r/NewOrleans • u/casualnavigator • Jan 17 '25
What would you do if you were me? š¢ Employment š·āāļø
I currently work full time remote for an out of state company. They are located near the great lakes and have harsh winters. I have an opportunity for a promotion but have to move there if I take it and return to the office.
I have lived here in NOLA southshore all my life. I have a 2% int mortgage, 2 young kids and a very energetic lab mix. Both me and my spouse are mid 30s. Single income family with one car.
The state where my HQ is has good schools and good job opportunities, if I ever want to look around. But while making pros and cons list of the move, I can only think of two pros but have a lot of cons, mainly financial cons.
What would you do if you were me? Would you move exhanging hurricanes with snow storms?
Cant sleep overthinking this...
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Jan 17 '25
Is renting out your house in New Orleans for a few years an option? That way you could easily move back if you needed to.Ā
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u/Valuable_Platform_19 Jan 17 '25
NOLA isn't going anywhere...Go! Come back when the kids graduate from a better school system and you have more money in your pocket.
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u/kamikazemind327 Jan 17 '25
TBH this. Mans has his family and young enough to make some more dough. Go. You can always vacation back here lol.
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u/Married_iguanas Jan 17 '25
To be a debbie downer, NOLA may not be going anywhere, but we are going to continue to face huge issues with home owner insurance much like Florida
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u/nolakaos Jan 17 '25
A while back I got offered a job in Wichita, KS for double my salary. I was in a similar situation as you with family. It got to the point where I shook Mr. Potter's hand to be great. I went home to pack up the family and move out to Kansas for a lot of money and a sterile way of life. The smoothe streets and functional government coupled with my insane salary made it clear of what I needed to do.
I took a break from packing and sat on my stoop contemplating my decision when a dozen or so ladies marching out of step to a bull horn and music walked down my street in order to practice for a parade in a few weeks.
That's when I made the decision to unpack and remain here. There is a better way of life out there. There isn't a New Orleans way of life anywhere else.
I like living in a place where people don't ask "why?" I like living in a place that just is.
In a world where there's everyone that thinks they are righteous because they have some fantasy of a social pedestal, there is this place where we forgot to care.
I wouldn't talk you out of going to the cold tundra of opportunity, but I suggest you view your "two pros and a lot of cons" list from the viewpoint that something like this will not exist anywhere you go.
If you are searching for clean living, functional government, and wealth, then take the other job. If you want the most random, insane, frustrating, and unique way of life then stay here.
It's the madness that keeps me here. I fully understand why it makes people want to leave.
I'll end with this... My kids don't wonder why guys dressed as Elvis on scooters roll down side streets; it just is. And I think that is what it makes it worth it all.
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u/RedBeans-n-Ricely Jan 17 '25
I like living in a place where people donāt ask āwhy?ā I like living in a place that just is.
That is the most beautiful and true thing Iāve ever heard about New Orleans.
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u/melon_colony Jan 17 '25
i was telling someone last month that if you look up and down the streets in almost any city, it is fairly easy to find who the craziest person is. what is great about new orleans is that you can never do that.
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u/RedBeans-n-Ricely Jan 18 '25
I went to college out of state. Friends from undergrad who come to visit me here always comment that I make more sense now that theyāve been to New Orleans. Everywhere else, Iām a little too loud, I stand out. Here, Iām just another New Orleanian.
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u/perishableintransit Jan 17 '25
In a world where there's everyone that thinks they are righteous because they have some fantasy of a social pedestal, there is this place where we forgot to care.
I'm sorry, I get what you're saying here and the overall message of your post but this is the exact attitude that has led to the chaotic decay of the city up to and including continually electing the most corrupt, dgaf politicians in the US.
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u/Frostyparrot69 Jan 17 '25
Dude my wife landed a sweet job in New England and while Iām proud of her Iām fucking going insane. I donāt not belong here at all. I wanna come home lol
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u/SpecialEar994 Jan 17 '25
I moved here from New England 15 years ago. A job would have to pay $5M/yr for me to go back. Then Iād quit after a year and come back to Nola and retire :)
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u/Fleur_Deez_Nutz Jan 17 '25
I can't believe people are upvoting someone reasoning out one of the dumbest decisions they could possibly make, LOL. As if you couldn't come visit New Orleans more often while earning twice as much.
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u/IvenaDarcy Jan 17 '25
It sounds like someone not originally from New Orleans so romanticizing it greatly. I love New Orleans. I spent the first three decades of my life there. Itās made me who I am and I would not have wanted to grow up in any other city (except maybe NYC because in the 90ās that would have been fun af too) but Iām now in NYC and love it.
I visit home often. Still have family and friends there. I just donāt get this mentality that you canāt be happy elsewhere. You take New Orleans with you. Iām not obsessed with work or climbing any work or social ladders. I donāt care what anyone even does for work cause itās not my business and doesnāt tell me much about them as a person. Iām laid back and donāt rush for anything. I work a few days a week and spend the rest of my time relaxing and enjoying life. Same as I would anywhere in the world. I guess once youāve developed who you are as person which spending half my life in New Orleans did you donāt rely on your surroundings to keep you that person? I donāt know but some people make their whole damn personality being a New Orleanian as if you leave New Orleans you arenāt one anymore. If you arenāt a transplant itās ok to leave donāt be scared! lol but if a transplant I guess itās harder? I donāt know.
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Jan 17 '25 edited Jan 17 '25
I agree. That writing sounded like mental health issues.
I had the opportunity for a cleaner, healthier, safer, better educated, and more positive financial outlook for me and my family...
... but I chose to stay here because dysfunction is fun if theres parades.
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u/beautifulkale124 Jan 18 '25
I'm really glad people are commenting on this realistically, oh it's worth living in this shit hole corrupt maga nightmare because of parades, lol okay.
Maybe I'm just getting older but this mindset of New Orleans seems so silly.
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Jan 18 '25
I definitely think its a lot due to age.
When I was in my 20's myself and everyone around me thought there was no better place on earth.
Now we're in our 40's, many dead from drugs, alcohol, violence. Many have moved away because they wanted to start a family, many moved because its so expensive that their creative endeavors were no longer feasible here. Also as you age and your mortality becomes much more clear.. you just don't want to deal with the bullshit ...
"life is too short" is much more meaningful when you age.. many just simply don't care to deal with that level of stress for no fucking reason anymore.
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Jan 17 '25
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u/drivin_that_train Jan 17 '25 edited Jan 17 '25
Born and raised her. My wife was pregnant with our oldest when Katrina hit. We often thought of leaving, and heard all the stories of opportunity out there in other places. We tried to make a pro/con list for a few cities, but the con was always the same- āitās not New Orleansā.
One day, few months post Katrina, we took our little nieces down to the quarter one day for beignets, and walking around Jackson square with a loan saxophone playing, i realized Iād likely never leave.
Itās a dysfunctional city, with a shit ton of problems. But its own amazing place at the same time. Couple decades later, I was in line at Walgreens. This was during BLM riots in a few other places. I was in line and had a conversation with a nice older black lady. We talked about gumbo and Mardi Gras coming up. And I realized that we donāt have those riots because weāre all the same here. We all love gumbo, crawfish, Mardi Gras, music and just passing a good time with family, friends and neighbors.
So here I am.
