It means reasonable access pretty much anywhere.
Maryland is very similar to Virginia. They are pretty much right next door to each other. So the 4 seasons that you’ve noticed in many of the comments are the same as what Virginia experiences. The cold has gotten much worse and the fall and summary bring out allergies. These are reasons I’ve moved to Portland. I’m also looking towards Portland coast because I want to be near a beach and near a quaint town with some good shops and restaurant. However, the towns aren’t as quaint as I see in my head so I do look in other states and beach towns, pictures and descriptions to see if I can find something that touches the heart and says that’s my forever home. So, I’m with you in your desires and wish you luck.
Not a duplicate message — Maryland is very similar to Virginia. They are pretty much right next door to each other. So the 4 seasons that you’ve noticed in many of the comments are the same as what Virginia experiences. The cold has gotten much worse and the fall and summary bring out allergies. These are reasons I’ve moved to Portland. I’m also looking towards Portland coast because I want to be near a beach and near a quaint town with some good shops and restaurant. However, the towns aren’t as quaint as I see in my head so I do look in other states and beach towns, pictures and descriptions to see if I can find something that touches the heart and says that’s my forever home. So, I’m with you in your desires and wish you luck.
oops it was. duplicate message. sorry about that.
You would be most welcome in Colorado! 😉
Have you thought about Canada? We’d love to have you. You don’t need to worry about pre-existing conditions and we’re (mostly) polite
Unless we have a small, rubber, disk on the ice .. then all gloves are off.
Oh Hon, I am so sorry for your woe. I hope a light switches on for you. You and Gordon are very canny, and I believe you’ll come through the “finding the right place to live”. Take care, warm thoughts and sunshine to you all.
I live in Western Pennsylvania and am a sales rep that covers the entire state as my territory. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. It is an absolutely breathtaking state with lots of green space but there are areas even more breathtaking than others. Feel free to email me if you would like to pick my brain.
Oh and here are some beautiful pictures from this past week. This is the Allegheny river near Pittsburgh, PA.
And some fall foliage from across the street from the river picture.
Here’s Moraine State Park—about 45 min north of Pittsburgh!
Love Pittsburgh so much!
You can go North in Texas to get out of the allergy zones. Allergies are mainly bad in Central Texas so north, up around Dallas are much better.
I really wish i could just kidnap all the Americans I love and/or admire and turn them in Canadians so they have healthcare.
LOUSY telecommunication prices, and horrible winters in 95% of the country, but y’know, healthcare. 🙂
Thank you, Ilona Andrews for your post. Some people read and do not process what they read. Makes me wonder sometimes how they reached point z from point a.
I agree with the comments that say allergies never go away no matter where you live. Also the comments on Zyrtec and burning skin feeling. The key is to remember that every person has a different reaction to different things.
I say research, visit Gordon and your choice location several times over a year so you are exposed to the different seasons then move.
Regarding Florida, I have family there and the comments from Denise above are correct how Florida makes money.
My sibling is military so has been posted all over world and we have visited …except Korea. There are pros and cons everywhere. utopia is what you make it.
Thank you for post.
You can come to Missouri to be around the lakes… and Branson… but, otherwise, stay away. 😀
Have you thought of Oregon or the Washington coast?
TD
Have you thought about northern California or oreagon? They have seasons and you still have the ocean. Also the allergy thing isn’t as out of control there
Maryland does have very nice ocean fronts in case no one has mentioned that. ????
Hurricanes seldom wander this way. And of course, 4 seasons!
My husband and I have lived in Colorado for 40 years. We love it here! 300 days of sunshine, mountains, rivers, lakes, and so many outdoor activities. Alas, no ocean. But also little or no Lyme Disease.
And Colorado does have a banana belt – the Arkansas River Valley. Most notable town there is Salida. A real gem!
And last but not least, mail in ballots with a ballot tracking system! Yay, Colorado!
Virginia is beautiful! I can attest as a life-long resident, and am happy to say that even though I live in the ruby red western part of the state, it is currently very blue. No state exchange though :/
Might I recommend Virginia if you’re looking? The coast isn’t cheap, but the Chesapeake is beautiful and there’s the ponies.
Check out western Washington. Life outside of Seattle is totally affordable, and it’s gorgeous here.
Northern California on the coast! But if you go as far as Oregon then you have to start dealing with cold weather and snow.
I was going to toss Georgia into the ring. Atlanta is far enough north we have all 4 seasons. But with the high pollen count your allergies would go insane. I was born and raised in Ohio. PA would not be a bad choice but I’d stay away from the great lakes area. Gotta love that lake affect snow.
Have you thought about Australia? Depending what you’re after, we have it all! 🙂
You may whant to consider southwestern Michigan. You can’t see across Lake Michigan.
Australia is lovely and we have a lot of beaches… just putting it out there
Depending on what the allergies are, you might look into the Rockies, ie Colorado or High desert plains. Eastern Oregon. Personally, I love the Olympic Penninsula in Washington. Sequim, or Port Angeles.
Best of luck in your choice! One wouldn’t think it, but I have alllergies here in Southern California ! And close to the desert too!! And the SMOG. UGH. I do love the ocean though!!!
Could I please offer a totally crazy, out of blue, very unlikely, (but who knows. might as well shooting for the star) kind of possibility, Australia.
We have Medicare (public health care system), people are slightly rough around the edges, but super chill, absolutely no skunk, oh don’t forget absolutely beautiful beaches.
We just left Louisiana for my husband’s work, and we are so happy to be OUT! We lived in Shreveport, which had a high murder and low conviction rate. Our allergies were awful, and even though we were far enough north to escape the hurricane winds for the most part, we were near the Red River and the humidity was god awful. I am from further south in Louisiana, and miss the food, culture, accents, HUGE LOOUD FAMILY, etc, but we needed to move somewhere our children would have opportunities. Also, I am burned out, like So burned out I resembled charcoal after teaching in Title 1 rural or inner city schools for years. I am tired of it and ready for a career change. Maryland looks beautiful and Pennsylvania around Perkasie seems nice. I have in laws from there and they are sweet people. Best of luck finding a place that is just right for you!
All the cool Americans are moving to Tasmania. 😉
I’m down here in New Zealand reading your post and these comments, thinking of a song written by a comedian back in the 70’s. “We don’t know how lucky we are”. I do not understand how the US works
Try Michigan, mild seasons and sand beaches. Water is fresh on said beaches.
I moved to Texas (San Antonio) from Pennsylvania. I miss how green it is and I miss rhododendrons and lilacs. I do not miss months of gray skies or winters that last till May. A student of mine there was from North Carolina and said he had never known the sky could even be that color — he called it Pennsylvania gray.
You are always welcome in Oregon. It’s beautiful, our hot summer is probably Texas’ version of a warm spring and we have lovely mountains as well as beautiful coastlines. However, we /literally/ export grass seed so alergies are rampant (at least in the Willamette Valley). I hope you find your forever home, wherever it may be.
Totally unrelated to the above post except for the comment about emails which reminded me that I needed to email you guys, and then saw I couldn’t, so, I’m posting here, so, bear with me.
Was talking to my dad about you guys the other day, and brought up an old post where you made bulgogi and those Russian carrots for a side. He LOVES to cook so he was totally into the conversation, and when he found out that you’re Russian was wondering if you had a special recipe for borscht. He’s never had it, and wants to make it, but wants a truly good Russian recipe for it. I said I’d ask.
Also, to get back to the post, I agree that Massachussetts is cold, but so is Pennsylvania. I’m from NW Ohio originally, the Toledo area, but we’ve moved around the Midwest quite a bit (different parts of OH, MI, WV, KY), and we’ve finally settled (for now) in Indiana. We want to move to TN to retire eventually. We love it down there. I wish you guys luck in figuring out where to move! 🙂
As a Brit I would say come to England. Healthcare we have the NHS. But I have a sister who lives in Ohio so would caution property prices and general cost of living is higher than in the US.
Oregon is the way to go. Yes there is income tax and it rains a lot but there are very few natural disasters to worry about. And the local fauna doesn’t try to kill, poison, or lay eggs in/on you the way it does in Texas.
So, not that I’m trying to sell you on FL but it’s amazing! I live in the panhandle. We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and if you do your homework, can be very affordable. Where does a lot of the FL tax base money come from? Many places, including the state lotto which funds one of the best scholarship programs in the country. We moved here after my kids were in college so we missed out on bright futures. I wish I had moved here earlier! Places I’ve lived include: Chicago, DC, Denver, CT, San Francisco, Louisiana, Alabama and finally Florida. I have to tell you it’s one of my favorites-I plan on staying and retiring here. Give it a second look (Pensacola is a great little city!). Also, bonus for Gordon, it has a huge military presence with good healthcare for Veterans! I don’t know if this helps widen your search, I’m just very happy here. I hope y’all find a place that makes you happy too – good luck! ????????????????
Hi Ilone, you said Gordon has a previous military injury? Send me an email at my email address. Might be able to help.
