A reader asked this. Please let us know what you think.
We currently live in Naples FL. It is a very expensive area and we cannot afford a home (we
have a small one bedroom condo that we own). We would like a small house - cabin and are
wondering if we should sell and move to a more affordable area such as the Midwest area-
Kansas, MS, etc. Anyone living out there - I’d love to hear what you think of the area. We have
no children and are in our early 40’s. Thank you!
Just my .02. But yes, I would move if that is something you want to do. Since you live in FL already then I will assume heat and humidity don’t bother you much.
I hate living in Kansas. I’m an outdoor person and I love to garden. Unfortunately, you can’t do that in Kansas if you have CFS. The heat and humidity about kill me. We usually have about 2-4 weeks of spring and 2-4 weeks of fall and then it’s either really cold or really hot.
I do like the fact that housing is cheap and people are nice for the most part. The attitude here does leave something to be desired. Jobs aren’t that great but a lot of people think “this is all I will ever have” type attitude and don’t strive to improve their lives much. They aren’t happy working in the aircraft plant or wherever but don’t strive to improve their lives by saving as much as they can to get out of there. It’s a “I have to spend it now because I deserve it because I hate my job type attitude.” In reality they get paid very well but just throw away money.
That I don’t like. I like people who strive to improve themselves and don’t wallow in pity. I do know that kind of attitude is all over the country but it is more prevalent here. On the other hand people do help a lot, are very kind and considerate.
I must say that even though I don’t like here, I would stay if it meant we could pay off our debt and get some good savings to move back to Colorado with a larger down payment for house. Housing is about 2-3 times what it is here. Mike is looking for work both here and there so who knows what will happen.
Different parts of the country have different pros and cons. Living in the city vs. the country has differnt pros and cons.
I have lived in several different states both city and country and there are different ways to save money in all of them. I get people all the time saying “i can’t save because i live in ……” Well the truth is you can save if you want to. It will be in different ways but you can. In NY the cost of living is way higher but so are the incomes more than in KS.
Anyway, that’s my .02. Back to her question. Do you like where you live? What are the pros? What are the cons?
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Hi Tawra,
This is a great topic. My main goal with frugality is to become as independent as possible and “strive to improve my life.” I feel empowered by all I have learned from you and your book. I appreciate the fact that you encourage us not to make excuses. Most of what I hear is just that(from myself and others:) I live in Utah, but would like to live somewhere else someday. I am using hard-core frugal practices to make that a reality. God Bless! Jayne
P.S. Colorado is fantastic! You have good taste:)
i live in southern Indiana. I love it! I’ve lived in WA, and GA, but there’s no place like home. In the county i live in housing is cheap, land is cheap. And it’s GORGEOUS country. Jobs are plentiful we have alot of colleges. It IS hot and humid here in the summer…and cold in the winter…but nothing beats being a Hoosier!!
I agree about people making “excuses”. I get so tired of hearing “well, my situation is different; my area is so expensive, etc. etc.; I can’t be home like you because XYZ”. If you really don’t like where you are at, then move. Make it happen! Yes, it’s difficult, yes, it’s challenging, but it can be possible for many.
I live in an expensive area and we make it happen because we live frugally and we live without. We actually “deny” ourselves of wants - what a concept! People often just don’t want to make the sacrifices. Guaranteed, there are people who are in dire situations - as in medical debt, for example. I very much feel for those folks in situations beyond their true control. I have known people who are single moms, people who are in difficult situations - who rise above it all. There’s a great article on MSN money about a lady living on $12K per year, and of course we know Tawra’s mom Jill lives on the same. People living on social security and disability have to do this every day!
I have decided not to share how we do it anymore on our modestly low income because in reality most people aren’t willing to change their lives that much & would rather sit and feel sorry for themselves. Of course not everyone is like this, but lots are.
Good for you, to the first anonymous poster! Someone who is willing to sacrifice to see their dreams come true. Best wishes & I hope you go far.
I live not too far from Tawra–a couple of counties away–and she’s right about the weather and the job opportunities. It is a redneck kind of life but the people I work with at a major distribution center and those in my community are mostly good-hearted people. My neighborhood is a cross between Andy Griffith and Little House on the Prairie. I never want to move. Most folks find what they are looking for wherever they are at. There is no such thing as a “geographical cure”. So the decision to move is really beween you and God. I meant that part about “Thy Will be done” and I ended up here. And I’ve nevere been happier.
Anonymous,
where in KS do you live? I ask because Mike has a possible job in Hutchinson. We aren’t sure what to think about moving but if you live near there I would love your .02 about it. You can email me if you prefer.
Thanks! Tawra
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I just had to post a comment…. I live in Southern Middle TN and I absolutely love it…. There really is no place like it. Sure its like most places and jobs are scarce and well, like any other small town it has its ups and downs but I love living a simple life and the people here are great. Do we give up things for a simpler life? Yes… but in the long run it will be far better to have lived a much simpler life than to be held captive by our possessions.