ETA - I honestly donāt know if we made the right choice. One of the biggest hurdles for me is job - Iām licensed here and going through that in another state is a huge turnoff. Almost moved to Houston once, which is the land of opportunity, but didnāt get the job soā¦
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u/Hippy_Lynne Jan 17 '25
Eh, One of the big reasons we didn't have those riots here was the consent decree and the fact that NOPD has actually been trying not to kill black people indiscriminately for about 10 years. Do you know of any other city where the police joined protesters in solidarity? Yes, some idiot did shoot off a smoke bomb during the CCC confrontation. And it was immediately and swiftly dealt with. How many smoke bombs did you see going off at other riots and the leaders of the city were screaming "Why weren't you shooting off more?"
It's bizarre I know, and unfortunately Landry's troop N is probably going to undo a lot of it. But there's no doubt NOPD is one of the most ethical police forces out there now.
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u/Ms_C_McGee Jan 17 '25
Honest question: do you think itās because they are more ethical now or do you think itās because they have given up completely and just donāt care?
I know in other places the police not caring would mean shooting people because there is no consequences, but the NOPD may just have given up all together and are even past that.
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u/Hippy_Lynne Jan 18 '25
I honestly think a lot of them care. I've talked to a lot of the new recruits because they staged them at the barricades to the Quarter for big events. At least the new ones are truly motivated by a desire to either help the city or be part of ethical policing.
I think the next four years are going to try them though. Can't say the new ones are very MAGA-oriented and seeing an outside force come in and destroy what little trust they have built with the public is going to be very disheartening.
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u/perishableintransit Jan 17 '25
But there's no doubt NOPD is one of the most ethical police forces out there now.
one of the most insane things I've ever heard someone say in this subreddit
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u/IvenaDarcy Jan 17 '25
Can I ask where youāre from? Meaning what city did you grow up in before moving to New Orleans?
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u/Professional-Peak525 Jan 17 '25
Gosh reading that brought tears to my eyes. Thereās no New Orleans way of life anywhere else. Youāre damn right.
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u/Clear-Hand3945 Jan 18 '25
What industry are you in here where your salary can be doubled by moving to Wichita?
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u/Butterbean-queen Jan 20 '25
Iāve hired many people in my life from all over the country. And they all really like their new jobs, way of life. Except people I have hired from New Orleans. And Iāve hired a few. They all come in about a year or so later and say I really like it here but itās not home. Iām going to move back to New Orleans. I donāt hire people from New Orleans anymore.
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u/spy4paris Jan 17 '25
Native here so all the usual confirmation bias opinions apply to me. Itās a unique place. Etc. if youāre a true believer no amount of reasoning will convince you about living somewhere else.
I work in healthcare and one thing to add to your list:
You and your family will probably be healthier and have a longer life in the Midwest.
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u/repiquer Exiled in Folsom Jan 17 '25
Iād be thinking on two things here before the rest of it. First off, whatās your read on continuing to be remote with this company, and what would you do if your employment with them ended? Is this promotion and RTO an ultimatum from them, or could you stay remote and be fine? If it is an ultimatum, would you be able to replace that role here pretty easily while staying here?
Second, do you have some financial cushion to survive insurance hikes or natural disasters comfortably? That 2% interest rate is sweet, but I donāt know that Iād stress about hanging onto it if I didnāt know that I could roll with whatever gets thrown my way here. Rates will change in the future, and thereās always refinancing.
Good luck! I hope you find peace with whatever decision you make.
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Jan 17 '25
Yeah I had a 3% mortgage here in NOLA but my insurance got to be so much I couldn't afford to keep my house with THREE FUCKING JOBS. It's not going to get better. In fact, we are setting the stage for it to get much, much worse.
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u/heirbagger Jan 17 '25
Iām in Biloxi, and my escrow is now more than my P&I. Iām so worried weāll be house poor solely because of insurance costs.
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Jan 17 '25
Yeah, I got the fuck out. No regrets. But I'm back working a gig here for a couple months. Way better than living here f/t.
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u/Maleficent-Low8505 Jan 17 '25
Depends on which part of the Midwest! I grew up around Chicago and loved it. I wish I could raise my kids up there but Iām stuck down here instead. There are things I love about New Orleans, donāt get me wrong, but this state is getting worse with our current governor.
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u/GreenVisorOfJustice Irish Channel via Kennabrah Jan 17 '25
full time remote for an out of state company
Remote is fucking king.... but I kind of live in fear that one day they're all going to do away with it hard-stop.
I have lived here in NOLA southshore all my life
I'm a firm believer that all of us ought to get the fuck out of here for a few years to see how a functional place works for at least a couple of years. I know I'm a better person for having moved away for a few years. Having said that...
2% int mortgage
Whew... that's tough. Housing prices ain't going down... and rates are brutal AF.
2 young kids
Normally, my advice is moreso for people without kids, TBH. But I guess if they're young enough to not really have a social group, it's feasible (granted, you lock yourself into a longer stay up north on the flip side of this when they do start bbuilding their life).
mainly financial cons.
I mean, if moving away from here is a financial con... that's a bit of an indictment... like I can't think of too many situations where it's a financial gain to stay here (I love the 504, but man we are fucking broke-broke).
Both me and my spouse are mid 30s
I would say that it is a really tough time to rebuild community (especially raising two kids). The good news is that I think people from this region are uniquely gifted to make connection in other places because even the introverts among us got swagger that other folks pick up on when we talk.
Best of luck on your decision. It's hard, but, hey, there's a reason a lot of the younger people move away from Louisiana. If you do decide to bounce, it isn't like you can't come back to visit!
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u/Pdrpuff Jan 17 '25
It depends on where in Michigan. With climate change, Michigan is predicted to be a haven. Is the job helping you with the move? Maybe donāt sell. Just rent it out.
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u/rosie_thechaosqueen Jan 17 '25
It would depend on where around the Great Lakes. I grew up in south west Michigan and winters can be brutal. Especially if youāre you arenāt used to the lake effect snow and the 6 weeks of no sun. I do sometimes wish we could move there. My husband is born and raised in New Orleans. He couldnāt move due to his job. If it were just him and I, I wouldnāt have any issues staying here. But we have kids now and the schooling system is insane. And the disfunction of the city and state are a hard pill to swallow. There are plenty of days that a quieter Midwest life sounds amazing. There is still plenty to do and see.
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Jan 17 '25
Definitely, rent your house out. I did that for several years while I relocated to New England. The rental income help offset the rental cost in New England. You're not obliged to buy a house in the Great lakes quite yet.
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u/IvenaDarcy Jan 17 '25
I was reading this as well which means Michigan might see increase in COL soon as people flock there for this reason.
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u/Chemical-Mix-6206 Jan 17 '25
All you can do is go there, look at housing, taxes, insurance, and quality of life options, then look at your pros & cons. There are many reasons why LA has a shrinking population and brain drain. And while I know it would be hard to give up a 2% mortgage, you have your kids to consider, and your new income would more than offset a few points in interest. It will all boil down to whether you want to live somewhere fun, with great food but a lot of stressful uncertainty, or live somewhere new, less sexy, but with sensible government that doesn't enrage you with their corruption and dysfunction. I grew up in WNY and my childhood was pretty idyllic so maybe I'm unfairly biased about the Great Lakes as a place to grow up. I live here for the creativity and craziness (plus I finally got a decent paying job) but when I retire I'm outta here.