Here is another Florida Climate Change article…gloomy 🙁
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/12/climate/home-sales-florida.html?campaign_id=57&emc=edit_ne_20201012&instance_id=23074&nl=evening-briefing®i_id=81697331&segment_id=40749&te=1&user_id=6950079d36c2900aad6da8fcc9036f4b
My dad (retired) used to teach at the US Naval Academy ( Annapolis MD ) and my mom went to law school at American University ( Washington DC ) so they bought a house in the middle, Bowie MD.
Looks like 13th biggest MD city (https://www.maryland-demographics.com/cities_by_population)
Pre Coronavirus it was very easy to travel from Bowie MD to Baltimore MD ( the Baltimore Washington Parkway is pretty on weekends but Federal court for traffic violations), Annapolis MD ( dad likes to race sailboats but last time we went to Annapolis there was localized flooding due to severe thunderstorms), and Washington DC ( because of the many free Smithsonian museums many locals are shocked when going to Baltimore museums that charge admission).
The Chesapeake Bay acts as a huge thermal sink / heat distribution system which helps stabilize weather in DC/ Maryland/ Virginia so generally more temperate.
My folks like to go to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware in the off season for outlet shopping. Our family vacationed in Chincoteague VA ( near Assateague National Park and the famous ponies) for seafood, crabbing and beaches. My brother used to go to Philadelphia PA for conventions.
Good Amtrak train service from Washington DC up the East Coast to Boston MA.
Amtrak auto train lets you take the train, and your car, from Lorton, VA (Washington, DC) to Sanford, FL (Orlando). We got connecting Roomettes ( with bathroom, sink and shower ) so mom and dad could visit during the day.
Both Dulles international Airport VA and Baltimore Washington International Airport MD offer overseas flights.
Many of these geographic/ transportation options are why Washington DC, and Baltimore MD, put in a joint bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Google says 154 feet above sea level, so Bowie MD is unlikely to be flooded by rising sea levels ( unless 100% of all ice on Earth melts ).
I’m thinking about western Ohio. No reason. Beautiful area, people I know say great things about the area. And, of course, there’s bigfoot!!! Good luck!
Have you checked out Huntsville, Alabama?
Former Massachusetts native, now living in South Carolina. I loved Mass, and never had allergy issued until I moved south, but it is (a) cold, cold, cold in winter, (b) really expensive if you live anywhere within easy (1 hour) driving distance to the coast).
I would love to move back north, but I don’t know that I will ever be able to afford it. And I know my kids wouldn’t be able to afford to move there if we did move north.
Maryland is awesome!! And yes there are plenty of green spaces, even in the DC Metropolitan area, which is where I live. I’m not sure if you have pollen allergies like me, but there is also a lot of pollen here, though pollen season is bearable for me. The health exchange is pretty good too; I have started to look for my own insurance because I’m self-employed and I’m going to turn 26 in 6 months.
I can highly recommend the south of Germany. Beautiful, stable climate, mandatory insurance. Just the internet is probably not high speed 😀
Ilona and Gordon,
I am planning to relocate as well. I have lived in Texas (as a child) not far from Houston, and in Mississippi (except for when I was in the Air Force) since I was 18. My son in law went to law school at George Mason and he and my daughter currently still live in Alexandria VA. It is so lovely there. Being a history instructor of course, we went to Gettysburg and Pennsylvania is lovely. Maryland is as well. We went to Annapolis too. Like you I am tired of the heat. I would like to have a minimum of three seasons but am hopeful for all four. When I retire from teaching next May I am moving. I just am not sure where to but definitely in the VA,PA. MD area. It seems to be a very lovely part of the country. Best wishes on the insurance issue. Health care is definitely an area the US needs to rethink and re-imagine. When my daughter had her child last year (my first grandchild and they are as awesome as people say) their deductible for the year was $5000. And that was her insurance through her work. I just think we can do better as a nation. Have a lovely day.
Not a political rant but have you explored what benefits you can with regard to Gordon’s military background? If he had a service connected disability and got a rating, he may be entitled to compensation. It’s handy even to to establish the connection at 0% disability, because if (and I hope not) it escalates, you’re already in the system and are set to have it elevated.
I apologize if I’m speaking to something you’re well versed in and familiar with. Many people are not aware of the benefits that exist for veterans and fail to take advantage of them, so I thought it might be worth mentioning.
Hi. I live in Brazil, and literally in front of the beach. Honestly, most of the time it’s pretty great, we don’t have tornados, earthquakes ou anything like that, the weather is not too hot compared to the rest of the country and I can just stare at the sea all day if I want to. The only downsides are that in the summer there are so so many tourists and sometimes things get a little moldy in the apartment. Anyway, I get what you mean about the sea. Hearing the waves helps keep me calmer.
Come live in Australia. We have Medicare. At the moment I’m paying nothing for my medication as I’ve reached my thresh hold. I have private health cover but it’s nothing like Americas heath cover. Only joking I know you love your country. But pensioners, disabled and unemployed only have to pay 5.60 dollars for medication. We do pay higher taxes when working than Americans.
I mean, winters may be cold in New England, but we have lobster! Also no need for AC in the summer if you’re on the first floor, and the winter kills the bugs off. That said, I might not recommend moving to a state with winter like ours during a pandemic…
They say if you eat a spoonful of local honey a day it helps you get your allergies under control, because of local plant pollen. don’t know if that’s true, it could be an old wives tale. i lived in central montana for 15 years and in August the sage killed me every year. we moved to western montana and have been here 15 years and i’m good, more pine than sage in the area. I never had allergies until my husband was stationed in Berlin, within 3 days i had itchy eyes and it took 6 months to figure out it was allergies. I was allergic to the pollution.
I currently live in Maryland and have lived in several parts of it. If you live within an hour drive (30 min without traffic) of DC, then it is more like the culture of living by a city. This is spreading further out. If you live far north or further out from the cities it is more country. It just depends what you are looking for. I was happy to move further away as I find people more relaxed and nicer.
Wow, what causes all these allergies in so many different places? I live on the south coast of England and apart from hay fever in the spring caused by pollen (lasts a couple of weeks) I don’t know anyone with ongoing allergies. Nor do I get the difference in taxes. And we have the NHS – in some areas it won’t fund specifically expensive drugs but it’s always there.
Pittsburgh is amazing and experiencing a technological renaissance. It has an amazing food scene, great colleges, and super bike trails and transportation. There is competition for high speed internet at business levels so the pricing is reasonable.
Definitely look at Oregon. I lived there for a decade, and it’s wonderful. You can live on the beautiful coast. Or near Portland and be within 45-minute drive of the coast. Mountains and forests. Dogs allowed on the beach. And at least the western part of the state (Portland down through Salem) does not get too hot or too cold. The Portland area gets one week of 100-degree temperature per summer, and one heavy snowfall every five years.
Hello. I am a rabid fan of your books. By far, you are my favorite authors of any genre bar none. I have also enticed my two daughters into starting your books and they also have become fans. We excitedly await the release of each new book and then devour it. I look for your blog posts just as excitedly. We live a vastly different life from you and as such our view of the world and politics is also vastly different. I have absolutely no issue with people having another world view but I literally RUN from outside in the barns to my computer to see your latest posts when it blips across my phone (not good enough service to open them in the steel barn). It makes my entire week to read one of your posts. I would ask though if you could put in the email header private post/political post etc… so that I would know in advance. My heart jumps into my throat thinking there might be a blip from a new book or additional words that didn’t make it into the book. If I knew in advance that it was going to be political based, I could just skip and delete. We love you both and will continue to read you but it would be wonderful if I knew to make the decision to read or not to read. Thank you for the consideration.
Arden, this is not a political post. This is a factual post. We use ACA. The current administration is on record stating that they will repeal it. Climate change is a fact and is happening. Now if I urged you to vote a certain way, it would be a political post. I really don’t understand why the fact that my family requires healthcare makes you uncomfortable. 🙂
I spent decades in Boston and loved it, but Massachusetts has gotten darned expensive.
Southern NH is accessible to both the sea coast and Boston, and has decent services. (I lived near Derry, NH for many years). Portsmouth, NH is just plain charming. Portland, Maine is charming, surprisingly warm in winter, and on the sea coast. It has good rail connection to Boston.
How about Ellensburg, Washington? We’re in the center of state and are considered dry desert. Ellensburg has four seasons and it even snows here. However, the snow only stays around for few days, so you’re not stuck with it for long periods of time. It’s warm in the summer, but the evenings are cool. Also, no gray days like Portland. I lived in Portland for 20 years and finally left because of the gray. And you can grow things here. My neighbor has a beautiful garden that he started this spring. Everything he planted grow like gang busters. You could also easily have a pool. Also, we are a college town so you would have high-speed internet, and we have great restaurants. Lastly, we’re only 2 hours from Seattle and 3 from Spokane. So we’re rural, but not too rural.
And really the best part is that you would live near me and I could finally come to one of your book signings. I admit, it is all about me.
