Thanks for all the comments. I've been in Tampa the past few days for buisness. It was a nice city. I didn't see as many beautiful women as I saw in Phoenix, but it was ok. My company is opening offices in Seattle and Austin, so I'll get to see those cities soon. I've considered Seattle before, but I thought it might get too cold in the winter. And the whole rain thing... I'm probably looking at Phoenix or Austin.

SFDukie: I lived in Flagstaff when I was 15. It was a great city. I think it's one of the best places to live, but I want to get away from the snow.

dbw: I think Japan would be great, but I'm not sure how to pull it off. Most of my friends went to Nagano for the Olympics. They all loved the area. How's the cost of living in Japan? What kind of money would you have to make to drive a stook and live in a nice apartment?

-boka

 

Boka, let us know when you're in Austin! We've got a terrific group here that is always glad to have a reason to get together, regardless of day of the week or time! Oh, and if you're here on a weekend, you should do a ridealong on one of the weekend drives... hold out a day for it, and hold onto your shorts, because these guys are CRAZY!

 

Boka,

Listen from someone in your shoes. . .I've lived in Chi-town area for the majority of my life. There were 6 years where I transplanted my F.I.B. a$$ to Milwaukee, WI.

After college I took an IT job as a consultant and got to travel ALOT across the U.S. After this winter, I too am looking to move somewhere where I can look forward for warm climates for more tha njust 4-5 months. At the same time, I have to think about value of the move.

Would I move to CA, I'd love to, but the cost of living increase out there is just too much for me to justify for the "average" adjusted salary for me to take a job there. . .mind you I get paid REALLY well for the Chicago-area IT market. Plus the ground shakes over there. . .if I wanted a shake, I'd take my butt to McDonald's and order one.

So far on my short list of possible areas is as follows (East to West): Fairfax/Reston, VA; Atlanta, GA; stay in Chicago; Austin, TX; Dallas area (Arlington), TX; Denver, CO; Seattle, WA; and lastly and newly added to the list, Las Vegas area, NV.

Explanation:
VA--great IT market. Cost of living is rising, weather is still pretty varied, but usually not as extreme as we see in the northern . Personally, I don't have too many family, friends, or contacts out there (no network for me to aid my "survival").

Atlanta, GA-- not really a serious consideration for me. Great weather, but is getting too congested. Again great for IT professionals. Cost of living has risen drastically, all my family that was out there is starting to move out.

Chicago--I could stay here, family and friends and life is out here. . .and incredible city to boot. Hate the weather.

Denver, CO--The wife loves it here, I haven't been here as of yet. Friends are moving out to Denver. Very good IT market and GROWING, cost of living is really low.

Dallas (Arlington) and Austin--LOVED IT!!!! Like the people of Austin better, but liked the area of Arlington better. Cost of living in Austin is very good, Dallas isn't as good. However, IT market in Dallas is MUCH better (pay-wise that is).

Seattle, WA--Great IT market, decent cost of living, great exposure recently. However, I could desire more sunny days.

Las Vegas, NV--- Very recent trip to Las Vegas has me considering the LV area very much so. Great growth expected for IT professionals. Great increase in pay for my profession for the move from Chicago to LV, plus the cost of living is dramatically lower. (ie. A 5 bedroom, 2.5 car garage, a little over a 1/2 acre of land, inground pool, a 1 year old 2 story 3800 livable sq. ft. house goes for $182K with all the appliances!!!) No state income tax, many locals (who themselves have moved from brew city) told me that 120 degree DRY heat in Nevada is nothing compared to the 95+ degree heat with 70%+ humidity in Chicago/Milwaukee. Year round top down weather, and open roads that you can speed on without any problems. . .I think I found a winner here. Most locals though, stay away from the Las Vegas Blvd. strip unless they want to catch some shows or some special eats at the classy restaurants. Locals even have their own private casinos off of the strip.

Ohhh and the food is excellent in Las Vegas.

Email or pm me if you want some of my research material. . .I've been researching since Aug. 2000.

 

I've lived in Dallas almost all my life (except two years in Pgh. Ugh.) There's very little (if any at all) in terms of exciting, scenic drives, but there are several tracks within easy driving range. Like Luder94 said, the economy for an IT person like myself is awesome - cost of living has always struck me as way low. Plus there's tons of cultural activities, art, music, all that fun stuff.

The biggest problem with Dallas is that it has a strong feel of a big city. You can drive though some areas and go past a farm, but you'll never think you're not in a city. That bothers me some, since I like camping and being outdoors so much.

I'm currently spending the week in Austin (thanks Sondra! ) and while I haven't had much opportunity to check it out in the daylight yet, I get the sense that it's much closer to the kind of environment I'd most enjoy living in. It's way smaller than Dallas, still has tons of neat stuff, it's surrounded by hills and fun roads... I have very little idea of what the job market would be like for somebody like me, but I've gotten the impression from articles and such that it'd be more expensive to live here than Dallas.

For somebody who's company is opening up an office in Austin - it sounds like an ideal place to me.

 

Elistan - another person who will soon be converted into an Austinite.

So, when are you moving? <g>

Sorry that there was too much traffic on 2222 - but I'm sure we can take it out another day or night and show you what its really supposed to feel like.

Just wait until you go out on our hill country drive - it will be incredible!

 

Of course, now that I know some people who live here - what's rent typically like? I currently share a 1100sq ft two-bedroom with attached garage - how much would such a place cost in Austin?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Elistan
[B]Of course, now that I know some people who live here - what's rent typically like?

 

Kirk's right - you will pay more. But right now, I have 1143 sqft 2/2 and paying just under a grand a month. Of course, I too have a roomie - which makes everything so much easier since all the bills are split down the middle.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Luder94
[B]Boka,
Denver, CO--The wife loves it here, I haven't been here as of yet.

 

I was in Denver last year to open an office. Denver is a fun city, but the cost of living isn't low. The houses near our office, which is on the outskirts of the tech center, started in the 500's. These were the kind of homes you'd pay 200-250 for in Milwaukee's nicer areas. It seems that most of the people that want to get out of California are moving to Phoenix or Denver.

I've heard many good things about Seattle. I also wish that it was a bit brighter. If it was a bit brighter and a bit warmer, I would be there.

Right now I'm leaning toward Austin. I'll be doing some serious job hunting this weekend, so that should give me a better idea of the job markets.

Luder: I lived in Vegas when I was in 7th and 8th grade. I wasn't old enough to do much, but once you get away from the strip, it's like any other city.

Thanks again for all the input. It's greatly appreciated!

-boka