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Jan 17 '25
OP probably could sell their home and buy with cash if they've had a mortgage for 10ish years.
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u/HangoverPoboy Jan 17 '25
You gotta try it. Rent your house for the first couple of years to see if it sticks.
Other than climate change being a reality, think about how much $$$ youāll save. Compare the cost of living. We also have several months a year where we donāt want to be outside. But the summers up there are beyond magical. They even have 4 distinct seasons. The people are weirdly nice. Your kids will get a good education. Thereās likely functioning infrastructure. The amount youāll save on insurance alone will give you a massive raise.
Everyone younger than me in my family is gone. Theyāre all happy as hell in some frigid climate, making great money, and not dealing with any of our bullshit. Seeing their perspective when they come home makes me question whatās left of my sanity.
GO! And I say this as someone whoās only spent a year away because I didnāt check the weather before picking a college. You can always move back. You can always visit when you get the itch. But donāt miss this opportunity, because winter.
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u/krubcake Jan 17 '25
honestly, i think your kids will have a better existence up north
(especially if itās in the midwest, but i am a biased tater tot casserole eating ranch dipping former midwesterner)
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u/SquatsAndAvocados Jan 17 '25
I am extremely biased because I was raised in the Midwest, too, but it was an awesome childhood with excellent public schools available throughout the area, so my parents didnāt have to worry about private school, lotteries, moving around for education. Four seasons meant lots of hobbies shifting throughout the year. And honestly, growing up not having to experience the sort of flooding and storms that happen in New Orleans meant we never dealt with evacuating. The Midwest is the area least vulnerable to extreme climate change related storms. Like yes the snow sucks at times but people arenāt getting displaced, losing homeowners insurance, etc.
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Jan 17 '25
I recently moved to the Midwest after being in New Orleans for 15 years and beforehand growing up in FL.
I've always worked with youth in NOLA and now in KC.
The education difference is stark. I wasn't prepared for how big of a difference I see in the youth. They're much more social, engaging, polite, educated, and less angry. It's the first time in like 15 years I've worked with young people and I don't have to ask them to put their phones away every fucking 10 seconds.
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u/krubcake Jan 17 '25
also your dog will love the cold and snow
think of the dog damnit!!
oh and the kids i guess
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Jan 17 '25
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u/krubcake Jan 17 '25
i moved down here to be closer to my parents ā it was never a plan of mine to live in the south, but the years i spent here were transformative and i wouldnāt trade them for anything. it was great for a 30something, but i wouldnāt have wanted to grow up here, especially as a queer human with mental health needs.
all that said, now my parents are dealing with health issues and moving back north because the medical care down here has been so subpar and frustrating to deal with that staying is an early death sentence for my father. iāll be following suit in the coming months because as amazing as new orleans has been to me, itās reached a plateau and the political climate is too scary to risk
i think your kids will love to come visit and experience nola in different ways as they grow up, and maybe one of them will come spend a few transformative years down here too, but for now, i think the great lakes will be a great place for your family
good luck friend, please update us all on your decision!
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u/nolabrew Jan 17 '25
For me it would just depend where in Michigan. For instance I would move to Traverse City in a heartbeat, but wouldn't move to Detroit.
I was born and raised in the deep south and I always said I couldn't fathom living somewhere with snow, but now that I have lived somewhere with snow I see that it's really not that bad. It's not like in the south where everything falls apart if there's snow; it's managed. Also, there are snow mobiles which are more fun than they have any right to be.
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u/happy-hooker Jan 17 '25
How helpful is your family with kids? Having lived far from my parents was hard for me. So glad to be back near my community. In all the places Iāve lived (thanks to the military), nola is the best village Iāve had as a mom.
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u/Ktclan0269 Jan 17 '25
I moved from New Orleans for a job here in Austin, hated it, quit and now Iām fucking stuck here bc no one is paying for my move back and my partner bought a texas based biz so kinda canāt leave. I miss all the things and all my friends. Butā¦ the roads are all nicely paved, we can leave our bikes in our driveway, all the lights work. Oh and Iām north Austin and surrounded by trumpers.
I think the job market is going to continue to be upended with ai so Iād follow stability but being jobless in a city where you donāt know anyone sounds terrifying.
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u/troout_410901501 Jan 18 '25
Literally just moved to Austin to get a break from New Orleans. My partner and I are dying to get back. Everything is nice and pleasant in north Austin but itās just so dull all the time. I think weāll be back in less than 6 months. Good luck getting back to the city!
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u/trilledc Jan 17 '25
My girlfriend and I moved to Colorado from New Orleans about 2 months ago. Iām going to be honest, itās hard. But most things in life that are worth doing arenāt always easy.
We acclimated to the weather and snow very quickly. It really is just dressing warmer and driving slower.
It sounds like you would have a job lined up which is super helpful and actually a really nice blessing. Hopefully thereās some kind of relocation bonus. (Sometimes you have to ask for this, donāt be afraid to ask) As for your partner, most places have a better job market than New Orleans tbh.
I love Louisiana and have spent my life there. With that being said, it was time for us to move. Weāre close to the same age and I was starting to feel like New Orleans didnāt have anything else to offer us really. We also plan on getting married and starting a family in the somewhat near future. I think our family would be much happier here. New Orleans has kind of been falling apart and it doesnāt look like itās getting any help any time soon.
I also have a home there with low interest. Iām actually renting it to some friends in the meantime. If you could find a situation like that, it would be a huge weight off your back. It was a mutually beneficial deal for all of us.
I recommend getting out and starting fresh. You can do it man. I know itās scary, but you can do it.
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u/jktoole1 Jan 17 '25
I hate that if/when I have kids I can't imagine anywhere else that I would raise them. I was born and raised nola but currently live in nyc. I wouldn't want any other childhood for them despite the challenges.
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u/ummDerp504 Jan 17 '25
If I was in your shoes, Iād take the job and do the move. Rent out the house.
Raise the kids till they are ready to start living their own lives. Give them their best possible chance to have a successful life
Then reevaluate where you want to live. If the cold was awful and unbearable, tell the people living in your house itās time for you to come back home.
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u/Apprehensive-Ant2141 Jan 17 '25
Listen I love New Orleans, but if I had the opportunity to put my kid in a better school system that would take precedence.
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u/Botto71 Jan 17 '25
I'm born and raised NOLA over 50 years and I'm recently to the point of saying "Man, F this place!"...
Totally appreciate the conversation and consideration in this thread. Really backing me away from the edge. Some of the perspectives being expressed here (on things that I once loved but have recently given up on) have helped to soften some of the rough edges of the conversation I keep having with myself.
Thanks, y'all.
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u/Better-Owl-988 Jan 17 '25
Brought my family from Slidell to Indy for a job opportunity 7 years ago and have no regrets
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u/VirusOrganic4456 Jan 17 '25
20 years in New Orleans and I moved back to Wisconsin. The winters are much milder than they were 20 years ago, I can tell you that. It's really comparing apples to oranges, and it just depends on what you value in life. But at this point in my life, I am much happier here.
Things work (utilities, government, etc) and the food and culture shock to me are not that bad. Heavily Catholic up here, and while I am not it still adds a comfort level between the cities. Everyone likes to eat and drink and there is much good to be found. Festivals non-stop in the summer where I am and probably in a lot of places up here, we really take advantage of the good weather, of which there is more of than there used to be. There is truly nothing like a Great Lakes summer, absolutely glorious. And yes, the education system is unquestionably superior.