I didn’t think that I could like you guys anymore but I do ????. My plants are burning here in Southern California and I live on Zyrtec too! Thank you for your posts-I enjoy them as much as your books!
Portland, Maine is an amazing place; you can buy a nice home a little up the coast and if you were interested in a ship captain’s home complete with widow’s walk and all the original features built into it in the 1850s we have them, complete with interesting histories and sometime a ghost or two. The summers and fall are gorgeous and on the coast the winters aren’t that bad. Just a thought, if you are already looking at Massachusetts…
Texas does have a gulf coast. Since you like Texas and the water that would seem to be a good choice. It won’t help with the ACA though.
You could move to California which which does have it’s own healthcare exchange, has a lot of coastline but it can be a tad expensive to live there.
Decisions, decisions…
I live in the Philly suburbs and love it. For your purposes, it’s an hour drive to the NJ shore where there is a ton of sea for you and a variety of beaches from the nature preserve to the joyful tourist town. 🙂 I’ve attached the ClimateCheck report for our area for you. It’s not as bad as some places.
I lived in Philly for a year and loved it! Great place, great area, great people!
I live in Washington state and it’s beautiful here, even with all the rain. We moved here from Southern California, so the relief from the heat was awesome! But I still love California, especially the beaches. We have beaches here, but they are mostly cold, even in the summer. Still, it’s quite beautiful.
Just a biased opinion here but Massachusetts rocks! I’m in the western part of the state, yes, country. But I’m 1 hour north of the ocean and 2 hours west of it as well as 2 hours from NYC. The soils great! I have a huge garden every summer and Hampshire County, where I live, is an arts Mecca. Yeah, winters are cold but not so much lately, ????.
Kentucky recently resurrected its health insurance exchange. I’m in the western end of the state. No ocean, but we have Kentucky and Barkley lakes. Also the AQS quilt museum is in my town, Paducah. Paducah is also a UNESCO creative city.
MA is cold but so gorgeous. The fall leaves are stunning summers are green and beautiful and if you are by the ocean stunning, truly stunning . Winters are real and also wonderful. Snow coating everything with a pristine blue/white glow.Close to major ski areas in Vermont. Snow mobility, cross country, and other winter fun. Now… strangely enough the only season I dont care for in New England is spring. Flowers are pretty sure, but mud season is pure yuck.
I will sell you my house in Maryland. I have 2.75 acres, an inground pool, and a house that is in pretty good shape but needs interior painting and probably new carpet. For the glorious sum of $465,000 it can be yours. We will be ready to move in about 60 days 🙂
Once again I miss everything. But I’ll say this… IT IS NO ONE’S BUSINESS BUT YOUR OWN WHERE YOU LIVE! Jeez, some of these people need to stop butting into your lives. I follow a couple other authors, well, mainly you and one other. This bs does not go on there. These people really need to stop harassing you. That being said, you guys do what’s best for you and your family. Hugs!!
I live in Florida, and i basically agree with what you’re saying. I moved to Florida because i love the sea, but it’s got it’s own problems. i hope you guys can find someplace nice
I love Massachusetts, but it is COLD. I live in New York now, and it is noticeably warmer. The good news? I didn’t suffer from allergies. Four seasons makes a difference.
If you’re looking for a place by the sea, not too hot, not too cold, with gorgeous surroundings, I suggest western Washington state. We have gorgeous beaches, beautiful forests, mountains, lakes – we’ve got it all. Plus, it doesn’t usually get too hot or too cold (snow is rare enough to make it An Event), and we’ve got plenty of high speed internet. If you’re not looking for a house immediately in a city, prices can be reasonable. (Whidbey Island is gorgeous.) Plus, we probably won’t be as impacted by climate change as some parts of the country, particularly in western Washington and along the coast. Downsides are rain in the winter and occasional smoke from forest fires in Oregon and California (and sometimes Washington).
Massachusetts has high taxes – and therefore one of many reasons we live in Virginia on the coast (former Navy). Humidity here will kill you! Not to mention the allergies!
The mountains of Virginia are awesome! Would move there in a heart beat!
While I love living in the mid-Atlantic – close to big cities and not too far from the ocean – it’s the wrong place to live if you want to get away from allergens. (That would include Pennsylvania, although it is a beautiful state.) I live on Zyrtec year round, and my daughter gets relief from her allergies only in the winter months.
You might find this helpful when looking at different states with healthcare in mind: https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/100000/repeal_of_the_aca_by_state_0.pdf
I can tell you don’t bother looking at Michigan. As a resident, the crazies are only getting worse (we’ve always had them, but it’s ridiculous now), and the economy is in shambles. The only thing seeing growth in my town is healthcare providers and banks. (and crime, if you consider that a profession) A total repeal of the ACA would be devastating for many.I hope people bother to vote.
If you find a place without allergies let me know. They seem to exists wherever I go…just different things. I am always on the Zyrtec.
I have lived I. Tx and Md (among other places). You can definitely live in Md with high speed Internet without being near DC or Baltimore. It is more expensive than living In Texas. But the healthcare cost offset it some.
I moved from that area for many reasons. One being I prefer hot over cold.
PA and Md country feels you are in a Norman Rockwell painting. There is so much history.
You should look at the states that surround the Great Lakes . They are really inland seas and other than hurricanes and surfing, most ocean and sea watersports and activities are done on all 5 great lakes. Yes, some of the areas have very cold winters. However, spring summer and autumn are wonderful.
North Carolina
I had to laugh when I read about someone considering a move to Maryland to escape the heat. I was transferred to Andrews AFB in 1999 from Idaho and suffered from heat exhaustion from about April through October for 14 years. It was heat plus humidity that did me in. I did love Nov through about mid-January, though. I could still grow herbs through December most years. I still own a house near Andrews (Now called Joint Base Andrews) but I’ve returned to Idaho and visit Maryland when the weather is nice. In Idaho we have heat, but it’s a dry heat so I’ll take it. Now, if I could just change the political climate here, I will have found Paradise!
I’m a Bostonian .. I’ve tried leaving and am always pulled back to Massachusetts… it is cold.. but it is a lovely place overall … wish you all the best wherever you go
I recommend central Pennsylvania. The cost of living is reasonable, taxes are low, and you are within a few hours of several major cities. The weather is good. There are 4 seasons, but none are too extreme. And there is no state tax on pensions. We would be happy to send you more information.
Have you thought of having allergy testing and then getting shots for the worst allergies? I’m asking because that’s what I’ve had to do. Also, maybe you could have a home somewhere in Mexico where you life part time. There are so many affordable places to live in climates that aren’t too hot, but also aren’t cold.
FWIW, I love western New York state…and a lot of the problems you cited for Florida aren’t problems there.
AND we have the governor who first grabbed the virus by the throat and made it submit…and is still on top of it.
No sea, of course, but at least Lake Ontario, near where I live, and Lake Erie, even have waves and tides and seasonal beach clutter of shells and other elements. And there are abundant apple orchards, the Erie Canal, and plenty of farming areas. And Niagara Falls. And older, settled towns with lovely architecture and old trees.
Heads up, though, the weather’s a bit worse if you live along Lake Erie. After being stubbornly committed to the Pacific Northwest for decades, I’m surprisingly happy here. And the city where I live believes in open space, and preserves natural wetlands and mature trees.
Fall can be gorgeous, and winters are cold, but the worst I’ve experienced is -19 with wind chill. And for a couple of years we hit a heat index of up to 106 in the summer, but didn’t even surpass 100 this year. And it doesn’t happen that often…and since you live in Texas, I’m sure 106 seems paltry.
Good luck finding your sacred place.
Faith
Good luck with whereever you move. I can recommend western Oregon, but we don’t have our own insurance exchange, and the farmers in the Willamette Valley produce a hell of a lot of pollen at different times of year, which causes problems for some of the allergy sufferers I know. The only pollen I seem to be allergic to is maple, and maple trees bloom during the time of year that it rains here, so I have no grounds for complaint.
Besides, I was born and raised here and like it much better than Los Angeles, where I lived for 25 years. I was happy enough there, but home is where winters are gray and green and mud.
I still have to put in a word for Virginia. My husband and I live in Blacksburg in the mountains. We are just three miles from Virginia Tech – high speed Internet, football, mountains, rivers, and more. Excellent medical care since lots of people are attached to living near a university. Also VT has a new Arts Center. Check us out.
Move to Colorado! Beautiful, not humid, mountains are amazing, rivers and stress good although not ocean …
Totally agree!
I lived near Denver, Colorado until 3 weeks ago, and only left to be closer to family. Totally loved living there and highly recommend, though housing is not cheap.
Well, there’s always Oregon. If you stay out of downtown Portland you should be ok. No hurricanes here, no tornadoes, lovely beaches only few miles away. Ok, so we had a nearby volcano erupt but that was years ago.
