Family of 5 deciding where to settle
We are a family of 5 looking to relocate this summer if possible. My wife and I have 3 children ages 5-12 and I currently make 95k a year.
We are currently living in our home town just outside of Houston after living in Nashville for 6 years, and despite our best efforts, it’s just not working for our family. The weather is miserable and it’s all very consumer centric.
Living in Nashville was fantastic for the most part but the home prices along with a family crisis brought us back to where we are now. I’m open to returning to that area but the housing market and, uh, southern vibes keeps me from wanting to return. The natural beauty of the state was definitely my favorite thing about it and I was thrilled to be outside most days of the year. We also made some wonderful friends and our neighborhood had some fantastic community events that we all enjoyed.
We hoped our return to TX would be a long term thing but extended family drama and miserable weather has caused us to rethink this entire move. I work remotely so the job market isn’t a big consideration for where we go. I want to find a home for our children and finally feel settled.
Currently interested in the PNW but it’s pretty much out of my budget. Cincinnati and Pittsburgh might fit the bill but I’ve never been to either.
Biggest things to consider for us are-
- Moderate weather with all 4 seasons
- Reasonable home prices (under 380k)
- Easy access to nature and family activities
- Good schools
- Politically moderate
- Walkable neighborhoods would be ideal but not a must.