u/chemicalreactionator

What cities would you recommend for having great public education systems but not crazy high cost of living (medium or medium/high)?

If possible could you give the names of the suburbs, counties or school districts you recommend vs “Philadelphia” for example. That’s our primary goal in moving. Mostly considering east coast cities but open to suggestions.

Secondary request, places where there’s also good access to nature and can spend a good portion of the year outdoors. And good events and stuff to do for families (festivals, parks, community events, libraries, etc) .

Third level request (ideally but not as important as other two). Stuff nearby for day trips and a good airport close by.

Thanks!

Wondering if it’s worth it to shake up my family’s life for wanting a change and to explore/experience a new area? (Spouse and a four year old)

My spouse and I have lived in Florida our whole lives (either in central or south). Currently in central Fl. There are some pros: nice safe neighborhood, lots to do with kids, good restaurants/food scene, pretty good airport for travel, no extreme winter (well none at all), a few old friends (don’t see them much but could call them if I really needed help) and most of all, one set of grandparents who help a lot and are very involved.

We’re both kind of itching for a change though. We’d ideally like to experience mild seasons, better public schools and just a change of scenery (kind of feel like we’ve been there done that after living here for almost 40 years).

Really my only hesitation is moving my daughter away from her grandparents and our support system. Though I’m sure we’d visit a few times a year at least and we can afford for hire help when needed (still not the same as family).

Any thoughts on this? I go back and forth between “you only have one life to live” and “family is the most improtant thing”. I also think why not try? We can always move back?

I live in central Fl with my spouse and 4 yo. It’s not bad but I’m looking for a change. The heat is really bad. I want my daughter to grow up with seasons and more access to nature and potentially better schools and politics. I’m also excited by the idea of exploring a new place and a change of scenery.

The only thing keeping us here is the grandparents (spouses parents). They are very active is our lives and I feel guilty to move our daughter away from them. We would probably choose somewhere on the east coast so visiting wouldn’t be a huge endeavor.

Has anyone moved away from family for similar reasons? How did it work out?

Am I romanticizing the idea of a new place or living somewhere with seasons?

Finally any suggestions for an area that fits our wishlist of nice seasonal change (but not too long or extreme winter), good schools, family oriented, and good access to nature/mountains?