When I first moved to FL and saw, the requisite five years later, an allergist he had a nifty chart on his wall. As I sat waiting for him I considered…when he walked in I pointed to it and said,“So, basically one has something to be allergic to year round?” He grinned and said “yes”! I now take anti-allergy shots, thank goodness.
PS: five years In a new locale is about when one becomes intolerant and allergy prone.
We have children and grandchildren in CO so we’ve had a place there for a very long time. I love the arid weather and the amazing number of sunny days. If one has to have winter, most years (unless one is at 7-10,000 feet) I found it more tolerable than MN or the wet heavy snow of the NorthEast. Winter is usually not bad until the end of Jan, all of Feb and March, and April is changeable. Most of the time it snows for part of a day or a day, then the sun comes out daytime temps can get to 60F, everything drips and sparkles and then, sun still out, cools again. So people literally can be seen wearIng shorts and cycling around in the “winter”. I thought my allergies would get a rest…after five years and staying for six months at a time they added a new wrinkle, and became (despite my shots) [I fixed it! Hehehehe! – Ilona] more prevalent. What my CO allergist and I decided was that the often windy days and the aridity means something is always blowing around. Since it’s airborne so much of the time I’m exposed to more of it.
Having, over my lifetime, lived in most regions of this country, and two other countries I can say nowhere is perfect. No matter where one roosts, everywhere has things one can like, as well as things one won’t.
Make a list of your priorities, and if you intend to age in place keep those requirements in mind (can the house be changed reasonably easily to meet them. If you might need a wheelchair can you get where you need to go inside and outside). Look hard at what type of environment and weather you like/can tolerate. Research and do more research and list states that might meet those needs. Don’t make assumptions —for instance, I had no idea CO was one of the sunniest places in the country. Of course budget considerations will be high up on the list…that can start the elimination process. Sticker shock will be a really tough issue due to Texas being a relatively low cost, to very low cost, place to buy a home. However, if one is willing to compromise, can utilize sweat equity, or would consider living outside the high population areas amenable prices can still be found.
As always when dealing with a move and exploring the real estate market, compromise is an inevitability. I found I was better able to compromise in the moment. Assuming a property and it’s location lined up with most of our needs, in the end the decision was very much about how the house ‘felt‘ to me. My DH didn’t much care, He travelled a lot, so I spent more time there, and cared very much about ambiance.
I wish you (and your friend) well.
Oh, my. Very embarrassing typo, which I can’t correct to:“…despite my shots”…
???????????? Sorry for laughing. I am saying prayers for good Karma to head your way. I truly needed that today. Bless you:)
Don’t feel bad. I laughed for a whole minute. I am 12.
???????? You just set me off again Ilona ????????????! I’m laughing so hard…I can’t breathe!! ????????????
????????????
Ay geez….????????????!!
Got a breathe in. And there I go again…????????
Oh, I know what you mean about the allergies. The older I get, the worse they are.
Hubby moved us to Michigan for a year for a new job, and it turned out to be a disaster. I found out the hard way that I’m allergic to conifers, as in, going to the ER allergic. Our apartment building was surrounded by them. I loved living in Michigan–the nature preserves and lake shore was fantastic–but it was killing me so we had to move again.
We live in a woodland, and between the cotton wood fluff in Spring and the chaff from farm fields in Fall, I have two months out of the year of sheer allergen hell. I’m told it won’t matter where I move, there will be no relief. So I’ve decided to take whatever meds work and get on with it. Hubby isn’t allergic to anything, so that works for us.
I hope things work out for you, your family’s been through a wringer lately and you need a break.
OH! Did you know Will Wight’s next book is out? It’s called Wintersteel. Just started it. Thank you for recommending it a while back. I’ve enjoyed it.
There’s always Canada. I live in Vancouver we have Ocean and mountains. Something to think about.
Thank You for All Your Wonderful Stories. I’m re reading Kate and that Here Kitty Kitty line still an all time favourite
Be Safe Be Well
How about coming to the UK where nobody looks at past conditions once you have nationality? You only need 3 years on an exceptional talent visa to apply for citizenship according to this little gem: https://www.elizabethmaywrites.com/how-i-got-the-tier-1-exceptional-talent-uk-visa/
And imagine all that quick travel to Spain or Italy or Greece when you want to go for a bit of extra sun! ????
Sigh. There are so many considerations with a big move like this. This was supposed to be our last place – thirty years or so and leave it to the kids. We love our little town but there are drawbacks here too, and hubby is starting to complain about yard work.
Good luck!
Portugal is lovely, beautiful coast, good health care, great food, nice people….just moved here from the UK 🙂
While I’m here, thank you for all the books, for the website and for being nice people!
Hope all goes well for you,
Are you open to a change of country?Vancouver BC, Canada and other areas around there really are beautiful. Not to much snow but you have to be rain tolerant. Salt Spring Island is great.
Poor Gordon! My friend who used to live across the street in Cincinnati, Oh had awful allergies. I could hear her sneezing. She tried allergen shot, etc but no relief. Then she moved to Colorado. Her allergies vanished. She lives outside a suburb of Denver, and hasn’t complained too much about the cold. I was born and raised in North Carolina. Ohio is too far north for gardenias. Lakefront property is safer than being near the ocean; Miami, Charleston, Norfolk, etc all have clear weather flooding at high tide.
https://www.businessinsider.com/sea-level-rise-high-tides-sunny-day-flooding-coastal-cities-2018-4?op=1#norfolk-virginia-floods-in-the-norfolk-and-hampton-roads-area-threaten-to-make-the-largest-naval-base-in-the-world-inaccessible-12
Maria, I’m from Cincinnati and I totally get what you’re saying. I was lucky but most of my friends and relatives have allergies from the Ohio Valley. It’s horrible. Since I’ve moved to Minneapolis, I haven’t noticed any problems and the weather has been lovely so far. Of course there will be more snow and cold in the winter but I’m retired so I don’t have to commute. 🙂
Baltimore is hot and humid! Maybe not as bad as Florida, but not to many people move there to “escape the heat”. Don’t forget the cold winter…
Ugh, not TOO many
Ugh, not TOO many. Plus allergies too
I’m Canadian & not really clear about the US healthcare. Can i get a few questions answered?
If healthcare is private who’s paying for all the covid admissions. Many must be without healthcare & others, American friends tell me that insurance is frequently capped. How can private healthcare facilities continue without funds?
Thanks for the info about florida infastructure.. very interesting
Thanks. Rita
Larry was in the Navy for 3 years 1963-1966. He got into the VA system which is for ALL military, no matter the service, no matter the time. It took time (over 6 months) and perseverance but he got in. Gordon should try. Best of luck.
Whispers quietly, come to Northern England :-*
Would you ever consider deep south Texas? I’m talking RGV area. It’s my hometown area and while it has its problems it might offer solution to most of your list. You can go to one of the ocean side cities for an ocean view and you’re still in TX. It’s not as rural as you might think and the area is growing. Of course, being next to the ocean you still have hurricanes. And it’s hot. I will admit I escaped to Austin because of the heat but on the other hand allergies might not be bad. I have a friend who is murdered by allergies every year in central texas but is completely fine in the valley. It’s a very Tejano influenced area so the food is great and ppl are friendly.
If you’re interested I recommend port isabel and surrounding area.
We were in Northern PA over the summer and it was beautiful. If you ever think NY, the Finger Lake Region is gorgeous, too.
My commentary is going to pretty much target places where allergies would be better, because with climate change our allergies have gotten worse . I have not heard any reports on that, but that is my gut feeling. So here goes :
Oh I feel Gordon’s pain, because I too have horrendous allergies.I not only take Zyrtec, but I’m also taking Claritin, Benadrl, and Nasonex nasal spray! Ugh! And yet I still suffer.
I have lived my life in New York on Long Island, Southern Arizona, Southern California, Raleigh North Carolina, Myrtle Beach South Carolina, Atlantic Beach North Florida, and Central Southern Idaho.
I have been all over the United States by vehicle and air. I have driven across country I don’t know how many times east to west, north to south and in between. I too share your same concerns regarding Florida. I loved living close to the beach on the Barrier Islands in Atlantic Beach Florida which is outside of Jacksonville. However, you’re correct in that hurricanes and climate change are going to make those Barrier Islands a thing of the past very quickly unless they can do something by erecting walls, which will kind of defeats the whole purpose of living on the beach. Southern California is just way too expensive and you also face climate change issues living the beach there, as well as earthquakes????ugh.
