FYI - rent for an apartment in and around NYC (Manhattan) is generally above $1200 for a shoebox, you can probably find places cheaper in queens/brooklyn/bronx/staten island/NJ for cheaper, but not by much. I think my real estate friend said the average is $36/sq ft annually.

Considered South Africa? We have the Springboks and strong beer plus a huge amount of us have moved to NZ, so there are enough space for a couple of All Blacks 

I agree with traveling around the states before you decide for sure to move here, it will also help decide where to move here.  I would def open the door for other cities and states, the 3 cities you listed have the highest cost of living here.  Doesn't seem like you would be trading up or breaking even.

If you want to be close to a big city but be in the burbs, don't discount GA, NC, TN or CO.  For a little bit higher cost of living don't overlook the upper northwest either, great culture, museums, restaurants, ocean, and fantastic roads.

Good luck!

T

As much as people will balk at the cost of living in some US cities, I would say that's only part of the equation...and a small one at that. Sure, housing is expensive in SF and other cities. But chasing the cheaper land can lead to misery. Just remember that there's a reason why housing is expensive in places like SF and Seattle: people want to live there.

Also, be sure to take into consideration the fact that gas is going up and is likely staying up. As that happens, the suburbs become a less viable place to live. Alarmist movies like "The End of Suburbia" aside, I think there's some real validity to the idea that at least the outlying burbs will no longer be sustainable communities in a decade or so. If you want a touch of suburbia, check out the transit infrastructure for where you want to live. If it's a place that relies on cars, longer commutes into the urban core, etc, then be wary.

I'd say that depends: Cities like Nashville and Memphis have the big companies putting their offices in the 'burbs to ease their employees commute. People want to live in Collierville/Germantown - relative to Memphis, and so that is where big companies are moving to (Where FedEx already is). Similarly, folks want to live in Brentwood/Franklin and you can see Nissan plopping their HQ right in the midst of suburbia.

And gas isn't too bad, if you man up and ride your bike to work!

Quote from: ato memphis on May 22, 2008, 08:12:54 AM
I'd say that depends: Cities like Nashville and Memphis have the big companies putting their offices in the 'burbs to ease their employees commute. People want to live in Collierville/Germantown - relative to Memphis, and so that is where big companies are moving to (Where FedEx already is). Similarly, folks want to live in Brentwood/Franklin and you can see Nissan plopping their HQ right in the midst of suburbia.

And gas isn't too bad, if you man up and ride your bike to work!

Oh, I've seen the office parks in the burbs...especially around Memphis They still rely on people commuting by car, and that's what won't be much of an option down the road. I don't think many people currently choose their suburb by what employer they work for...they find a place they like, then work where they can. Sometimes that means a burb on the other side of town. I think Memphis hasn't seen the "urban renewal" trend (at least it was when I was there a couple years ago) other cities have seen, but I strongly suspect that more and more companies will centralize in urban cores on good transit corridors.

Riding a bike is definitely nice (I do it all over SF and the surrounding area), but I'm afraid that'll become expensive in short order as well. I think the office parks will become ghost towns at some point, and density will become the name of the game. Then we have to worry about how we accomplish density without hurting too many people

Small text and hopes no one finds offense: Memphis suburb growth is astronomical, with people flocking from the city by the droves every year. Its the extreme case of white flight. The only thing to see downtown is concerts, Beale St. and Tigers' Games. (Nobody cares about the Grizz)

Come to America, and think how rich you'll be when you convert your NZ cash to $US thanks to our shitty economy!  Have you heard about the economic stimulus package?  BRILLIANT!

I've only lived in two areas (well, in the US), North Texas (DFW) and SoCal.  

I grew up in Seal Beach and currently live north of Downtown LA.  The key to life here is that you need to live close to where you work OR make sure that your commute takes you opposite the bad traffic.  Also, LA is a town for the truly ambitious - to get all that LA has to offer you really have to chase it.  Your dreams can all be realized here, but there's a ton of bums too (if you get my point...).  Housing is incredibly expensive, but you also have the potential to make the money to afford a home out here given your current professions.

