Moving from Canada to the US. Opinions/tips on where to go?

[khedrei]

I may be barking up the wrong tree with this post, but people on this forum seem to be generally helpful, intelligent, kind, and productive.  I also dont frequent any other forums that are filled with as many americans as this one so I figured I would give it a shot.  Here goes.

Basically with the disasterous result of the canadian election last night, my girlfriend and I are wasting no time in getting off this sinking ship.  While I have no dilusions of the fact that the US has its issues, we both believe that overall, our futures will be brighter south of the border.

Quick outline of me so that opinions can be directed accordingly.  I am 40, my girlfriend is 53.  No kids, just a dog.  She can retire with a pension from her company in less than 2 years.  I am currently employed as a corporate pilot in the Toronto area.  I have about 18 months left on my contract.  It is likely that the process of me getting a green card (she is american but never lived there) will take about 18 months-2 years so the timing probably works out well.  I can easily afford a home in the 400-800k range, but would also be happy to settle for something on the low end and buy a remote cottage or off grid property to get away to.  I would likely rent for the first couple years.

What I am hoping to gain from this post is simply an opinion of where we can set up roots.  Priorities are as follows:

1. A nice clean, low crime, awesome state/town/city that is NOT WOKE.

2. Reasonably affordable.  Somewhere a little above the national average in terms of cost of living is fine.

3. Warm, but hopefully not too hot.  

4. NOT a big city.  200k people max.  But would be very happy in something less than 5k.  Suburb of a big city is fine too.

5. Within an hour drive to a major hub, or close enough to a place with jobs.  That could be a corporate gig, or I may be open to airline work.

6.  A place that is growing, thriving.

7. Ideally the town or city would have a nice local airport withint a 15 minute drive of my home that I can buy a hangar and have my Mooney, with maintenance, fuel, and decent services, so I can tinker and do my various projects.

States that my partner and I had in mind (in no particular order) are Utah, (Northern) Arizona, Texas, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Colorado.  States that I have visited and absolutely love but which I think are too cold for my girlfriend are Montana, Wyoming, Alaska.  I also love Florida but its just too hot.  California is one of the nicest states I have visited but if I wanted to pay huge taxes and live with the liberal beurocracy, waste and crime I would just stay where I am.  I am absolutely open to other places.  Sell me on it!

I am not exactly looking to start a political debate, but I am happy to hear peoples opinions of the US and it's future as a whole, keeping in mind that the problems I am coming from are probably bigger than the ones that you guys have.  Mainly I am just looking for you guys to sell me on your State/City as a wonderful, sensible, fun, and safe place to set up a new life.

I have a week booked off in June, so I am looking to fly the Mooney out to visit a few places.  Since it's only a week, the trip will likely be limited to the eastern part of the country.  Regardless, I would love to get some places on my list to visit from people who live there.

 

Thanks guys!

Edited Tuesday at 11:52 PM by khedrei

[Ragsf15e]

11 minutes ago, khedrei said:

I may be barking up the wrong tree with this post, but people on this forum seem to be generally helpful, intelligent, kind, and productive.  I also dont frequent any other forums that are filled with as many americans as this one so I figured I would give it a shot.  Here goes.

Basically with the disasterous result of the canadian election last night, my girlfriend and I are wasting no time in getting off this sinking ship.  While I have no dilusions of the fact that the US has its issues, we both believe that overall, our futures will be brighter south of the border.

Quick outline of me so that opinions can be directed accordingly.  I am 40, my girlfriend is 53.  No kids, just a dog.  She can retire with a pension from her company in less than 2 years.  I am currently employed as a corporate pilot in the Toronto area.  I have about 18 months left on my contract.  It is likely that the process of me getting a green card (she is american but never lived there) will take about 18 months-2 years so the timing probably works out well.  I can easily afford a home in the 400-800k range, but would also be happy to settle for something on the low end and buy a remote cottage or off grid property to get away to.  I would likely rent for the first couple years.

What I am hoping to gain from this post is simply an opinion of where we can set up roots.  Priorities are as follows:

1. A nice clean, low crime, awesome state/town/city that is NOT WOKE.

2. Reasonably affordable.  Somewhere a little above the national average in terms of cost of living is fine.

3. Warm, but hopefully not too hot.  

4. NOT a big city.  200k people max.  But would be very happy in something less than 5k.

5. Within an hour drive to a major hub, or close enough to a place with jobs.  That could be a corporate gig, or I may be open to airline work.