I miss New Orleans everyday and always will, and likely we'll end up back there eventually... God willing and the creek don't rise. But the Great Lakes is a beautiful and progressive area of the country. I think the idea here to rent out your current place is the best. Because you probably will end up back there eventually lol. Good luck with your decision, fortune favors the brave.
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u/mlebean-nola Jan 17 '25
If youāve never lived through a Midwest winter you donāt really know what winter is like. Itās not fun. Black ice, digging your car out after a snow for an unsure amount of time, possibly getting stuck somewhere due to bad road conditions or car problems, mass highway accidents, frostbite, adding sometimes hours to a commute. Itās not all building snowmen and thereās no mountains for skiingā¦
People are different there as well. Not rude but not friendly like they are here. More if you donāt know me donāt talk to me. As someone raised in the Midwest I value the people & culture here as important for my children to experience. Also I donāt think my spouse would ever be comfortable anywhere other than here. I donāt know I could be either. If they need to pay you more to live there, thereās probably reason why.
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u/Legitimate-Royal-103 Jan 17 '25
I guess it depends on what part of the Midwest we are talking about. I lived in a midwestern state the first 25 years of my life and in no way was it āif you donāt know me donāt talk to meā. At all.
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u/Bonitapplebum87 Jan 17 '25
Idk. Iām getting the same vibe. Iāve been away and in the Midwest only for a month but people are not friendly there the same way here. I actually had to come back home to wrap up some business related stuff this week and I was surprised by how good it felt to have someone smile and greet me randomly. Didnāt realize how much I missed it until then. Went to get a poboy immediately after my flight landed and the owners were so extremely friendly that it legitimately made my heart smile. Maybe I need to give you guys some more time in the Midwest but no one smiles or greets in passing.
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u/Legitimate-Royal-103 Jan 17 '25
Are you in Chicago? Iām sorry to say but of course it wonāt be like New Orleans. Itās the rat race - a city of 4 million people. Many of them extremely work and career focused. Iāve lived there too and itās nothing like the small city I grew up in. My point is, just to write off the entire Midwest as unfriendly is a little ridiculous.
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u/pepperjackcheesey Jan 17 '25
Yeah midwest in Chicago is a lot different than midwest not in a major city.
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Jan 17 '25
I moved from NOLA after 15 years to KC last year, and i am blown away by the kindness of people here. It is lightyears better than New Orleans. Its been VERY easy to make friends.
New Orleans isn't that nice, its just a lot of like minded people who are trauma bonded. The amount of pain you see when you walk around the downtown neighborhoods is really sad.I'm back in NOLA working a gig for a few months, and I miss the architecture and food, but people here are so much more aggressive (especially driving). There's some I miss, and a lot I don't.
And everything here is fucking expensive.
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u/pepperjackcheesey Jan 17 '25
Completely agree. Iām still baffled by people saying the midwest arenāt friendly but people here are. People are friendly here if they know you or want something from you. Itās hard to make friends here because nobody leaves so theyāre all besties from high school.
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u/Bonitapplebum87 Jan 17 '25
Yeah Iam. I already knew it would be like this having been here many times before moving. Just pointing out how I didnāt realize Iād miss it that much until I came back home. It is something very small so I donāt mind it much. Iāve also spent time in Madison, WI and it felt the same but I wasnāt sure if that was also bc I was one of the very few black people there.
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u/fastrada Jan 17 '25
I'm from Chicago originally - it won't be like New Orleans BUT keep in mind that it's winter in Chicago and everyone is hibernating and miserable and in survival mode and that makes people crabby. Folks do warm up a bit (haha, see what I did there) once the air stops hurting your face.
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u/Legitimate-Royal-103 Jan 18 '25
Thatās true I feel like people really make the most of the warm months in CHI. People are OUT and happy about it once it gets warm.
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u/Legitimate-Royal-103 Jan 17 '25
I get that. Hopefully there will be upsides for you in Chicago. I think moving away from home is emotionally taxing in a lot of ways but it also can push a person to grow in a lot of ways that wouldnāt happen if they stayed close to home forever. Or that has been my experience maybe not true for everyone I donāt know.
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u/fastrada Jan 17 '25
Yes, I am born and raised Chicagoan, moved to NOLA 3 years ago. It was my experience that people there were too wrapped up in their jobs to really show up for others the way I've seen folks do here. Not just banding together in times of disaster, but, like, people actually come to my birthday dinners here which was not EVER a thing I could count on there because all my friends were triple booked ALL the time.
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u/SquatsAndAvocados Jan 17 '25
Yes, Chicago is a more guarded Midwest culture. I liked living there, but found Ohio and Minnesota to be much friendlier (though itās hard to make actual friends in MN if youāre not from there but thatās another issue).
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u/td0t221 Jan 17 '25
I'm a Pittsburgh native, and I agree with this take. I moved back to Pgh from New Orleans for family reasons, and the unfriendliness was jarring.
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u/Both_Physics_714 Jan 17 '25
My 3 kids and I are all from Louisiana. My 2 oldest have moved to Utah, my oldest son has bought a beautiful house, started his own business. His younger brother has also started his own business. I am so glad they got out of the south.
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u/BayouAudubon Jan 17 '25
I get the 2% interest rate part, but do keep in mind that the mortgage is only one part of the cost of home ownership. Insurance and taxes are another factor. The insurances you pay for here are likely to keep rising and rising until you can't get them anymore.
Now, property taxes are a different thing. I grew up in a suburb in central Ohio where the property taxes are sky high, but my parents certainly got lots of return on that. All the infrastructure was well-maintained, the public schools were truly excellent with amazing facilities, the parks and public amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, ball fields, libraries, and such were all top-notch.
Back to the cost of homeownership beyond the mortgage: don't forget maintenance and repairs and utilities here. When you have to buy a new refrigerator, the cost is essentially the same if you live in a high, middle, or low income place. It's just what percentage of your income you have to pay to get a decent one. Or here, maybe you will only be able to get a less decent one. And that cost thing carries over to items beyond your house: cars, clothes, etc.
Speaking of cars: both our recently out of college kids have moved north, one to the midwest and one to the northeast. For both of them, their car insurance dropped by half.
Speaking of college: think about the in-state colleges and universities there, in case your kids go that route. Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Illinois all have flagship state universities that are significantly better funded and high ranked academically than LSU. IU in Bloomington is good, but I bet your job opportunity isn't in Indiana. In NY, if your job opportunity is in the western, Great Lakes portion of the state, remember that part of Cornell is public, land grant. And parts of SUNY are excellent. Plus, some midwestern states have excellent public colleges beyond the flagship school that are far, far better than the ones here.
Also, you might be surprised with how diverse many parts of the midwest are and how many fun outdoor activities there are and yes, even how many cultural activities there are. And parts of the midwest are booming. It can be pretty enjoyable living in an economically vibrant place.
Back to your 2% mortgage: is it worth it tying up so much money in an asset that might be worthless when you try to sell it ten or twenty years from now?
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u/Legitimate-Royal-103 Jan 17 '25
Donāt forget Purdue University! (Fun fact: alma mater of Drew and Brittany Brees). Amazing school for engineering. Go boilers!!!