Now, I spent 6 years in DFW and it was OK.  Weather sucks, the roads REALLY suck and it's flat as a board.  The people are nice, but 2 things always bothered me about it:  1) Everyone seems to move "slow" and 2) There were a lot of really racist attitudes that everyone just considered the norm.  However, if you're concerned about housing prices, don't be.  North Texas is as affordable as it gets.  Problem is the developments all look like Levittstown.  A lot of McMansions and that sort, but if you don't mind living in glorified tract housing, you can get a lot of bang for your buck.  

Personally, if I were saying "make the beast with two backs it" and packing up, I would just go for it and either move to London or Paris, or even Firenze.  But that's just me.

Quote from: ato memphis on May 22, 2008, 08:45:05 AM
Small text and hopes no one finds offense: Memphis suburb growth is astronomical, with people flocking from the city by the droves every year. Its the extreme case of white flight. The only thing to see downtown is concerts, Beale St. and Tigers' Games. (Nobody cares about the Grizz)

I noticed that too when I was there (working on a project at St. Jude's). The core is empty at night, save for Beale St and Jillian's. I think it's the same way in many southern cities. But I definitely miss Saigon Le's in midtown...I wake up at night craving their curry soup.

Quote from: tangueroHondo on May 21, 2008, 11:26:51 PM
We have made many dear friends in the US.  I think that Americans are a very accepting and generous people.  Don't be mislead by the media and their magnification of the exceptions.

Lies and mistruths!  We are too all glutinous, stupid and rude.  And overly proud- don't forget that!   

Other than the cost of "luxury items"- NZ sounds pretty good from here.  I caution against the concept of the US being the land of opportunity because it is also the land of the opportunistic.  I'm pretty sure that the terms "old boys club" and "dog eat dog" are products of American capitalistic enthusiasm.  Many people are trampled so that a few can live the life we all dream of.  I'm not saying "don't move here", rather- "keep your expectations in check".   There are many people in the US that feel the same way that you do about their standard of living being capped and their potential being under-utilized.   Internationally speaking there are many countries higher on the list for standard of living.  We have relatively high crime rates and the economy is ailing far more than some of those higher SoL countries.  All things are relative, of course.  If NZ (or anywhere else) is that bad this might all be moot for a newcomer.

Just know what you're getting into.  Here you have freedoms that aren't available or tollerated in other places.  Some people put a very high value on those.  Definitely do some homework before you make any major changes. 

Quote from: Flipside725 on May 22, 2008, 07:36:19 AM
FYI - rent for an apartment in and around NYC (Manhattan) is generally above $1200 for a shoebox, you can probably find places cheaper in queens/brooklyn/bronx/staten island/NJ for cheaper, but not by much. I think my real estate friend said the average is $36/sq ft annually.

I live in an outer borough in NYC and pay $1275 for a 1000 sqft apt and parking for the bike and car included.  My gf lives a couple of blocks away in a 500 sqft studio for about $800.

Look at Minneapolis MN and surrounding area.  Big enough to have every amenity, small enough to be reasonably safe and clean.  Winter can be rough, spring summer and fall are to die for.

3.2 AND strong beer, mix of straight roads and fun roads.

Most years jobs and economy ahead of natl avg.

Some suggestions

For IT jobs look at Austin.  Good economy, great social scene and good climate.

For Finance take a look at Charlotte.  US's second largest banking center behind NY and the home of both Bank of America and Wachovia.  Decent economy, fair housing, excellent climate.

For a pleasant job mix and urban experience take a good look at Washington DC, Fairfax VA or Bethesda MD.  Good economy, decent housing prices (it's dropped recently) and excellent social scene.  You'll also have a large number of expats in the area and Sunday rugby matches along the Potomac river.

Quote from: COWBOY on May 22, 2008, 01:35:27 PM
For IT jobs look at Austin.  Good economy, great social scene and good climate.

See also: Great bars.


I also like Charlotte. I'm partial to really warm places, so all my suggestions are in the South. Atlanta has an incredible amount of fortune 500 companies, is very diverse, and has every possible pro sports team available. They also have great nearby mountains for riding and Road Atlanta, a race track.    [moto]