6.  A place that is growing, thriving.

7. Ideally the town or city would have a nice local airport withint a 15 minute drive of my home that I can buy a hangar and have my Mooney, with maintenance, fuel, and decent services, so I can tinker and do my various projects.

States that my partner and I had in mind (in no particular order) are Utah, (Northern) Arizona, Texas, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Colorado.  States that I have visited and absolutely love but which I think are too cold for my girlfriend are Montana, Wyoming, Alaska.  I also love Florida but its just too hot.  California is one of the nicest states I have visited but if I wanted to pay huge taxes and live with the liberal beurocracy, waste and crime I would just stay where I am.  I am absolutely open to other places.  Sell me on it!

I am not exactly looking to start a political debate, but I am happy to hear peoples opinions of the US and it's future as a whole, keeping in mind that the problems I am coming from are probably bigger than the ones that you guys have.  Mainly I am just looking for you guys to sell me on your State/City as a wonderful, sensible, fun, and safe place to set up a new life.

I have a week booked off in June, so I am looking to fly the Mooney out to visit a few places.  Since it's only a week, the trip will likely be limited to the eastern part of the country.  Regardless, I would love to get some places on my list to visit from people who live there.

 

Thanks guys!

They will all have tradeoffs. Especially with the weather and being near a hub but not too big.  I’d look at the Boise, ID area.  It meets a lot of your desires.  

[Rick Junkin]

1 hour ago, khedrei said:

States that my partner and I had in mind (in no particular order) are Utah, (Northern) Arizona, Texas, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Colorado.

Anywhere in the western Carolinas and eastern Kentucky/Tennessee will fit your bill, both economic- and ideology-wise. If you use Chattanooga TN and Winston-Salem NC as diameter endpoints and draw a circle, you'll have a beautiful area that has a bunch of small airports in small towns. Many are close enough to the larger cities. One caveat, though. It can be hard to get accepted in the smaller communities in this part of the country. Most of the folks have lived here all their lives and don't always take to new neighbors. Just something to be aware of. On the other hand there are a lot of transplants in this area from the recent migration that's happened in the US.

Tennessee has no state income tax. Just sayin'.

[Rwsavory]

You asked for opinions, so here you go. I understand that neither you nor your wife have ever lived in the United States. Moving to another country where you have no history or experience outside of tourism because of a political disagreement, as opposed to be being at risk of persecution, is, IMHO, a big mistake. Just as it would be for an American to move to Canada for the same reason. The two countries, their cultures, laws and norms are very different.  You and your wife would be fishes out of water. Come here because you love our country, or you want to make your fortune. Don’t come here because you’re unhappy with an election.

[DCarlton]

7 minutes ago, Rwsavory said:

You asked for opinions, so here you go. I understand that neither you nor your wife have ever lived in the United States. Moving to another country because of a political disagreement, as opposed to being at risk for illegal detention, torture, etc., is, IMHO, a big mistake. Just as it would be for an American to move to Canada for the same reasons. The two countries, their cultures, laws and norms are very different.  You and your wife would be fishes out of water. 

I’ll bite.  How are the cultures and laws so different in a nut shell?  Every Canadian I’ve ever worked with or met has been a pleasure to associate with.  In fact they’re so friendly and open they make it easy for Americans.  Maybe in the Deep South there’s a disconnect but certainly not out west.  They would probably be the hit of the party.  

 

 

 

 

[khedrei]

 

1 hour ago, Rick Junkin said:

Anywhere in the western Carolinas and eastern Kentucky/Tennessee will fit your bill, both economic- and ideology-wise. If you use Chattanooga TN and Winston-Salem NC as diameter endpoints and draw a circle, you'll have a beautiful area that has a bunch of small airports in small towns. Many are close enough to the larger cities. One caveat, though. It can be hard to get accepted in the smaller communities in this part of the country. Most of the folks have lived here all their lives and don't always take to new neighbors. Just something to be aware of. On the other hand there are a lot of transplants in this area from the recent migration that's happened in the US.

Tennessee has no state income tax. Just sayin'.

