I wanna move to USA but...

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Snow3y
Snow3y Posts: 1,412 Member
in Chit-Chat
I'm not sure where would be the best place for me to live... Can anyone help me out with options? :) I plan on earning a salary for the next 6-8 years while my girlfriend finishes her degree, and then apply for my visa to go live and work in the US.

I like sunny weather and a warm climate, I currently live in South Africa, so really most conditions would be an improvement in my eyes! I'm just shy of my degree of a Bachelor of Administration in business, and plan on getting my master's too.

So I need advice on which states in the US are worth-while, and which are not.. Budget can range from mediocre living conditions to above average..

Even if you just want to post where in the US you've lived and what the pros and cons have been, that would be amazing!

Thanks in advance!
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Replies

  • elusive_design
    elusive_design Posts: 1,095 Member
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    Depending on what you mean by sunny and warm.. Phoenix, Arizona sounds like it might be a good fit because it is most definately sunny and tends to get up into the 100s during the summer days.. if that is a little too hot you might consider California, Florida or Texas. (I honestly would avoid Texas, waaaaay to much american arrogance infusing that state). Georgia is a lovely place to visit but I don't know if I'd want to live there. If you don't mind a bit of a chill in winter and you like a nice warm temperature in the summer I would go with Denver, Colorado. It's the only place I've ever lived with its range of scenery, climate and sheer awesomeness on every level.
  • randomtai
    randomtai Posts: 9,003 Member
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    Not NYC! :laugh:
  • tryclyn
    tryclyn Posts: 2,414 Member
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    I vote VIrginia.
  • Luke_I_am_your_spotter
    Luke_I_am_your_spotter Posts: 4,179 Member
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    so.... what you are saying is. you arent even going to apply for a visa for at least 8 years from now? That alone, could take forever. Seriously--- just focus on what you need to do right now.. don't worry about moving yet. Sounds like you are at least 10 years away from moving. There could be more states by then anyway. Puerto Rico anyone? ;)
  • elusive_design
    elusive_design Posts: 1,095 Member
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    Puerto Rico isn't going to become a state. From those I've talked to in PR there just isn't that] much interest in becoming one, at least not in the general public. Of course that could be in those people's particular circles.. but yeah, meh. Not happening anytime this decade I wouldn't think.
  • Follow_me
    Follow_me Posts: 6,120 Member
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    Stay where you are, you're better off.
  • SapiensPisces
    SapiensPisces Posts: 992 Member
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    I live in Miami. It's sunny, hot, and full of beaches. Southern California is my favorite place in the U.S. though (sofar), but it's very expensive.
  • laserturkey
    laserturkey Posts: 1,680 Member
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    The midwest tends to have lower cost of living than the coastal areas, but they do have all four seasons, so if you want sunny all the time, that might not be a good choice for you.

    http://money.cnn.com/calculator/pf/cost-of-living/ <<< This might help you think through some of your options.
  • ItsCasey
    ItsCasey Posts: 4,022 Member
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    Texas. (I honestly would avoid Texas, waaaaay to much american arrogance infusing that state).

    tumblr_m2kuubpq7s1ql5yr7o1_400.gif

    Texas. It's where the jobs are.
  • LC458
    LC458 Posts: 300 Member
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    Texas. (I honestly would avoid Texas, waaaaay to much american arrogance infusing that state).

    tumblr_m2kuubpq7s1ql5yr7o1_400.gif

    Texas. It's where the jobs are.

    Arrogance?? What arrogance??
    I Love Texas, it's the best country in the world :wink:
  • 1PatientBear
    1PatientBear Posts: 2,089 Member
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    Texas. (I honestly would avoid Texas, waaaaay to much american arrogance infusing that state)

    Yeah. Definitely avoid Texas. No one wants friendly people, an affordable cost of living, no state income tax and good weather (even if it does get a little hot at times).

    2guctwn.jpg
  • elusive_design
    elusive_design Posts: 1,095 Member
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    Any place that has flying cockroaches is off my list of best states to live! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
  • Cathalain
    Cathalain Posts: 424 Member
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    I second Arizona. Nevada is also nice weather-wise. Temps are very high, but the humidity (EXTREMELY low) makes up for that.

    Be warned, though - some of these areas are miserable for employment prospects, unless you're in a field that's specialized. Las Vegas, for example, has almost NO employment unless it's in a service industry (gaming, food, etc.). And some places in Arizona are literally in the middle of NOWHERE - unless you choose a larger city like Tucson, Phoenix, maybe Yuma, you'll be driving for miles and miles and miles before you get to work and back.

    Still, it's a small price to pay for the beautiful weather and the quiet. I love driving, so it would work out for me. Definitely retiring there as soon as I'm able.
  • allaboutthecake
    allaboutthecake Posts: 1,535 Member
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    09-25-2006042919PM.jpg

    December07Group2255.jpg
  • londonlady4
    londonlady4 Posts: 14 Member
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    Southern California is amazing! Bit expensive but the weather sounds like exactly what you're looking for and it's gorgeous there! :glasses:
  • Cathalain
    Cathalain Posts: 424 Member
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    Georgia is a lovely place to visit but I don't know if I'd want to live there.

    As a former 8-year resident of Georgia (both northern and southern sections), I would NOT recommend this. The northern portion (basically, Atlanta, heh) is hellishly expensive to live in - and the southern portion (think below Macon) has almost zero employment, unless you LIKE working fast food.

    The weather isn't that great, either. Georgia is prone to ice storms in the winter, hurricanes in the summer, and freakishly high humidity. And the bugs. OH-EM-EFFING-GEE the bugs. I have never seen flying roaches in my life until I moved there. NOTHANKYOU. :sad: :noway:
  • digitalbill
    digitalbill Posts: 1,410 Member
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    Well, since nobody asked:
    What do you do for a living?
    If you are a farmer, then that would help to point you in the right direction.
    I.T. specialist would also help with cities.
    If you are into automotive production......
    Movies and cinema.....
    Marine biologist....
  • mhotch
    mhotch Posts: 901 Member
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    I think you should choose a place to live that gives you the best opportunities for your line of work.
  • fitfan11
    fitfan11 Posts: 544 Member
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    Save yourself from future headaches and frustrations and stay in S. Africa!!

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