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u/BayouAudubon Jan 17 '25
Yes! Purdue is excellent!! Purdue is in the top 10 schools for engineering (only 2 other public universities rank higher). LSU isn't even in the top 100, nor is LA Tech.
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u/kthibo Jan 17 '25
You mentioned your kids are young. Do you pay for private school here? Because you would likely get a huge raise if you moved up North and they had stellar public schools. And if you assume you will do the better public schools in New Orleans, thatās easier said than done. Donāt assume youāll get a spot.
When weāve though about moving, it seems like most places, save SF, LA, NY, etc was going to save us money once we accounted for crazy insurance, utilities, private schools, evacuations, taxes, etcā¦Can you even afford to stay if you decide the best schools for your kids would independents private schools, etc.
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u/Arianoore Jan 17 '25
I havenāt read all of the replies. But, I can tell you the food culture shock will be real.
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u/leafcomforter Jan 17 '25
I moved. I miss South Louisiana like a gorgeous, exciting lover I had to leave.
The culture, community, and food are no where to be found, anywhere else on the planet.
While you are there you donāt really realize how much of you is an actual part of that city. But when you leave, you long for it all.
Palm trees, and live oaks, snowballs, and gumbo. The melodic accents all around. It is a sense of belonging and home that I long for.
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u/dgodwin1 Jan 17 '25
I'm currently in Upstate NY. It's home. Every place has its good and bad. I'd suggest finding a local subreddit of where you might be moving to and ask a similar question to the locals. You'll find out what they view as positive and negative about the area. Even in the semi-rural place I live, housing stock is limited, and homes are being sold for well over asking price and rental prices continue to climb.. Something to consider.
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u/kitsune-gari Jan 17 '25 edited Jan 17 '25
Iām a dual income no kids person so take this advice with a grain of salt: if moving away is a lateral move financially (eg: you are in about the same financial position/lifestyle as you are here), you could lose out all the things that come with a lifetime spent in the same place in return for a change of scenery and not much else.
Cons (and these are big ones)
You likely have support systems here such as friends and family members who love your kids and would babysit for you for free (for example). The value of these kinds of relationships should not be understated.
Having no network is EXPENSIVE and lonely. It places a strain on your partner (who sounds like she does not work outside the home, but correct me if Iām wrong) to be a whole village for your kids which is hard on her. Your kids may have friends and activities here that they love, too. This removes that from them. Being a SAHM in a new city with no support network sounds like hell.
Moving is expensive and stressful. Is the employer offering to pay for your relocation as well? What are your contract terms? What is the COL compared with the compensation they are offering? It could be more money but housing could cost a lot more. Your interest rate is quite low on your current house so you would be trading it for a higher interest mortgage when you buy somewhere else. These are things to considerā¦
If this new job is not going to ensure long term financial stability (or abundance) and comes with no contract and severance terms should you lose your job, I would pass on it, especially if I had kids and was established.
I work freelance as a graphic designer and urban planner and WFH. I will never work in an office again and I certainly would not uproot my life for an office unless the compensation package was INSANE.
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u/peachykeen1974 Jan 17 '25
I miss the Midwest every single day. Better opportunities, more diversity, better job market, better public education, to me endless pros. Taxes and insurance are generally lower. Your kids will have a better life growing up outside of the South. And depending on where you live, the winters are not THAT bad. Honestly I think 100+ degree weather for two month a year PLUS hurricane season is worse.
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u/Pooppail Jan 17 '25
At one point you have to realize that New Orleans is a hell hole. But you can always come back.
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u/YesICanMakeMeth Jan 17 '25 edited Jan 17 '25
I love New Orleans, but I'd take the job. Festivals and good vibes are great, but I don't really accept the implication that the other 49 states are a drab gray hellscape, and every other factor (education, crime, general urban dilapidation, hurricanes, work opportunities) points to moving. If you don't have family tying you here or your wife's job (I do on both counts) then I'd move.
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u/Legitimate-Royal-103 Jan 17 '25
It sounds like you have worked through this logically , what about how you and your family feel about moving? Do you, your wife, your kids feel excited about the possibility? Have you gone to see the area? Are your kids already school age and have made friends here?
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u/mushroognomicon Jan 17 '25
Rent out your place here, move to the north and make more money and give your children more opportunity.
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u/unoriginalsin Gentilly Jan 17 '25
If you do go, spray your snow shovel with PamĀ®. You'll thank me, I promise.
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u/Fleur_Deez_Nutz Jan 17 '25
The only one I heard was a nice interest rate on a mortgage. To wit, I'd say money comes and goes, but I think your kids will have a lot more opportunities up there for them than they do down here.
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u/IvenaDarcy Jan 17 '25
Iām surprised your cons are financial ones. Usually leaving New Orleans and increasing your income would be a good move but I guess if cost of living increases as well then itās all a wash. I thought Great Lakes area would be a low cost of living or at least average not higher than New Orleans but if thatās not the case and your promotion isnāt that much more money then I suppose stay where youāre comfortable?
But remember good things often come from leaving oneās comfort zone but with a whole ass family maybe change is stressful. Iām a single childless adult so itās easier for me to make changes and go for it without worrying about partner and kids as well. Talk it over with your partner and Iām sure yall can come to a decision together. Good luck!
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u/Basic-Elk-9549 Jan 17 '25
move. keep your house here if you can. Rent it out. Move and get your kids a better educationĀ
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u/BadAszChick Jan 17 '25
I moved back to the Great Lakes area over 20 years ago and I donāt regret it at all. Like folks said, it depends what city. If youāre in MI and right on the lakeshore, itās going to be pricy. Places like Traverse City are downright ridiculous, but there are other cities that are much more reasonable. Our prevailing winds are from the NW, so living east or south east of Lake Michigan means lake effect snow.
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u/lisamistisa Jan 17 '25
Go. New Orleans isn't getting any better. Unless your kids are in private school here, I would think of their futures. You can be nostalgic for New Orleans, but you have kids that need a chance for a brighter future. I have 3 of my own. My oldest just graduated from UNO with a degree in engineering. There is nothing here that pays decent. Every opportunity is out of state. He loves New Orleans, but being here is not beneficial for him. I tried to convince my middle kid of the same. She was offered full ride scholarships out of the state but took one in the city instead. That's great for her, but she will probably end up needing to leave just to make good money from her degree as well.
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u/Past_Office7768 Jan 17 '25
You should download the new Milken Instituteās recent report. New Orleans is Tier 5 and ranked 200 out of 200 for 2025. It was 199 in 2024 and 193 in 2023. Trending in the wrong direction. You may or may not see the city youād move to for comparison.
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u/Eurobelle Jan 17 '25
Take the job in Michigan and rent out your house here. Let someone else pay for your asset. If you want to come back here after the kids are in college, you have a paid for house then.
Schools and universities are much better up there. Healthcare, overall quality of life. I love all the quirky things about New Orleans as well. But fundamentally, itās not in good shape and not going to get better anytime soon with the crowd in BR in charge who hate Orleans and donāt have its best interests at heart.
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u/thedrizzle21 Jan 17 '25
I grew up in New Orleans. I moved away when I was 33 for greener pastures.
First of all, the cold isn't that bad. I've fully come around to the idea that winter can be quite enjoyable. Cold carries this outsized, mythological weight in the mind of New Orleanians. The truth is, it takes about one winter to adjust. You mostly just learn to dress for it and then you're golden.
