Which would you choose?

Yvonne's hubby · #21 06/30/13, 10:00 PM

I think I would find one more option, and get OUT of the area entirely. Find yourself a nice little homestead out in the country, in a "socially conservative" neighborhood where crime rates are low. The life you save may be one of your kids, or your own. I live in a very socially conservative area, so much so that alcohol sales are prohibited not only in my county, but every surrounding county around it. Heart of the bible belt here in S central Ky. The last "hate crime" of any kind that I know of in this county occurred in the mid seventies, not too long before I moved here in 78.

Yvonne's hubby · #22 06/30/13, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2happymamas

My FIL told us that his wish is for us to take the girls out of the city due to crime and the city environment. He's a real country boy and loves those girls with his whole heart.

Sounds like your FIL is a man of wisdom. I agree with him whole heartedly on this point.

Vosey · #23 06/30/13, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2happymamas

I agree with you...the area is unlikely to become more safe. It stinks because we LOVE our house, the neighborhood, and the immediate surrounding community. If you go about 3 miles from our house, you run into the really poverty-stricken, drug-infested area of town. The homicide rate is unbelievable and that's all a part of living in a large metropolitan area.

DW and I both have Master's degrees in social work and I don't see either of us going back to school anymore, lol. Hell, I still owe 60k in student loans from my undergrad and graduate work. Boo. I work part-time now and make decent money. I can be home with the kids, work every other weekend, and still make close to 40k per year (still a little less than 2/3 of DW's salary). There is a new, inpatient hospice center in the town we *love* and I would be honored to work there. My sister is also friends with the Director of Social Services and so that would be a foot in the door. I work in a hospital now and would have the experience needed to be a viable applicant. If that failed, I could do part-time, home hospice for my current employer in the county immediately north of Bloomington. That would make my drive only 20-40 minutes, depending on where in Bloomington we found a home.

I also forgot to mention that my wonderful ILs live about 20 minutes from Bloomington (the place we love). They would kill to have us move there, as it would allow them to see the kids more throughout the week. They are great people and we have actually named them as guardians if something should happen to us. My FIL told us that his wish is for us to take the girls out of the city due to crime and the city environment. He's a real country boy and loves those girls with his whole heart.

Sounds to me that Bloomington it is! Start brainstorming work for both of you so commuting is minimal.

2happymamas · #24 06/30/13, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vosey

Sounds to me that Bloomington it is! Start brainstorming work for both of you so commuting is minimal.

I have to agree. We had a long conversation about it tonight and our desire really takes us to Bloomington. I would be fine with the commute, as I only work every other weekend. I could drive up Saturday morning to work, stay with friends or family that night, and drive home after work on Sunday. That would mean I would only have to drive up twice per month. Not bad.

DW couldn't really find a job in Bloomington before the move because she'd then be driving 2-3 hours per day from our current home. Plus, it would be harder to secure a mortgage without her lengthy employment history (17 years). While she knows the drive will suck, she said we could move there and she will start looking for another job as soon as we close on the new house.

We have enough equity in our current house that we could hopefully put back the price of a barn and fencing if needed.

So, I think we have a plan in place: have another baby, pay down as much debt as we can within the next 2-3 years, move to Bloomington, and DW will start applying for new jobs. I really want to start breeding mini-saanens, lol.

Nicole Irene · #25 07/01/13, 08:31 AM

I think your wife should apply for the jobs (and get an offer) before you move. That commute really wears on people. You could always rent (or, stay with family if you're crazy enough) until you close on a house.

Also, I think underwriters look at length of time in a given career, maybe not a particular employer?

Nicole Irene · #26 07/01/13, 08:38 AM

Also, I am bit envious of those housing choices. They would easily be twice that amount here. :-/

Maura · #27 07/01/13, 02:59 PM

Start really looking now. You don't have to wait until baby #3 is 2 years old. You could have the baby there and have lots of support. If you move, it is easier on your kids the younger they are. This would have the greatest impact on your eldest child.

When you sell, expect to get more than a similar house and lot size because you have the extensive gardens. This adds value to your property.

BamaSuzy · #28 07/01/13, 05:24 PM

I wouldn't move anywhere that I had to drive 90 minutes to work BUT I'd want to get my kids out of the city---ANY city....my only regret is that we didn't start homesteading and homeschooling when our oldest children were young....I can look back and see clearly how it would have impacted their lives and would have made their outlook on life completely different....just my two cents worth...

IndyGardenGal · #29 07/01/13, 10:21 PM

Maybe we will see you there in a few years. We're hoping to move that way eventually.

doomas · #30 07/02/13, 12:17 AM

if the home break in's are the issue, maybe some security fencing is in order. a well trained big dog would help. a lot of things could be added to make your family safer where your are at now. and still be a lot cheaper than new land purchase..
heck,,,just geese or turkeys raise a fuss when someone new comes on the drive.

foxtrapper · #31 07/02/13, 05:18 AM

#3 sounds like a retirement plan, not a living plan.

#1 sounds ok, for the time being. But get a neighbor who complains, and it could all blow up. Especially if you're not quite actually legal with the critters and such.

#2 sounds pretty durn good to me. Except perhaps for the kids. For the kids, being able to easily get with friends to play is worth a lot.

I kinda suspect I'd sit tight with #1, while watching for an incredible #2.

Maura · #32 07/02/13, 01:14 PM

Home security isn't the only consideration. What about when your kids are walking to the store or to a friend's house. The big dog and electric gate aren't going to protect anyone once they leave the property. I lived in a couple of bad neighborhoods. Once your kids are old enough to go to a friend's house, it's really scary. Walking to and from school can be a nightmare.