Thanks Rick.  I will probably put those on the list to visit in June.

Thanks Rags too.  I like the landscape around Idaho, though I have not really visited, unforunately I think it's too cold for my girlfriend.  I may have listed that down the list, but it probably ranks higher in priority if I'm honest.

 

41 minutes ago, Rwsavory said:

You asked for opinions, so here you go. I understand that neither you nor your wife have ever lived in the United States. Moving to another country where you have no history or experience outside of tourism because of a political disagreement, as opposed to be being at risk of persecution, is, IMHO, a big mistake. Just as it would be for an American to move to Canada for the same reason. The two countries, their cultures, laws and norms are very different.  You and your wife would be fishes out of water. Come here because you love our country, or you want to make your fortune. Don’t come here because you’re unhappy with an election.

 

I'll bite too.  I do appreciate this opinion, and I agree with the previous poster.  The culture is not much different at all.  If I were moving to Japan or even Mexico, I would say we would be fish out of water.  But not in the US.  Canadians have basically copied your way of life.  The anti american sentiment that is going around in Canada right now makes me sick.  We sucked off the US for so long, and they finally had enough.  I don't like the way it was done, and perhaps it could have been executed better, but we deserve everything we are getting.  I do agree that moving to the US because of "an election" is kinda dumb.  That's not the only reason, just the straw that broke the camels back.  I failed to mention in my post as I was trying to be brief and to the point, but I do love the US.  I visted dozens and dozens of US cities when I was flying for the canadian version of NetJets.  I think you guys do everything better and I love your country.  The numbers don't lie.  Canada's GDP per capita grew less than 1% in the past 10 years.  Not per year, that was for 10 YEARS.  In the US it was around 17-19% depending on the place you get your info.  Canada ranks dead last in economic growth in the richest 37 nations and is predicted to stay that way for the next 30 years.

So it isn't just one election.  This has been brewing for a while and my girlfriend and I have been flirting with the idea since we got together 4 years ago.  So it was really the last 3 elections, as well as the covid response that really sank things for Canada.  And then this election, most of Canada decided they wanted more of the same.  So it was the nail in the coffin.

Also, I can make 50-150% more money as a pilot in the US and pay less taxes, so if the above reasons don't satisfy you (not that they need to), I guess I do want to come there and make my fortune.

I think the US is in fact one of the greatest countries in the world, and everytime I visit I become more amazed.  I think my life will be better there, and I think that is reason enough.

Edited Tuesday at 11:53 PM by khedrei

[dkkim73]

Whoo boy. This is a series of essays for Substack, not just a quick post. But the question seems asked in earnest, and I think the OP's intuition of finding brains and friends here on Mooneyspace is correct, so I'll put a toe in the water: 

- First, I'm sure you can find something that would would delight you in terms of "specifics". It is a very diverse country with many positive aspects, most of which don't really ever become known in mass media. 

- I agree with @Rwsavory, your overarching reason to come here should be because you love America (too many elite Americans don't) and want to grow here. Not just "not hate America" but actually like it. There are lots of places to do econ and lifestyle arbitrage internationally, too. I think there is resentment to doing that here, though many do it. This is something I say to Americans, too, in case it sounds unwelcoming. But you will find here a different and much less statist view than in Canada. More God and guns, fossil fuels, weird cultural traditions, less RCMP whacking you on the head and giving you an mRNA shot (I did mention guns, right?) and less "tall poppy gets cut down" stuff as in most Commonwealth (or former Commonwealth) countries. 

- If you go to the oversubscribed, liberal areas, you will get Canada Lite and in 10 yrs you might be where you started (e.g. WA state and what the legislature is doing). Clearly my bias is showing. 

- Re: the comment about being welcome, I think that is 1. true 2. varies 3. is no worse than any other country 4. is most determined by whether you try to "change it" upon arrival to make it like the ******** you came from (CA I'm looking at you). 

- YMMV but I would discount the weather issue. You'll find the weather winnows people, as wheat from chaff. Wx is also very particular, and a sunny dry cold is very different from what you think it might be. 

Talk to the pro pilots here, but you might be able to base in a mind- (I would have said family-) friendly area and commute to Sodom and Gomorrah (KSDM and KGMH). No idea what the curve to climb is as a non-US pilot, but I'm guessing it's doable. 