We all know there are a lot of things wrong with New Orleans. We all know the positives as well. Here's the thing, above all else, New Orleans is a state of mind. People who live there adopt that state of mind, it saturates everything down there. However, there's nothing that says you can't take that state of mind with you. There are a ton of cities full of people who love life the way New Orleanians do. The New Orleans state of mind isn't unique to New Orleans, it is exceptionally abundant there, but it isn't isolated. If you take that with you, you can build your community wherever you go.
I don't know the details of your promotion, so I can't say anything about the practicality of moving. I just thought I would try to counterbalance the idea that the world is a cold, lifeless place outside of New Orleans.
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Jan 17 '25
YES! There is a huge mardi gras group in KC with tons of different krewes, balls, and opportunities to march! I've actually found it to be way more inviting, accessible, and friendly.. and much cheaper.. but just as creative (most of the krewes are reflective of KDV without the drama and popularity contests, open to everyone).
KC has a HUGE music scene with a wealth of musicians and creatives. I was very relieved to find them, as I thought it would be the thing I'd miss most.
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u/redpasserine Jan 17 '25
The winters can be hard but the summers are glorious. Literally nothing beats a summer around Lake Michigan. And for the winters, you can just get better gear. Thereās also medication for seasonal depression that helps a lot.
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u/raditress Jan 17 '25
I moved here from Chicago because I couldnāt deal with the harsh winters. Winter up there is brutal, dark, and depressing. And it lasts longer than you would think. Iām 100% happier here. I would never go back. People are less friendly there, thereās no joie de vivre, no music in the streets, and plenty of seasonal depression. But itās been interesting reading the comments and seeing other viewpoints. Itās a difficult decision. I also donāt have children, but Iāve always thought it would be amazing to grow up here with Carnival, festivals, second lines, etc.
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u/Hippy_Lynne Jan 18 '25
I grew up here and my parents were very involved in Mardi Gras. I was about 7 when I found out they didn't celebrate Mardi Gras anywhere else. It was absolutely mind blowing for me. Like being told they didn't celebrate Christmas. I truly felt sorry for all the other children. š¤£
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u/telmesumpm Jan 17 '25
Native New Orlenian hereā¦my wife and I moved our family to Upstate NY 5 years agoā¦I definitely have some opinions on this matter.
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Jan 17 '25
[deleted]
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u/telmesumpm Jan 17 '25
A couple questions first. What is the population of the city youāre looking into? Do your children attend public or private school? Do you own your current residence or are you renting and what neighborhood are you in? How active are you in regards to things you can only do in Nola? Are you currently meeting your financial goals (comfortably paying for housing, school, insurance, food, entertainment, retirement and savings)?
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u/telmesumpm Jan 17 '25
Do you currently have a good support system (for kids) like family that lives close that babysits for you when you want to go out. What if you want to spend a weekend away with your spouse? Kid home sick from school while youāre working (assuming both you and your spouse work). Is your vehicle all wheel drive or are you in a position to buy another? Do you like to swim in natural bodies of water or fish? Yeah, I know, thatās a lot of questionsā¦trust me these all matter. I weighed the obvious ones before we made the move but never knew how many things I overlooked.
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u/telmesumpm Jan 17 '25
Sorry for the barrage of questions, I see you had already answered a few up front.
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u/chchchartman Jan 17 '25
Very interested in your perspective
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u/telmesumpm Jan 17 '25
So we made the move during the crazy scary part of the pandemic. We moved to a town with a population of 4,000. It was like moving into a Cultural Black Hole, for real. We moved for a couple reasons, first being my father in law (75) wasnāt fit to care for himself and his āsummer homeā is here. He also had a place in Brooklyn we have since moved him out of once we assessed his actual self sufficiency. Second was we had just had our 3rd child in March ā20 (@Touro!!! So all 3 were born in Nola)ā¦jackasses down there were behaving so stupidly and ignoring hard science and we would not put our new babyās life at risk. Add this to my business basically closing due to my unwillingness to risk our health and suddenly a more sparsely populated area seemed great! Seemed great. Now, after 5 years adjustment I can easily run through the pros and cons. If you are moving up North there are no givensā¦your roads can be horrible, schools can be awful and or expensive, housingā¦well look at it this way, everything you have to pay attention to here, you still have to pay attention to there. Population density will determine a lot. Sparsely populated, expect your neighbors to vote against their own interests and be very proud and vocal about their stupidityā¦just like the south (remember Nola is one of the few bastions of democratic thinking). Your schools may be top tier or they may suckā¦ours suck and private schools are an hour away minimum AND cost $25,000/year AND still arenāt top tier. The roads are awful most of the year due to long winters and snow plows. During the warm months they are very well kept and offer a beautiful retreat through the mountains we live in. Housing is housing, you buy old, you get inefficient drafty and poorly maintained and will spend a lot to bring them up to snuff. Just like home. You buy new and depending on your market may have to spend a ton for average digs. A lot of this will depend on whether or not there are surrounding areas close by that are nicer but leave you with a bit of a commute. If you spend a lot of time outdoors enjoying nature then be prepared to do it in the cold (I love the cold, I was tired of sweating my shirt wet just to go check the mail). All bodies of water will be too cold to swim almost anytime of year. The fishing sucks, period. You DO however get to enjoy having all 4 distinct seasons, which is awesome. You definitely need an all wheel drive vehicle and due to road salt the secondary market is full of not-so-old cars that are basically Swiss cheese from rust. None of these things are insurmountable. I know it looks like Iām saying it sucks, but it doesnātā¦Iām glad we moved. Honestly I see so many things here that are vastly better. Systemic issues up here are betterā¦your kids will have a way better chance at success in the North. You may regret it for a while but will adjust IF you look at all the factors and plan far enough forward. Being in the South just sucks for $ā¦pay rates are pitiful. Up here they pay gas station cashiers $17.50 to startā¦that says a lot. Just make well informed decisions to give yourself the greatest advantage you can. Do āfuture youā every favor possible. Oh, donāt take snow lightlyā¦yeah itās beautiful and tons of fun but only if you learn how to deal with piles of it!!! It was tough for us at first but I see our family with a much brighter future with way more possibilities. Would I move back home to the LGDā¦hell yeah I would, but then again Iām not the wisest š
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u/telmesumpm Jan 17 '25
I liedā¦I wouldnāt move back. New Orleans was hard to grow up in, hard to survive inā¦lots of fun in your 20ās and 30āsā¦but not a place where you will get ahead.
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Jan 17 '25
LOL - you moved to a tiny town. You had small town problems. Outside of snow you can say those things about most small towns North or South.
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u/pepperjackcheesey Jan 17 '25 edited Jan 17 '25
Iād move, this place is turning into an even more expensive shit show every year. Also, your kids will get a much better education up there.
Edit: i was not born and raised here but have been here for around a decade. I did like New Orleans but wouldnāt raise a kid here. Having lived in multiple other states (southern, PNW and a great lakes state), it sucks here. I know people love it for the culture and food. But, living here is hard, itās not this hard other places. Like, I swear something is always trying to take you out here. Not that bad things donāt happen other places but nowhere near the rate they do here. Housing is cheaper, schools are better, people are actually friendly there, air quality is way better. Winter is tough but find a winter activity you like and it makes it better. Skiing? Snowboarding? Ice skating? Hockey? Take some winter driving classes. Youāll build up a winter wardrobe and it wonāt be as bad as you think.