So, I’d like to make the recommendation of the coastal areas of North Carolina. In the end they’re going to face the same kind of climate change issues that is for sure, but they have a lot more Coast Area and it’s a beautiful state. It was one of my favorite places to live. It’s still very Southern in the way that Texas is Southern. One of the things I have found is that as long as I’m close to ocean are my allergies seem to clear up and I feel much better. So the home prices have gone up in recent years, but I don’t imagine they’re much more than Texas. I don’t think the taxes are very much different than Texas, but you can check into all of that of course. The folks are really nice there and you have cities as well as country and you’re close to things there such as DC and you’re a short train ride or airplane ride to New York. You’re also not far from some of the most beautiful mountains this country has to offer. If you’ve never taken a ride along Route 66 through the Blue Ridge Mountains I encourage you to do so. They have the Highland Games in North Carolina up in the mountains and have a wonderful artist community up in Asheville as well. There’s just so much in North Carolina that makes it a worthwhile consideration. Unfortunately Healthcare sucks there if you don’t have the Affordable Healthcare Act or really good insurance. I would imagine with Gordon having been military you have good insurance so that is not a consideration for you. Yes,North Carolina gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter, but overall the weather is really nice and living on the water or close to the water there is idealic. And you can grow things they’re almost all year round.????
I forgot to mention that North Carolina beaches have been voted some of the nicest beaches in this country year after year. I have a friend who lives down by the coast and these are pictures that she and her neighbors take from their yard. They don’t live on the beach, but they live a little bit Inland on the coastal waterways close to the beach.
Come to Scotland 😉
Thanks for a very thought-provoking post.
On the topic of healthcare, my biggest wish that affordable GOOD QUALITY healthcare could be truly affordable for all.
Could you imagine not being chained to large companies just for healthcare benefits?
More people might be able to do work they enjoy and are better suited. (I don’t know what America would do with so many happy people. It might collapse from less stress/depression related illness profit going to Dr’s & Pharma, or to garment industry from new clothes purchases due to stress-eating weight gain, stress shopping benefiting credit card companies, etc)
It would help people be more innovative and creative in how they earn a living.
How many talented, creative, people wish they could make a living doing what they love?
How many people who are great at fixing things and would rather work for themselves?
I just think America is selling itself short by not seeing these possibilities regarding having a ‘healthcare for all’ plan.
Just a thought.
I am shocked that NY is not being considered.
I think our marketplace will survive.
But we spent some time in Massachusetts this year and it is lovely and people respect each other and follow rules and we were very jealous.
Move to Minnesota! It’s cool enough for climate change, the summer spring and fall are beautiful, and yes, it gets cold and snow in the winter but it’s sunny. I moved here from southern Ohio, after I retired. Ohio is warmer, but grey and rainy in the winter. I love the temperature here. And it certainly going to be a great place to go through climate change. It’s also a very progressive state, which means there are lots and lots of services for people. They are parks and lakes and art in abundance. I love this state so much. I will never move.
A thot about allergies. I’ve had environmental allergies all my life. I never really worried about it & kept on going. About 10 years ago i was eating my lunch & had full on anaphylaxis reaction. Ended up in emergency for 12 hours. When i got in to the allergist he gave me lots of bad news including that i had Oral Allergy Syndrome. He said it was peas, yep peas that put me in emergency. I thot he was probably a kook But No, allergies can .. i guess you’d say multiply. So watch out. I’d explain the oral allergy thing but im not super clear about it
As a Californian who has been living in Massachusetts for the last decade I can confirm that it’s horribly cold here. I enjoy a lot of aspects about New England but it’s basically winter from October to May. If I could live anymore in New England it would probably be in Maine, somewhere outside Portland. But buying property here, like more than 5 acres, is crazy expensive unless you’re way north in Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine. And good luck getting reliable internet at that point.
Sigh. I miss California. Having seasons is overrated.
The Pacific Northwest is pretty nice…just saying. 🙂
I have a secret spot in Massachusetts. My sister in law and nieces live in a town called Duxbury. It is on the south shore and is where, after looking around a bit, a bunch of pilgrims decided to live (thanks to the Massasoit people who made it super nice). It’s a coastal idyll. If you ever do consider Massachusetts for real, that is a place I would consider. It’s lovely and has miles of beach and sun and bays and boats and delightful french cafes and such things. Also hydrangea grows beautifully there.
Come to New Zealand. We have a huge length of coastline for the size of the country. Nowhere in the entire country is more than a 2 hour drive from the sea, and you can pick your climate – from near tropical in the far north to cool temperate in the south. Best little country in the world – especially at present.
When I moved out here to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, I made a point of asking small business owners whether they saved money through ACA. In fact most of them claimed that they paid a multiple of 3X or 4X times for essentially the same coverage that they had before ACA was passed. One unhappy fellow claimed to pay about 7X, but he was an outlier. If you and Gordon make out better under ACA than before, as I assume you are, then you must understand the two of you are in a minority.
Home builders — and of necessity home owners — tend to favor colonial architecture patterns in Maryland and Virginia. If your friends look in new developments they are more likely to find a new home floor plan with a main floor master bedroom than if they buy a previously owned home.
Best of luck to you finding a place which improves your allergy issues. Wife and I had seasonal allergy issues when we lived close to Washington, DC. I’m better since moving out here in our retirement home but wife has more allergy issues around here than she did before.
Mike, we don’t have a choice when it comes to healthcare.
It’s not the matter of saving money. It’s the matter of having insurance or having nothing.
I think most people don’t really get ACA. The primary benefit is getting the insurance as Ilona says. It’s geared to get insurance into the hands of the “working poor”. I’m currently receiving treatment for cancer. It began in June of 2019 and will continue into 2021. Without the ACA I will never get insurance for any price. I’m sure everyone can figure out the end result. Unfortunately I am not an exception. My community was hit hard by the Great Recession and again by the Covid-19 crisis. Lots of people would have become uninsurable without the ACA. Just another perspective to consider.
Ilona, thank you for your clarification.
I have lived in Northern Virginia for 30 yrs and HATE the stupid colonial style of homes they build here. You don’t have a choice. They don’t know how to build ranch style homes or proper split levels they have this horrible split foyer type of house.
Have you considered moving to another country? Norway is best!
I live in Pennsylvania. It’s really beautiful here all year round. Especially now in Autumn. I live near the Appalachian mountains, so I’ve grown up with them in the background of my life. The trees changing colors in Fall is always magical. And steeped in American history as well!! The French and Indian War, precursor to the American Revolution, began with a skirmish that took place 20 minutes from where I live. You can definitely find a really beautiful and vibrant place to live here. I wish you luck in your search!!
I live in BC so I would suggest Seattle Yes its wet but not much snow and mild summers. I don’t know what your allergies are but look at the trees and the pollen counts on any area
Living in south-central PA and was born in/spent first 19 years in MA… if I could afford it, I’d choose MA in a heartbeat – although snow. I hate snow. Husband hates cold. Parts of PA are great; parts are wretched – as with all states. Good luck!
If you *want* to live totally in the country, you possibly can – high-speed internet is in way more places now than it was even just a few years ago. We live in the middle of nowhere and got fiber a couple of years ago.
Thank you for your thoughtful and well-informed post.
As an aside, I’m an Arizonan who has spent a lot of time in Pennsylvania. Much to like, there. The little town of Carlisle is interesting – Not far from Gettysburg, it’s a college town with a world-famous ballet program, a large population of Amish/Mennonites, as well as the War College.
My favorite part of that area is the Brandywine River Valley, memorialized by the Wyeths. Beautiful gardens, historic sites, DuPont-related museums, and only 40 minutes from the Philadelphia airport.
No oceans, but you would not be the first Texans to decide that Colorado is pretty nice.
I am from Massachusetts. I live in Virginia now, and we have military healthcare for retirees. The healthcare coverage getting better here, but I don’t know any details. The dems were voted in and they went to town fixing stuff. I love Massachusetts, and would recommend it to anyone who didn’t mind the cold. You DO get used to it, but I sense you don’t want to. Connecticut is also nice but mostly expensive. We lived in Groton when husband Paul was still in submarines. It was kinda gritty back then, in the 80s. Good luck to you both.
How about North Carolina? Wilmington area with Charlotte and multiple other larger cities nearby. It’s a win-win! I’m personally from Virginia, but the only city I would really recommend that semi-suits your needs is Charlottesville. It’s lovely there.
It’s a complicated and difficult process to find a place to live. I’m sure you are aware of the goal Elon Musk has set for his new low earth orbit satellite chains. He intends to bring 5G network to a world wide status so places that are isolated and “country” will not have any difficulties with high speed internet access. The other concerns? Well, you and Gordon are amazingly competent people and will figure it all out! I believe in the both of you!! Authors can write about anything anywhere … it’s portable. ???? If it was necessary to live where you were writing about we wouldn’t have stories from outer space. HA!
I am learning so much about USA with your blogs… however i have a really simple solution to your forever home…. move to the UK! While we have Boris, we do have beautiful coastlines, the NHS and we even speak the same language (just about!) And besides…. i would actually have some chance of coming to a book signing!
I find cold weather, winter, to be best for my allergies. Central Texas was the worst place for my allergies. Missouri was pretty bad, too. New Mexico was pretty good for my allergies, but you would miss the water. Everybody who lives in the desert misses large bodies of water. So far, Wisconsin is good for my allergies. Um, I speak as someone who takes two different allergy medications, daily, year round.