Your state list is a bit scattered. Why CO but not WY or MT? Depends on where you are, but climate is not wildly dissimilar and CO is Woke AF and getting Woker. 

Feel free to PM or call me sometime, too. If I'm around I'm happy to meet up if you transit (I'm out West). Lots of Mooney guys out east, esp. SE which might be a good fit based on what you say. 

HTH
David

(ETA: I've moved around the US a fair bit, both coasts also, and lived overseas in a couple of places)

[khedrei]

1 hour ago, dkkim73 said:

Whoo boy. This is a series of essays for Substack, not just a quick post. But the question seems asked in earnest, and I think the OP's intuition of finding brains and friends here on Mooneyspace is correct, so I'll put a toe in the water: 

- First, I'm sure you can find something that would would delight you in terms of "specifics". It is a very diverse country with many positive aspects, most of which don't really ever become known in mass media. 

- I agree with @Rwsavory, your overarching reason to come here should be because you love America (too many elite Americans don't) and want to grow here. Not just "not hate America" but actually like it. There are lots of places to do econ and lifestyle arbitrage internationally, too. I think there is resentment to doing that here, though many do it. This is something I say to Americans, too, in case it sounds unwelcoming. But you will find here a different and much less statist view than in Canada. More God and guns, fossil fuels, weird cultural traditions, less RCMP whacking you on the head and giving you an mRNA shot (I did mention guns, right?) and less "tall poppy gets cut down" stuff as in most Commonwealth (or former Commonwealth) countries. 

- If you go to the oversubscribed, liberal areas, you will get Canada Lite and in 10 yrs you might be where you started (e.g. WA state and what the legislature is doing). Clearly my bias is showing. 

- Re: the comment about being welcome, I think that is 1. true 2. varies 3. is no worse than any other country 4. is most determined by whether you try to "change it" upon arrival to make it like the ******** you came from (CA I'm looking at you). 

- YMMV but I would discount the weather issue. You'll find the weather winnows people, as wheat from chaff. Wx is also very particular, and a sunny dry cold is very different from what you think it might be. 

Talk to the pro pilots here, but you might be able to base in a mind- (I would have said family-) friendly area and commute to Sodom and Gomorrah (KSDM and KGMH). No idea what the curve to climb is as a non-US pilot, but I'm guessing it's doable. 

Your state list is a bit scattered. Why CO but not WY or MT? Depends on where you are, but climate is not wildly dissimilar and CO is Woke AF and getting Woker. 

Feel free to PM or call me sometime, too. If I'm around I'm happy to meet up if you transit (I'm out West). Lots of Mooney guys out east, esp. SE which might be a good fit based on what you say. 

HTH
David

(ETA: I've moved around the US a fair bit, both coasts also, and lived overseas in a couple of places)

Thank you David.  I think you may have been typing up as I posted because in my last post I explained how much I do in fact love the US.

To quickly answer your questions, Colorado because I love the mountains, and I honestly thought they weren't quite that woke.  I thought it was more in the centre politically.  I mean, Lauren Boebert was the elected representative.  I was also under the impression that parts of colorado were a bit warmer than in Montana.

I get that the weather shouldn't be a make or break, but I am definitely putting my girlfriends preferences reasonably high on the list seeing as I can't do this without her (marriage sponsor).  

In terms of the license, I am about 3/4 the way there.  I just need to write the conversion test which I had planned to do until I got busy with this new job.  Just need to study, and book the test.  In terms of experience, from the chats I had with american pilots, I would have no issues landing a decent job with my TT and current business jet experience.  No issue working as FO for a couple years.

I am not a God fearing type, but absolutely respect the people that are and have no desire insult anyone, try to change them, or to move into another country to try and make it like the failed country that I currently live in.

I will touch base closer to June to tell you what I have planned and maybe we can have a chat.  And I'm sure I will plan a trip further west soon enough.  This is a slightly longer term plan so we are doing our due diligence.

Kevin

[DCarlton]

6 minutes ago, khedrei said:

Colorado because I love the mountains, and I honestly thought they weren't quite that woke.  

 

https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/most-republican-states

[dkkim73]

14 minutes ago, khedrei said:

Colorado because I love the mountains, and I honestly thought they weren't quite that woke.  I thought it was more in the centre politically. 