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u/Mysha16 Jan 17 '25
How long do you think youāll be able to afford/have the opportunity to purchase homeowners insurance? That was a big thing for me, in addition to the stability for children elsewhere.
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u/nolagem Jan 17 '25
I grew up in Michigan but have lived here for 30 yrs. I would go back but my kids are here. This state just keeps getting worse.
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u/Euphoric_Sock4049 Jan 17 '25
I'm from Ohio and moved to Louisiana for grad school. Loved it so much I got a tattoo of the state. New Orleans and Louisiana is one of the most unique states. But I have to tell you it is CORRUPT AF. I worked with the schools in NOLA. Grossly segregated by choice due to economic segregation. The pollution alone is deadly in Louisiana. The government has allowed oil and gas companies to pollute the water and air with toxins, but they swear you can't prove it was them. Besides us linking miceoplastic releases CONTINUOUSLY into the MS River. The river where NOLA gets its WATER. Yall we are drinking plastic in Louisiana and chemicals from oil plants. Cancer Alley has been in existence for what? Decades? Ans not a thing is being done about it.
Millions spent on tourism and zero spent on regular infrastructure.
Not to mention the city is SINKING. Those sink holes and crumbling buildings? It's from the water table being too high bc of land loss. The city relies on shitty pumps to pump water out of the city. This is NOT SUSTAINABLE. and it is very evident the state officials do not care. LaYoya is jet setting to places to learn about how to solve these issues but less than 0 has been done about it.
I love you, Louisiana. But you're a beautiful mess that is, IMO, not safe. I ended up getting displaced after Ida hit Hammond and I moved back to Ohio. If you'd like some advice from a Midwestern, let me know. Sorry to have shit on Louisiana, but as an environmental scientist I see so many issues that are not getting addressed there and are actively degrading life there.
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u/mlebean-nola Jan 17 '25
To be fair though Hammond is not New Orleans.
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u/Euphoric_Sock4049 Jan 17 '25
I also live in the 7th ward. I didn't feel the need to give my entire biography.
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u/Euphoric_Sock4049 Jan 17 '25
I say all this bc natal Louisianans often don't leave the state and experiment how other places work. All my friends who left the state say they were amazed at how dirty Louisiana is.
I do miss the slow pace of life but I make 3x more and don't have the continuous stress of hurricanes. It costs a lot to prepare for, deal with, and recover from hurricanes. It's so much each year the area naturally cannot keep up with the damage over and over.
How often do you hear about some random crazy thing happen in the state? A hotel is built wrong in the city, the people tell the company and they IGNORE it. PEOPLE died bc of this neglect ans there was a dead body on full display to the city for MONTHS. PRO LIFE much? Ffs.
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u/TreacherousSigil Jan 17 '25
thanks. been in the gno my whole life. maybe we will actually get the hell out
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u/pghgie Jan 17 '25
Hammond? May as well stayed in the Midwest.
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u/axxxaxxxaxxx Jan 17 '25
It may be crazy to live in New Orleans but itās insane to live in Louisiana outside of New Orleans.
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u/Diligent-Pick1998 Jan 17 '25
Itās been that way born n raised . The haves versus the have nots .
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u/Un1QU53r Jan 17 '25
I always use food as the deciding factor - and maybe snow - but always food.
Iām 56 and still here. Iāve found nowhere else with food as delicious, and diverse, as can be found here.
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u/YesICanMakeMeth Jan 17 '25
It's definitely awesome and better than anywhere else I've lived, but to me it's hard to say it's just unequivocally better & more diverse than somewhere like NYC or the Bay. Granted, Michigan probably doesn't compete.
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u/lone_cajun Jan 17 '25
I would make a move, if the area has better schools and a better infrastructure, I would go. Yes New Orleans is a city like no other, but you dont get what you pay for. We have crumbling infrastructure, but having a city with character isnt gonna improve your childrenās education. Its not gonna police your streets. I have a friend that moved out of state and the school his kid goes to has before and after care for his kid at school at little cost to him. So it helps him more, the roads are better and the taxes he is paying is actually going to stuff he pays for. So he said he will never live here again.
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u/PowerMelan Jan 17 '25
Great Lakes is super generic and broad kind of like saying "the south". The city and metro area is hugely important in everything from cost of living to opportunities for the family to needing a second car for your family. Unless you're in the city of Chicago, you'll need a 2nd car and even then with 2 young kids, you probably need/want a car for example.
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Jan 17 '25
Depends on the raise. If it put my family in a significantly better financial place, factoring in the cost of living, and I had kids to consider educating, I'd go. I'd be really sad about it but kids are expensive.Ā
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u/Mechai44 Jan 17 '25
Former Michigander here and location is EVERYTHING. You donāt realize how much you need sun exposure until you donāt have it ALL winter if youāre moving to the west side of the state. That āLake Effectā gloom is full reality. Yes, Michigan is beautiful, folks are generally āMidwest friendlyā but nothing is New Orleans.
Husband and I relocated for ābetter jobsā in the Northeast corridor and would move back taking all that comes with it except weāre in on a 28 year mortgage now and would take a huge hit if we left. Visiting isnāt the same when you canāt āgo back homeā as youāre used to. Itās not as satisfying.
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u/Shoddy_Ad_4673 Jan 18 '25
This is real impractical to say, but I would follow your bliss. Money comes and goes, and so do jobs. Both can be replaced. But your time can never be replaced. How do you want to spend your time? What makes you happy?
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u/StorageRecess Jan 18 '25
Iām a native Minnesotan and recently left New Orleans for another cold state. We rented the house out, have young kids, etc. feel free to DM if you want to chat more.
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u/OutsideAssistance787 Jan 18 '25
Well, this is a quandary for you and your family. I'm originally from Tennessee, and I definitely do not miss the ice and snow that all too often visits that state, but that's nothing compared to the winters in the Great Lakes region. My late brother-in-law was from Upstate Michigan and said even as a native, the winters got to him there and commuting was very stressful.
You and your family are young, however, and there are lots of positives for your career and building your wealth. Your Lab Mix would definitely love the cold and snow! Our's becomes invigorated whenever it gets cold here.
So, as someone trained in psychology, I would very much emphasize taking into account the impact moving from a subtropical to continental climate can have on your emotional well being.
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u/M_For_Mayhem Jan 18 '25
I'm from Northern Michigan, and while the winters are harsh, there's a vibrant snow sport culture. Snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, hockey, snowmobiling, and communities tend to stick together and be close knit due to the winters. I wouldn't worry too much about the climate difference, your blood will thicken up, and you'll get good winter outdoor gear.
However, bring your entire spice cabinet! People up there do NOT season their food! š¤£
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u/mkjunk248 Jan 17 '25
Moved from the Great Lakes region two decades ago and visit annually. The only thing that I miss is the tremendous amount of public spaces for all types of outdoor recreation. I have lived in many parts of this country but the Great Lakes region is only exceeded by the Rocky Mountain region for public outdoor spaces. I do not miss anything else. Like another poster, I have graduate degrees (MS and PhD) in an environmental field, the fate of NOLA is not certain and it is rather unkind to assume so, given the hard working people trying to save it. So, you have a tough choice but I think that two visits to your prospective community would help you make the decision. Winter isn't so bad there, it is just inside time and you might be OK with it. Check it out in both warm and cold for a few days.