Hi to both of you, I live in MD but was born and grew up in Mass. to which I will return when I retire. My suggestion, if you love the sea, is to look for something in the Berkshires (western Mass, where we don’t talk funny). I suggest North Adams area because it has plenty of wifi access, a local, nationally recognized public college of liberal arts, a serious cultural base (Mass. Museum of Contemporary Art is in town), Williams College, and its museum, the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Museum, are both in the next town over (Williamstown) and its still one of the least pricy places in Berkshire County (plus it stays pretty cool in the summer–winters do bring snow and ice, however–you have to be prepared for that). The sea, Connecticut or RI is about 2 to 3 hours away, depending on how you drive. Good luck. Mary Kate
I remember seeing an expert from the Netherlands talking to American communities about coping with sea level rise. They were mostly unwilling to accept the drastic measures he said they would need to protect themselves, but what floored me was his flat statement that Florida can’t be saved. His explanation was that the whole state is resting on limestone which is porous. The sea will rise on both sides of whatever you build.
San Diego, California is nice. Expensive, but nice. Beaches, mountains (snow, hiking, etc.), desert all within an hour of each other. I’ve lived in San Diego my whole life though so I’m a little biased.
1. I completely agree on I’ll of that. I hate my job. Hate it. But I need it for insurance. On that, did you ever look into Tricare Military Health insurance. My friend didn’t realize her husband eligible to it. He was. She got to quit 🙁
2. I want a beach house, we looked and looked because I live in NC. Yeah the costs to live on the coast just isn’t worth it. Have you considered at lake house? Great Lake communities without 10,000 yearly assessments to out sand back on the beach
My cousin has an apartment outside Atlanta and a beautiful farmhouse on ten acres in the Blue Ridge mountains, only a couple of hours drive away. The climate is excellent, very little snow, hot summers but nowhere near as bad as Texas or Florida. Excellent Wifi in both places. Hurricanes rarely hit Georgia and if they do, by the time they get to Atlanta, they’re just storms. No earthquakes or other natural disasters. It’s a great place to live.
I live in Maryland (Bel Air, Harford County) near the border of Pennsylvania and love it! However, if you’re truly interested in Pennsylvania, please look into Lititz, PA. It is an absolutely beautiful, idyllic little town just north of Lancaster, PA, yet it has all the current conveniences. All the best to you!
Bentonville, Arkansas. Nothing like the rest of the state. If you haven’t visited in five years, you wouldn’t recognize it now. No sea, but some really nice lakes. Great WiFi because Walmart.
I wouldn’t live in Florida if you gave me a house for free. I lived there growing up still have tons of family but will only visit them for no more then a week and only in Jan/Feb. The property taxes in Massatusets will kill you but PA has some lower cost areas just not near Philly. I have family in both places and NJ/NY and they pay more in property taxes then I do in mortgage payments in Eastern Oregon.
If you decide to move to Pennsylvania make sure you take a good long look at their inheritance taxes. I advise this from personal experience. You also might want to take a look at New Hampshire. It might be cold in winter but you might like the tax situation. No sales tax and no income tax but there is a 55 tax on interest and dividends. There is definitely a property tax which is where New Hampshire derives its income.
I’m so sorry. Making the decision to move away from a place you love has to be incredibly difficult. I’m afraid many people will experience the same thing in the coming years as climate change escalates.
Maryland is a beautiful state, but I still found it oppresively hot (I’m from Minnesota, though, so I’m biased towards the cold). The Eastern Shore is gorgeous, and the western Appalachian region is also lovely.
If that doesn’t work, you’re always welcome in the Midwest! No oceans, but Minnesota has a ton of lakes and is very outdoorsy and scenic.
What about moving to Australia?
We have a lot of Oceans to pick from.
I live in N FL my sister’s are in S Fl. The flooding issue is real. We recently took a trip to the NC mountains near the Pisgah National Forest. Incredibly beautiful lots of rivers, streams, and mountain overlooks to watch the sunsets. Temperatures in the summer 10-20 degrees F less than the coast. Waterfalls in Pisgah and other National forests are amazing. They get very little snow and the ski slopes are mostly man made snow. You should visit. Incredible hiking and the water is cool and refreshing in the summer . If you love nature it is beautiful.
We live in the midwest, but have traveled to the east coast on vacations many times over the years. We have always loved the outdoors that we see in Pennsylvania while going through the state. It has always seemed so unexpected to see so many trees. I wish you both the best of luck in finding a new place!
If considering Pennsylvania, may I suggest the Pittsburgh area?
I lived there for 15 years and loved it.
Pittsburgh has the charm and quiet of the country, with the conveniences of a modern city.
It’s a small city, but very beautiful. Lots of parks, museums, and restaurants. The people are friendly without being intrusive, and the climate is pretty mild considering. They have hot summers and cold winters, but no hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, or wildfires.
I grew a victory garden every year and was able to get a variety of things to grow in zone 5.
Anyway, hope you find this helpful.
You could move REALLY far south, to Australia. It’s awesome here. Beautiful weather, free healthcare, slightly less bizarre politics. The only downsides are all the killer animals, crocodiles, snakes, spiders and drop bears just to name a few. 😉
Blue-banded octopus, cone shells, several of the most venomous snakes in the world, salt water crocodiles, Sydney funnel-web spiders, bull sharks, great whites, box jellyfish — everything in Australia keeps trying to kill you.
Well, yeah, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?
Have you had a positive allergy test (skin test, or blood test) for allergies? Just checking your diagnosis status, because my was self-misdiagnosed for years.
My wife suffered for years with horrible allergy symptoms, and only learned last year, that she wasn’t allergic (classically) to anything. She experienced a condition called vasomotor rhinitis (physical irritation of the nose and sinus making the body act like allergic response).
We “cured” her by putting a high quality air filter in the HVAC, running the house fan more often, and using a saline spray to wash her sinuses. Amazing!
I lived in Silver Spring, Maryland for four years; nice weather most of the time but the humidity and bugs were horrible and prices were out of sight. I’m in southeastern Washington state now, dry, sunny most of the year, no hurricanes, tornadoes or floods. Been here three decades, love it.
Lived in Massachusetts and upstate NY (near PA) for many years growing up. While I adore many things about the East Coast and still visit family there often – I wouldn’t recommend either MA or PA to you unfortunately. It’s beautiful in summer and fall but very, very cold in the winters – and the winters tend to be very long. Shoveling snow and dealing with long winters and lots of darkness, also not great weather in summer (humid, hot), winter (cold, dark), or spring/fall (very rainy and tending to be very cold) – most folks don’t move to the East Coast for weather reasons, or even access to the ocean, since ocean access tends to be REALLY cold and fairly limited. Those folks I do know on the East Coast still remain there because the access to culture is fabulous – NYC and Boston and DC are awesome for museums and cultural events. Would actually recommend RI, CT or NH coast if you’re set on East Coast with access to ocean. It’s much more temperate than MA generally (not NH but CT and RI, NH has cheaper land though and no income tax) – though it does get very cold in the middle of winter. If it’s access to the coast, large tracts of land, cheaper cost of living and warmer weather that’s also better for allergies – I’ve heard amazing things about the Chesapeake Bay honestly. Though that also has a huge global warming risk to it. Same with the Carolinas, which also has more allergy issues. We lived in Colorado for 8 years and it had everything except the sea – so we ended up moving to Seattle and the PNW in general has been a great compromise for us. It’s incredibly temperate weather (almost never very cold and never very hot, most homes don’t even have AC, and it snows about once a winter but the mountains about 30 minutes away get plenty of snow if you feel a hankering for winter sports), beautiful views of the Pacific ocean (great access to the Sound for water sports/boating), and it’s really really green. The one downside is that the winter is fairly rainy, tends to rain everyday but like Florida tends to get sunnier in the winter afternoons and remains lovely green and fairly warm (due to the volcanic weather climate). It’s also less crowded and less expensive than California (where we also lived for a few years in the Bay Area), and has no income tax. Would recommend looking at Bellingham, Orcas Island or around the Portland area (which has income tax but zero sales tax – though you can always live on the WA border), if it piques your interests. It’s actually not too far from Texas either – about a 3hr flight to Dallas. My parents and my partner’s parents both moved to Florida from NY though and they love-love-love it( one is in Tampa, the other is in New Smyrna). So I’m sure you wouldn’t regret a move there either (maybe on slightly higher ground? – hurricane flooding is terrible there). My parents also still do a little less than half-time in Vermont though too and love that too. Rambling here but finding the ideal place to move is super tough. We moved around so much to find something we loved. Good luck!! And keep us in the loop when you find that place you just love!!
I want you to live wherever makes you happy and is best for your health.
That being said, Maryland is nice and I am sure you can find a wonderful place to live there. PA is nice also. MA has some great places to live. I grew up in AZ and joined the Air Force. While I was in the military I lived in TX and NH. I love New England but coming from AZ it took some getting used to as things are very different in ways I did not expect and I don’t mean the weather.