See the above state voting ranking. Party alignment manifests differently in different states and has different impacts and "feel", so it's not end all and be all. I'm not necessarily saying that a more Republican-voting state is immediately better for what you want, but I would personally suggest you weight that somewhat heavily (interestingly Trump voting is not a clean surrogate for Republican voting either, there have been some fascinating demographic "breaks" in ill-served urban areas towards him, even though the states in question are solidly Democrat which affects your practical existence... one might argue the Trump vote is a stronger sign of an independent populist tendency). 

The dynamic in question is heavy population centers in generally historically moderate and "small c" conservative states, voting in strongly socialist policies that sound "nice" and whereof consequences take a while to come home to roost. E.g. CO had some high-profile illegal alien problems last year and a lot of lockdown mentality. And some suburban anomie and related problems (e.g. Columbine).  Though I think out in the hinterlands you will find some of the solidity that it's always had. And it's economically viable. Some issues (taxation issues and entitlements) take a long time to come back around, e.g. CA and soon WA. 

A big question will be simple economics vs. a mix of economics and culture. 

A thoughtful commentator said "there are no blue states, only blue cities". And some successful conservatives live in CA. Several on this board. You will, I think, find more variation in state law and economy than I believe exists in its provincial equivalent in Canada. 

Continuing to explore is probably a good idea. Others will suggest ideas here. If you have more specifics about land, geography, etc, we can chime in. I agree with the comments above re: the South and Southeast. Intermountain West, too, though climate is more rugged as you note. 

You might find "Strategic Relocation" by Joel Skousen thought-provoking. He takes a certain educated survivalist view of things, so factor that in and adjust preferences accordingly, but his mind and observations seem pretty solid. He has detailed thoughts about all 50 states and data to ponder. Interestingly, I believe he is a professional pilot by background. 

David

[EricJ]

Most states in the US are still very purple overall.   The swings are driven mostly by the edge cases in the statistics, which blow back and forth based on events contemporary to particular elections.   It is the same everywhere.

What you think a particular place is like is often driven by media consumption rather than reality.

 

[Hank]

Try here in central Alabama. Lake Martin (44,000 acres = 17,800 hectares) is nice on those warm days. A couple or three public and several private airports are around. Property and income taxes are low, and in my small neighborhood (39 lots but only 16 houses), we have one Canadian and a couple from upstate New York. 

We aren't as backward as some people think. The state capital is less than an hour's drive, Atlanta is two, and a major university is ~40 minutes (with an aviation program sponsored by Delta). NetJets flies all over, and other fractional ownership abound, all using professional pilots.

Lastly, what are "snow," "ice" and "cold"? I use ice to keep my tea cold, and sometimes to cool down my bourbon and beer . . . Haven't seen a combined half inch of snow since 2018.    We had 3" then, and my company shut down for three days.

[dkkim73]

46 minutes ago, EricJ said:

It is the same everywhere.

What you think a particular place is like is often driven by media consumption rather than reality.

You might have a point in the amplification of cultural issues by media, actually you probably just do  

That said, there are definitely governance issues that affect taxation, services, small business experiences, litigation, and lots of other things. More of an issue with raising children or starting a business, but still. 

 

[Mark942]

What does this topic have to do with Mooneys or aviation in general.  MooneySpace is one of the few places I can visit on the internet that is NOT political. Yes, I am certain we all have our opinions, but we don't preach or discuss them on the forum. It is about helping each other as pilots and owners of a Mooney.  I really don't want to see this forum head down the slippery path of how divided our country is now and which state (Red or Blue) is best. The originator of this post has made it clear his position and other's have tip toed around the issue.  Where is our Moderator to simply state that this is not a proper topic for this forum and shut this thread down.

[bonal]

Or perhaps why don’t we make it about things like weather and flying opportunities and aviation employment in certain areas around our amazing country.  It really doesn’t matter what your political leanings are in this country you will find agreement and disagreement wherever you are.  Hangar availability cost of living climate that is agreeable the things that really matter. We don’t have to silence ourselves for fear of being offensive.  I think the OP is reaching out to us because he knows we are a very wise group of individuals that can be helpful with something that is a very important decision in his life.  Aviators are a special kind of people and I believe we can approach this request with the same level of thoughtfulness we apply to our passion for the things we do.  Let’s do that.