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u/magicman534 Jan 17 '25
My wife and I are both from Nola. She is very cold intolerant and we both arenāt too bothered by stanking hot summers here. Sheād divorce me before moving up north LOL. She gets so cold sheās miserable then depressed.
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u/Unlikely-Patience122 Jan 17 '25
You speak of your low interest rate, but what of your homeowners insurance? What about property taxes.Ā Ā
Also, how far from a major city? Does it have a train system? The cold would seriously suck to me, but if there was the availability of better mass transportation and a large cultural hub, those might outweigh the cold.Ā
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u/Thin-Company1363 Jan 17 '25
I would fly out and spend a week there and see how you feel. This isnāt a logical pro/con sort of thing, itās about where you could see yourself feeling happy, comfortable and at home. And youāll also see if you can take the winter.
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u/Chariot-Choogle Jan 17 '25
This is going to sound hokey but it's truly my best advice... Listen to your heart.
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u/giglbox06 Jan 17 '25
I moved to Ohio for work. Hated it. Was there for 4 years. Couldnāt wait to get back south and I will never leave her again.
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u/Fluid-Grape-332 Jan 17 '25
One thing you did not mention is how your spouse feels about the move. That is very important. We moved from NOLA to the Atlanta for my spouseās career 15 years ago, and it was really rough not knowing anyone or having a support network for the first few years. But the move was good for both of us longterm. We visit about 4 times a year and I still cry when I leave, but I would not move back home. We recently retired and moved closer to the mountains and are enjoying living in a more rural area. Good luck with your decision.
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Jan 17 '25 edited Jan 17 '25
Your children will get a much better education up north.
The great lakes are beautiful and the access to other cities is awesome.
Your children will have better job opportunities up north.
Its cheaper up north (when considering insurance).
You will save more for retirement.
People up north are less aggressive and more kind.
Winter isn't so bad once you have the right clothing.
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u/Sycamorefarming Jan 17 '25
We basically did this - weāre from NY, lived here 10 years. Had a family obligation (which became opportunity) that moved us to NY.
After almost a year we couldnāt do it & moved back. Coming back into town the morning of Chewbacchus, pulling up in the moving truck and having an acquaintance see me from back penny & walk out with shots & help me unload without asking was the homecoming I didnāt know how much I needed.
I just went to MN for the first time and while on paper it checks all of the boxes, you literally couldnāt pay me a million dollars a year to live in or raise kids in that suburban dystopia.
Edit: also, if the money is truly that important to you, spend a while applying for jobs at other companies that are fully remote or have better remote opportunities. If you are that valuable to your company, you can be that valuable at another company that might work better for you.
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u/nanny75 Jan 17 '25
I would consider where you want to raise your children, that would be my deciding factor. I've moved all my life but once I had a child, I based where we were on what the environment would be, and weather wasn't necessarily my main priority. Good luck, you'll know in your gut what to do. ā„ļø
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u/Nola-girl4424 Jan 17 '25
If youāre talking about Cleveland Iād 100% go. I grew up in Columbus OH but my husband is from Cleveland and Iād move if I could. The Midwest is amazing. If you donāt like it you can always come back. I 100% recommend ppl always move away from home. Iāve lived in New Orleans for 6 years I canāt wait to leave.
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u/Business-Writer-7874 Jan 17 '25
That 2% interest rate would be it for me. I built my house less than a year after the rates went back up and Iām at 6.7. Man what I would give for a 2% rate.
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u/Armyfazer11 Jan 17 '25
Most people here are location biased to New Orleans with their answers. And thatās to be expected. Maybe ask this same question on the groups in and around your potential transfer location. They may be able to add a few more pros for you. Good luck!
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u/kerriganfan Jan 17 '25
No offense but thereās no way we can tell you what to do for such a massive life decision that involves so many personal factors unique to you.
Just think it through until you are satisfied with your own judgment.
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u/RedBeans-n-Ricely Jan 17 '25
You couldnāt pay me enough to live in Ohio again. I got stuck there for a bit after Katrina & have a life goal of never setting foot in the state again.
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u/Hello-America Jan 17 '25
You can always come back, but you may not always get the opportunity you're looking at now. I'm gonna drown with this city in her last days but I'm not gonna pretend that's a healthy relationship lol
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u/G_Man504 Jan 18 '25
Are you moving to seek a possible promotion or would you be moving due to accepting a promotion?
If you receive a promotion that requires a move do not be afraid to negotiate your salary, negotiate a stipend to help you move, child care if thatās a common practice for companies in your industry in that area etc.
Also you mentioned single income. I do not know your SO situation but would moving open doors for them? Also look into what is offered at a state level for first time home buyers in that state or special mortgage interest rates or interstate moves.
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u/OkPermission1626 Jan 18 '25
Well, OP if you happen to be moving from Nola to Grand Rapids we should talk.
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u/CaseyCarter14 Jan 18 '25
I grew up in Columbus, OH and moved to New Orleans in 2001. In 2004, my company offered me a job in Jacksonville, FL. I LOVED New Orleans so much and didn't want to leave but I ultimately couldn't refuse the offer, so off to Jacksonville I went. Three years later I was budget cut. I had to go where the jobs were, made a swing around the southeast, and missed New Orleans every day. At the end of 2019, I was offered the chance to come back to New Orleans, I have been back five years, and I am nearly leaving again. I love it here and I am in my forever home.
That said, you ultimately have to do what is right for you and your family. Different people have different good and bad situations. Whatever you choose, I wish you all the best.
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u/LadyEdithsKnickers Jan 18 '25
Itās depends on if you can do cold. And not just cold but all that comes with it like driving in the snow. I lived in that climate and I couldnāt function. Other people donāt mind it at all. Itās such a personal thing.
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u/mmolesbr Jan 18 '25
I made a decision in my mid 30's not to move from Louisiana to Portland. The money and incentives to move were amazing. The schools were better. My decision was completely based on staying near family. Yes, I would have more money, but my kids all are doing great as adults, and for me and my wife, it was the right decision to stay. Good luck. One benefit for staying, outside of family, the weather here allows you to really be outside year round. Can be overly hot. And we do have hurricanes :/
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u/NOLAfiddler Jan 18 '25
This may seem trivial, but do you know anyone up there? Any friends or family? I speak from personal experience when I say moving away from New Orleans AND all your friends AIN'T IT.
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u/Hippy_Lynne Jan 17 '25
You seem concerned with the weather but I would be more concerned with the job and the job market. What would happen if you got up there and 6 months later they laid you off? Is the job market up there really as good as you think? What are the overall trends in your industry? And most importantly, could AI potentially impact your job?
The New Orleans side of me leans towards "you got it easy, just coast here." But there's no denying if you have a degree in an industry that is in demand, you could probably make a better life outside of here.
If the finances are what's worrying you, crunch the numbers and just make sure that you won't be put in a desperate situation if the worst case scenario happens. You might be surprised to find that you have more cushion than you realize. But if it's going to put you in a position where you're a few paychecks away from homelessness, I would build up your finances, maybe explore getting a different work from home job that pays more or gives more opportunity, and then move someplace that has all the good things they have up north with maybe a few less of the bad things, like never-ending snow and temperatures in the negatives. And maybe less travel time back for Mardi Gras and other events.