I have been living in upstate NY in the Albany area (Capital District) for 31 years now and I love it here but unfortunately it is not a good place to live if you have allergies. Otherwise, I would recommend it. ????
Whatever you decide I wish you the best of luck!
After traveling all over the country, I still love my home state of Mass the best. 3/4 of the year the weather IS just great. BUT, 1/4 of the year it IS cold and darker than a lot of southern folks can tolerate. We have a ton of southern folks moved here after the 2008 recession and many STILL complain about the cold!
fyi, Boston metro area has a largish Russian immigrant community, though avoid Weston as it’s over-priced AND too wooded for reliable GPS and cell service.
Mass been ranked #1 in healthcare nearly every year the last decade, and fantastic ACA health exchange that I use myself.
If you’re concerned about healthcare, a word of warning about Florida. I moved my elderly mom back to Mass primarily to escape the shoddy doctors and medical care down there. She had excellent private health insurance coverage, so that was NOT the problem. Poorly trained PCPs and substandard surgical standards are the real issue. Studies have shown most snowbirds hold off surgeries for this reason and wait to have them when they return to Northeast. My aunt had no choice but get her knee replacement in Naples, Florida 2 years ago and Brigham & Women hospital here in Mass had to fix that mess for her when she came back home.
If looking for warmer weather, you might also consider Virginia. The new legislature finally flipped and passed several healthcare insurance expansion bills. There is already talk there about building their own healthcare exchange.
But, again if healthcare and insurance coverage is your #1 priority, Mass is your best bet. Our state has nearly all the ACA coverage requirements enshrined long before ACA passed and 3 out of the top 10 hospitals in the country.
Good luck on your search!
Bah, you young people and your allergy tablets, back`n day we ate local honey.
I lived in Austin for quite a while during undergrad, grad school and law school and then I moved back to my hometown Corpus Christi and the relief from the allergies and being close to the ocean are my two big reasons to never live in Central Texas again. I get this. I still love Texas too, but I can’t live in most parts of it.
Australia. All citizens get healthcare. Not very much COVID either plus we are pretty friendly in the land down under.????
I hope you will see this comment. I have serious allergies and have lived in the Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania and now live on the border of the Capital and Upstate NY in the last 10 years. I can attest that both are great! So many green trees and beautiful farmlands. For my allergies, NY has been better. The hills of Pittsburgh make it hard for the wind to blow the allergens out. But Pittsburgh is a great city! We miss it.
I have a deep love of NY now. Which is really strange considering I’m a born and bred Pacific Northwest girl. The politics are strange, but the people are great.
I have lived a good number of places, being a military BRAT. This country is pretty amazing and holds such variety. But upstate NY is my favorite now. It’s beautiful; mountains, lakes, open spaces, etc.
I hope you are happy with whatever you choose in the future.
I live on Cape Cod right on an inner harbor and LOVE it! My sister keeps trying to get me to move to Florida, but the heat and humidity are yuck for me. Not to mention the cockroaches the size of my THUMB!
We DO get four seasons, but it tends to be a bit milder temperature wise, both hot and cold, than inland.
How about trying a rental for a couple of weeks for wherever you are interested in, maybe during a ‘shoulder’ season, to at least get an idea whether you like the area or not. The image is last February from my back door.
Picture from back door
Love your books! Really innovative! I’m a Texas transplant in mass, for about 25 years now. Funny how roots never wither completely. But I’d never go back, love it! But I enjoy the southern culture references mixed into sci fi. I especially love the ones set in Houston, I lived in spring and sang at Houston opera for awhile, and I enjoy remembering!
Basil can burn??!?!?
We sold our house on the gulf coast of Florida in April of this year. We were there about 8 years. The last red tide really scared and sickened me (literally and figuratively). I don’t think the full extent of it was broadcast on the news. There were tons and tons of dead fish, whales, dolphins washing up in the beaches for over 9 months. I would walk out in my back yard and it would smell like there was a dead animal close by but I was smelling the rotting fish on the beach and we were a good 15-20 minute drive away. It also gave us headaches and coughs. In the area we were living in there were somewhere around 900 people moving in a month. Florida’s ecosystem and infrastructure can’t handle that many people. Especially when everyone uses harsh chemicals to make their lawns grow which seeps into the aquifer. Also we did notice the high heat was sticking around longer and longer. It made me sad because Florida has some amazing wildlife. We are looking to go back to the mountains. Somewhere quiet where I can read lots of books and have lots of animals. ????
Good Luck. My mother lived with allergies all her adult life and when she got congestive heart failure, it took over a year to diagnose it, Shortening her life.
Y’all are too young to have to live with those kinds of allergies
Washington state has been mentioned a few times. Check out the islands off Seattle called the San Juan’s. The Gulf Stream keeps the climate more temperate. Also, the closer island, Whidbey Island has a ferry to Seattle as well as a bridge. My brother lives on Whidbey and commutes to Seattle.
It’s a great place to watch the migrating whales.
I grew up in Maryland and my dad still lives there. He’s in the DC area, so not typical MD, but Maryland is great for a lot of reasons. It is still super hot in the summer (top o the south) but the humidity is definitely better than Texas. It is really beautiful, has great hospitals, schools, etc. Lots of cool places around for day trips, and lots of museums, etc. The eastern shore is there if you want the beach (though Delaware is where we usually went for beaches). And the state government is on top of it. Like, once Hogan realized he wasn’t going to get covid tests from the federal government in the timeline he needed, he asked Johns Hopkins to help develop some, and while people in other states (including here in CA) were waiting a week for results, in MD they were getting them in a day. Happy to talk to your friend if she wants more info!
I you’re considering Mass, you should really look at Rhode Island. For the smallest state there’s a little of everything here from ocean to camping in the hills.
Go Northern California. Yes, still there are sharks and earthquakes, but there are Redwood trees and the temperature is perfect. It’s my new home and if it weren’t for the smoke at the moment, it would be perfect.
My sister moved to Providence, Rhode island after spending most of her life in PA. Her allergies are much better there (we live in allergen valley, yes, people really call it that) and they have a river that you can ride a gondola down and have wine and cheese. Also oceans. It’s an hour away from Boston, but doesn’t feel like a big city. It’s cute and quercky and she really likes it. Just a thought 🙂
I have lived in Baltimore, MD two different times for a total of fifteen years. In between those times I lived in Texas – San Antonio and a little village one hour south called Sabinal. It took me a while to get used to the subtle seasonal differences, except for the Spring flowers. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. My background should explain my comments. Texas grew on me, but PA is where my heart is because of the four seasons, mountains and festivals. Having said that, the weather in SouthWest PA can change on a dime. Some days you can get all four seasons! In fact one of the local news shows actually says that in a TV ad. Baltimore was great; it too has four seasons but it’s mostly lowlands. Great ocean views if you live in Ocean City or any of the other quaint towns that cater to antiquing and water crafts. There are also a couple of relatively big craft shows. If your looking for a single home in Baltimore, I believe a new build would be best. Some of the older townhouses and colonial buildings are great to visit but the rooms are small and they will most likely need central air to be installed. Traffic during rush hour is a beast. 695 is like a parking lot (circle around the city); the locals avoid it if they can. Traffic from DC hits southern Baltimore because a lot of people live in MD and commute to DC where traffic is a nightmare if you don’t know where you’re going. The weather isn’t bad in Baltimore unless there’s a storm coming up the coast; then you get slammed. It’s a running joke for the locals: “Do you have your milk, bread and TP?” better get them! If you’re looking for a place to retire in a few years, some things to consider are: low cost of gas, high taxes (City and State), land taxes and higher food costs. I developed cedar fever allergies in Texas. I moved to Baltimore and the allergies popped up every year in the Fall, just like clock work. I am a retired teacher and my district had good health insurance but it was expensive. Hopw this helps.
Me and my children had to make a very similar decision 11 years ago. The funny thing is we chose Texas! ???? I’ll say this G-d speed, I truly hope that you can find a great place to live! ????
Dear Ilona,
I’ve been lurking on your blog for several years because I enjoy your writings. So far, I have restrained myself from leaving comments. The discussion about Maryland and moving to the north, however, prompted me to share some thoughts.
I have lived in Ohio, Maryland, and I am currently living in Northern Virginia. I have friends in Oregon, California, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York. I noticed many people out there claim their state is _the_ allergy capital of the US. I wonder if all the states are allergy capitals, or perhaps there are different types of allergy triggers in different places. My son is highly allergic to tree pollen and nothing helps – medicine, natural remedies, allergy shots, so I know how it feels. You have my sympathy.
As far as Maryland – we had snow in the winter and hot days in the summer. There are nice things about the state, but it is also highly regulated. My friends who live in the Annapolis area of Maryland, told me they pay rain taxes. I had no clue what that meant, so they happily educated me – that is a tax imposed by the state based on the size of your back/front yard. The argument is that the larger your yard, the more you benefit from the rainfall!?! Now, I haven’t confirmed this rain tax with other Marylanders – so who knows – I still would like to imagine that that was a joke:)
In any case, I am sorry to hear that you are concerned about the state of Texas. Perhaps things will work out. Keep up your excellent work. I find your books imaginative and consistently entertaining. That alone is a rare feat in our day and age, where the pressure to please the lowest common denominator is tremendous.
