Butterfli19

With the exception of 7 years in AZ I've lived in NH / MA for my 52 years of life. I've discovered the last 8 years or so I really, really, hate the winter. I hate the snow, the ice, driving in it, shoveling it, looking at the mounds of dirty snow toward the end of the season, and I'm cold.

I have an old house that seems to regularly need costly repairs which is getting more difficult to manage financially being single. I have a good job with little chance of losing it, but I really don't like it - 30 years doing the same thing has taken its toll.

My son will be going to a 4-year college in VT then his job will bring him to either CA or Europe. My daughter and new grandson want to / will be moving to AZ because she's tired of winter as well.

Would it be crazy for me to sell my house, quit my job, and move to an apartment in sunny AZ and look for a job there, if I have 2 years of cash to hold me over?

Would you do this?

I'll check back later tonight; have to make the hour drive to work.

Thanks. I really need some serious input on this.

trish b

It is not so crazy as you may think. However think about the job you have and is that type "sell able" in another market. We live in Oregon and transplanted from "cold & Hot" Illinois 34 years ago and have never looked back. We took a vacation back then and found a job first. Best of luck with your decision. Trish B.

Qbee

I think trish is right in terms of the timing...you will have to be careful to make sure you can get a job and sell your house for what you need but other than that...go for it! Honestly....I would follow my kids/grandkids regardless of the weather...LOL! My father followed us here to KY because my kids were his only grandkids and he said they were what made his life "fun". He passed in July and my kids were closer to him than they are any of the others.

quiltgrammyt2

There is alot to think about but for me my grandkids would be such a big draw,if I don't see them at least once a week I get VERY cranky. :roll:
But like the others said being able to sell your home and finding a job would have to be thought about alot,maybe go there and see if you can find a job before making the big move.
Good luck on whatever you decide. :D :D :D

Hosta

GO AS FAST AS YOUR LITTLE LEGS CAN CARRY YOU

liminanc

Living not too far away in Mass and being 51 I can relate. I would wait until your daughter moves, then take a few weeks of vacation together and go out and make sure you like the area and think you could get a job. You have lived in AZ before so that is a help. Does your daughter have a job lined up or will she be a stay at home mom? I think in life it is the things we don't do that we regret, not the things we do, do. You also don't have a specific timetable so that is nice, you can look for a job online while in NH and get the house prepped to sell since spring is the best time to put a house on the market. Good luck.

scowlkat

Let's see, grandkids in AZ vs. snow in Maine? Sounds like an obvious choice to me! However, agree with being cautious, especially in this so-called recovering economy!

sewcrafty

I'm in Bow and dang I know what you mean! Tired of the winters. I just question the markets for job and housing, that would scare the heck out of me. I want to sell my house also, but am afraid of what I'd lose on this house, considering what we've put into it.

My son is also in college in VT. He's going to Norwich in Northfield for the Army ROTC Program. So totally relate. Empty nest syndrome is absolutely no fun!!

You do have yourself a nice nest egg. I guess its really how much you want it. Think whether things would be better up here if you got involved with some neat activities or not. Do you think this is just rut your in? Lack of sun does affect this.

Playing devils advocate here, that's all.

carolaug

I say make the change..life is too short..I would do the same but my husband loves New England. When we retire we will look for a home in the south and live there during the winter months.

gollytwo

It was -6 when I got up this morning at 6 am.
I too am in New Hampshire and don't like snow and ice. If I moved anywhere it would be back to NYC to be near my grandkids and why bother - it's cold there too, albeit not minus anything.
I agree with others re job. You could take an Arizona vacation and check out the market.
New Hampshire doesn't seem to be taking as bad a bath on selling houses as other states. Check with some realtors.