Rowdy said we can't have all 3. We can't have the house that we want for the price that we want, the schools for the kids that we want, and a good commute. So we need to figure out what matters most and goodness that is frustrating. Is there a place that has all 3? Please do tell.
Since Rowdy graduates in the Fall, we're just in the researching stage. Maybe defined as dreaming? The type of research where you plop yourself onto Craigslist and go to cities like "Sacramento" and view real estate, and then you type in the best school ratings in America, and then you yell to your husband, would you be happy living in this area? You know, that type of research. And then you dream about a house that you can fully decorate because you are the best decorator in the world and just need a canvas to paint. And it must have window light. Lots and lots of window light for your mad photo skills.
We love Seattle. Like, a lot. Frankly, if we do end up leaving here that will be super hard (been there, done that, not happy) because I don't know anywhere that can compare to the vibrancy. I want shopping (not that I am a huge shopper), indoorsy/outdoorsy things to do, a great church camaraderie, and I also need you to give me the Father of the Bride house with the basketball hoop. I am also crazy picky about schools and this past year has proven to give me more specific fire and urgency in that regard. And oh goodness...where do we find that HERE? Where in the Seattle area or elsewhere, can we get all 3?
Suggestions welcome. You know my criteria. Am I a little flexible on the Father of the Bride house? I guess I could forget about his car... ;)
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I hope you get lucky and find the perfect spot. And I hope you get to stay right where you are...
=)
Let me tell you that it is hard! We loved Seattle, but to be honest we couldn't live any where close to the University where my husband would work. Bellevue is a great community and the commute isn't too bad, but the prices is what kills you. Schools are also good. Move this way. I would love to go to one of your parties, schools are good, and the housing is reasonable. Plus you wouldn't be too far away from your family in Columbus. Come to Atlanta!
I'll give you a little advice. I love living in Arizona because half the year the weather is AWESOME and the other half is livable if you have a good AC and maybe a pool. The church is enormous here (we're getting temples number 3 and 4 in the next year or so!) and I'd like to think the schools are nice. I don't really know much about that. Real estate is CHEAP and there is TONS of shopping. (ever been to Charming Charlies?? *sigh*)
Only a few problems for ya: it's not Seattle. And it's butt ugly. No, don't argue. Cactuses are just not pretty. Sorry, folks.
And stucco. Ugh. I HATE stucco. Nobody builds the Father of the Bride style anymore. Just stucco.
Anyway, I really really hope you find a great place with all your wishes including a Father of the Bride house, even if it isn't Arizona, though I'd love it if you lived close to me! :)
Well, I've never been to Seattle, although I hear it's pretty awesome.
Good luck!
If you ever end up in Idaho, we can be miserable toegther. :D
i feel wierd commenting on a blog when i dont know the author... here goes... what about miami- vibrant, shopping, indoor and outdoor things to do- key biscayne has great schools. that said- im sure realestate out on the key is pricey.
I'm pretty sure it's Utah you're looking for ;)
I know I want it to be Utah you're looking for...so we can be bff's and I can come to your fabulous parties that you'll be inviting me to since we're bff's!
Selfish? Why yes I am, thanks for asking!
I agree that all three is hard. I agree that good schools make a difference, but here in Utah where spending per pupil is low, there is still high achievement, in large part because of parent involvement. And at least in Utah the shopping is fairly decent, it's pretty, and do-able commutes are not too hard to come by.
Good luck. I think there are always decisions in this realm. We bought our home almost 6 years ago thinking there would be a neighborhood full of kids, and instead there are no kids. It makes me toy with the idea of moving. It is hard to find a balance of all 3.
I would love it if you moved to my neighborhood. :) Our ward is great and our school is the one people in the area choice into. I don't know about the house, but I'm sure you could find a nice one. :)
Like Amy, I suggest Arizona--- and I grew up on the Coast of California... Amy is right, it is TOTALLY ugly here. And the summer sucks-- but it's better than snow, and I always say "you don't have to shovel sunshine!" Houses are cheap, schools are decent and there are lots of excellent and free charter schools if the public schools in your area don't pass muster. LDS church is pretty big... but all the houses are stucco... And just not as cute on the outside-- but the inside can be as great as you want!
My mom lives in Washington state-- and it is way more beautiful there than here-- but also far more expensive...
Just a thought!
Well... Utah sure has a lot of outdoorsy stuff to do! And the indoorsy stuff is there too I'm sure.... There's some fun shopping places like Gardner Village that I would love to have a friend to go to with! Park City has some great shopping too! Utah in the summer is the best with the Cache
Valley Cruise In, Summerfest, and fairs galore! Not to mention lakes to picnic at and family to play with :) I haven't done my research on schools though and the commute depends on where in Utah you are.... There are a LOT of older style houses,though.... And I know of 1 that is similar to the Father of the Bride house... however I don't think it's for sale.
The weather may be really dry and altitude a little high, but you get used to it :)
PS I just checked and found 3 homes that are VERY similar to FOTB for sale, and a few more that are almost similar..... ;)
I'm going to toss out Colorado. We're in the Springs at the moment & I really like it. It's super sunny, even when there's snow, and all summer you get these incredible rain storms that hang around for about 30 minutes and then move on their merry way. There are a million out-doorsy things to do, and the school district where I live is a pretty good one! (Or so I've been told by multiple moms.) And, the shopping is awesome.
Pray, pray. pray, and make a commitment to find happiness no matter where you go. If you do that, you will find yourself in just the place you need to be.
I love the bothell/kenmore area having grown up there and I know there are homes that can be affordable. The bothell stake has lots of kids and northshore school district is awesome. Can't help you on the commute part though since it is north Seattle.
I am planning to move to Maple Valley to get 2 of the 3 (not the cummute).
it IS such a hard thing. as an army family that moves every few years, we make it our goal to find a community that is a decent drive to work but is safe (and has sidewalks), and is close to good schools. this does take a lot of hope and research and prayer. i have yet to live in a house that i really picked for the house. that is my sacrifice. and whenever i complain too much about what my house does or doesnt have i try to remind myself that we are in a good neighborhood with nice people, and great schools. my kids are happy and we are living a good life. and then i just pull out my home notebook and add pictures of ideas i'd love to have in my someday home of my choosing. :) hmmm...unless this will be your forever house in which case...you'll know in your heart when it all fits together and is the right choice. good luck. :)
You might want to check out the north Dallas area.
Homes are very reasonably priced and the weather is great, compared to Seattle, and if you like sunshine. :)
I've also heard the schools are very good.
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