Tatiana, we pay $17,724.02 in property taxes, annually. 🙂 Texas takes a big old bite out of property owners.
Come to Michigan! Lots of small lakes and the huge great lakes. Ann Arbor is beautiful in the spring, summer and fall. Maybe a little too cold for you though.
My take away from your post – I love seeing the beautiful scenery in the Great British Baking Show too! So very beautiful. I’ve been binge watching it. ????
Maryland homes are expensive, but during the housing crash, the values didn’t fall as hard as other states and quickly rebounded, so there’s that.
I’m half an hour west of Baltimore, and 45 min north of DC, so housing costs aren’t quite as expensive as they are closer in to the city. Check out Frederick if you get a chance – super cute town with some equally cute smaller towns surrounding it.
Hiking, skiing, lakes and rivers, beach an easy drive away. Beautiful rolling hills. Oh – and The Bay! It’s an awesome place to live.
Despite the comment about the cold….
Come to Canada!!
Vancouver island is beautiful, Tofino is my favourite place in all of Canada (yes, I spelled it the Canadian way). I live in Vancouver and it rarely snows though it does get cold. My asthma and allergies haven’t acted up since I moved here. It’s beautiful and there is so much to do. Plus… it’s Canada, universal healthcare! The taxes are not substantially different in most cases.
It’s 70 degrees in Boston Ma. today???? I’m a native soI’ll admit to bias, but Ma. is a nice place to live. Really, you have all of New England just down the road. Boston is a walkable city full of parks and greenery and history. It even inspired HP Lovecraft????. Western Ma. Is beautiful, but not near ocean. The coast gets into your bones and never lets you go. Yes taxes are medium high, but you get what you pay for. So that’s my pitch for 2 of my favorite authors to move to my neckofthewoods.
I feel like I have to put in a plug for PA! I’m in the country, just east of Harrisburg (south-central part of the state). Nice mild winters, not too expensive, relatively short drive to the bigger cities. No ocean, but nice rivers. Do get about 100% humidity in the summers though.
What about living next to a really really big lake??? It’s almost like the ocean… If that’s something you’re cool with, move to Canada and live in Toronto! It’s great here! 🙂
Your friend (an you) might want to attend the live event 20 Oct 2020 at 10 am through Anne Arundel County Library. Its a talk on 31 wild and wonderful natural areas of Maryland ( I registered and there are <247 spots left). I moved to Annapolis 33 years ago from NE Ohio (also beautiful seasons yet not good for allergies) and love it here. Here is the link: https://aacpl.librarycalendar.com/events/exploring-outdoors-mountains-sea-marylands-natural-areas
My sister turned me on to your Hidden Legacy series and I just love it!
I’m soooo glad I live in Canada! Part of the family is American and I love all of you guys, visiting and vacationing there, but I’m really glad to be outside all the drama.
I love the posts, love the books and love all the comments with the sense of community and care…keep up the good work!
We have been in the Maryland DC burbs for ten years and we like it. If you go a bit North you could be almost in PA, but with the MD amenities. More importantly: good doctors.
We went for allergy shots. My husband had asthma, my own eyes cried for a month at a time. Five years later, I am off Zyrtec and have no symptoms and my husband has stopped keeping track of his inhaler. So I recommend both Maryland and allergy shots
I selfishly want you to move to Virginia – I have no idea about what is going on WTT health care in my state but – that’s my unasked-for two cents. Obvs do what’s best for you. Florida does have fantastic food and, in Miami, cafecitos, which I’m convinced are worth the trouble. Virginia has no food but beautiful forests. I’m here, and I’m ok with the idea of dying near my lovely forest.
omg WRT With Regard To
Is Washington state or Oregon too cold for you?
I am from northwest Kansas, which has lots of sunshine, hot summers, maybe 3 weeks of snow on the ground, decent schools and a low cost of housing. In town you should have excellent internet, especially if you’re in Hays, a college town which has many online students in China. Our heated pool was open from May 1 to November 1 or so.
I’m now living in St. Louis. Excellent internet, lots of bookstores and libraries, wonderful ethnic food. 2 VA facilities, 2 major medical schools, multiple good community hospitals that take Tricare. Weather is hot in summer, more humid than Kansas, maybe 1-2 weeks of snow in the winter. If you are in the south city or many suburbs, it’s s safe place to live. There are Good Things happening with plant science and geospatial engineering. Many pleasant areas to visit nearby, including museums, parks, and the Ozarks. I know neither state is in your list but think about it.
With regard to allergies, ask your doctor to prescribe azelastine nasal spray. 2 puffs in each nostril then drink some orange soda to kill the aftertaste. Nose will be functional in 20 minutes.
St Louis city property tax on 4 bedroom 2 bath house, safe neighborhood, small yard with lots of trees is less than 2000 dollars a year.
Just saying…..we would love to have you here!
You know. Your welcome to come to Canada, We’d love to have you in New Brunswick. We have oh 800k or so population for a huge province.
Just saying.
Did you ever think about Phoenix? Your allergies would thank you and we are only about 4 hours from Los Angeles and not far from the Gulf of California if you are willing to go into Mexico. The state healthcare is an issue, but solar cells on your roof makes the power bill nice.
My brother-in-law is former military. My sister’s family has unbelievably affordable health insurance with great coverage through USAA. You can only get coverage if you have served in the military, the spouse of someone who has served, or the child of someone who has served. Anyone who qualifies should call them and review their options.
I think this is really what everyone wants to say: Move in next door to me! I live in a great place, we’ll be great neighbors, and I’ll very helpfully read your material as soon as you write it!
Washington and Oregon both have the ocean, as well as temperate weather.
Edisto, South Carolina? Beaches, fewer hits with hurricanes than the Gulf…maybe less allergens?
I feel you, Ilona. I moved from the Bay Area in California a few years ago – climate change, fires, super expensive real estate and terrible allergies! I now live in Vancouver, WA and love it,
It’s cooler, people are friendly, and property is affordable. Maybe Portland or Vancouver would be your cup of tea!!
Hello all,
I just want to say that as a fellow allergy sufferer “IT SUCKS!” I grew up in New Jersey and my allergies were bad but when I moved to California they got worse. A friend I met in my new home state suggested I start eating the local honey. The local honey has pollen and other allergens from the area and it seems to help build up your body’s immunity to the local stuff. I recently moved back to New Jersey but before I did I had some of the local honey shipped to me and started using it 6 months before the actual move (NJ blueberry honey is amazing) and while I do still have bad days here and there I do notice they they are not as bad as when I actually lived here or when I first moved to Cali. Try the honey it may help.
Reading this, I feel ya! I live in Phoenix, AZ and it was the hottest summer on record. I am a native to the desert and this was my first summer where I felt the power of global warming. I am so very fortunate to work at a hospital with a pension and also have two kids living at home while going to college. So moving for us, is our long term goal.
Husband and I have gone round and round on states to live in. We love Oregon and Washington State coastline or Virginia. I love the mountains and Washington State offers gorgeous views and seaside visits. So many beautiful places in all three states that also mesh with our own peronal beliefs. Good luck on your journey for a new state to call home.
I know you lived for a time in Portland, right? But the dreary weather got to you? Might take another look at Oregon, but head east. Somebody suggested Vancouver, WA (just across the river from Portland). Bend is a really interesting spot, with all the volcanic aspects and mountain, yet still high desert. Just a thought…. Born in Seattle (Mulilteo, actually), grew up in San Francisco Bay Area, and I love love love British Columbia, and have really missed being able to visit this year. So when we should be living in the PNW, instead we are in Florida dreaming of escaping. And taking Zyrtec.
Whatever you decide, I hope you find a good place to live. Health insurance is an essential need .. especially with a preexisting condition in an expensive country regarding medical treatment. And unfortunately, health doesn’t necessarily improve with age. And although quite a few of you tell Goran, that he could get healthcare through his status as a veteran, there’s still Ilona to consider… I don’t know if she’s covered, too.
And as I’m living in a moderate climate: I love it, wouldn’t want it different.
Take a look at Kansas City. It is a large city but not like Houston, San Antonio, Dallas. It has 4 seasons and lovely rolling hills.
I will add my recommendation for central Puget Sound in Washington State. No income taxes, though other taxes are a bit regressive.
North of Seattle in Snohomish County is good for access to the Metro area while being able to get land, lakes, rivers, and sea. As others have said, we have a lot of microclimates. Pick your flavor.
Two final plusses to note. I recently saw maps of how climate change was causing loss of agricultural areas throughout the US. One of the few places where climate change was predicted to IMPROVE agriculture is…Maritime Puget Sound and parts of Western Washington.
And, as a last resort, Canada is a couple hours away.