[Hank]

My response above ignores any reason why the OP wants to move. I simply pointed out how the area meets his desired quality of life, low cost of living, urban access and airports (both commercial and general aviation).

That's as non-political of a post as can be made regarding where a pilot may want to live that has not already occurred in their own private thoughts. I've moved a bunch,  now in Town #22, but only my third town since I began flying anything other than a seat way back in the giant aluminum tube.

Why an individual wants to move is that individual's own concern. He asked for advice about the areas we live / lived in, and how they may suit his flying and non-flying activities. If the reason for moving is disclosed, and you're offended, ignore the rest of the thread and move on. Or answer the non-offending questions, whatever floats your boat. But there's no reason to bash anyone just because you disagree with an expressed opinion. Or should we tear up the entire 1st Amendment, not just the "free speech" part, so that no one is offended by hearing something on the news or by someone else's religion?

I have yet to see any records in our founding documents that even insinuate that any person has the right to not be offended. (See free speech above.) That's a good thing, too, because that thought offends me!

Back to the discussion of good places for pilots to live!

[dkkim73]

First, I get the desire to minimize *gratuitous* politics. I will try to be mindful of that out of consideration for others in this thread and others. I re-read what I wrote and do not see anything there as an attack on anyone else. I appreciate your being frank about your discomfort. 

I would not agree with the sentiment that "someone else [moderator] should come along and censor this person saying things with which I disagree".  Several people on this site have offended me over the last year and a half. Several have expressed aviation and non-aviation related ideas that I disagree with or find distasteful. It sure isn't many, but they're there. I have muted a couple of people and choose not to follow some threads. On a humorous note, I seem to recall two people threatening to beat each other up about a year ago.  But, I agree it's a generally a great space without needless polarization. 

As to why it is reasonable to respond to the OP: 

- think about asking a similar question yourself... Would you go to a political forum and ask where to move as a pilot? Or would you rather talk to people you trust or respect already, even if you disagree with them, and make your request known? If you dislike politics, you can simply not read or respond. 

- the OP is clearly upset by the situation, and asks a reasonable set of questions. He is not asking "where are there nice restaurants?", he is asking where he might find a synergy of culture, politics, and professional engagement for *him and his SO*.  

- *many* people, really 10^5 if not 10^6, have re-sorted among the states over the last 4-6 yrs. We don't have to dwell on it, but acting as if it hasn't happened, or that we should shun that kind of discussion seems coercive, if not simply a waste of acquaintance. If you've managed to be unaffected by many of the events of these years, I'm happy for you, but not everyone has been so lucky. 

- "politics" intrinsically has to do with practical choices and exercises of power while balancing competing values. A lot of laws, taxes, and choices do affect aviation as well as aviation and non-aviation related livelihoods. There are plenty of stories at hand about people being negatively affected by jurisdictions. So it's also a practical question for those trying to navigate it. Simple example: Multiple threads about LL avgas going away in CA, not a life-ending event but not great for GA I would think. 

As mentioned, I'm happy to focus on discussing this offline (as I offered to the OP).  The geographic discussions are of value and intrinsically benefit from multiple participants... I suppose it could be a private group chat, but isn't it simpler to just tolerate the discussion? 

Respectfully,

DK

[DCarlton]

9 hours ago, Hank said:

My response above ignores any reason why the OP wants to move. I simply pointed out how the area meets his desired quality of life, low cost of living, urban access and airports (both commercial and general aviation).

That's as non-political of a post as can be made regarding where a pilot may want to live that has not already occurred in their own private thoughts. I've moved a bunch,  now in Town #22, but only my third town since I began flying anything other than a seat way back in the giant aluminum tube.

Why an individual wants to move is that individual's own concern. He asked for advice about the areas we live / lived in, and how they may suit his flying and non-flying activities. If the reason for moving is disclosed, and you're offended, ignore the rest of the thread and move on. Or answer the non-offending questions, whatever floats your boat. But there's no reason to bash anyone just because you disagree with an expressed opinion. Or should we tear up the entire 1st Amendment, not just the "free speech" part, so that no one is offended by hearing something on the news or by someone else's religion?

I have yet to see any records in our founding documents that even insinuate that any person has the right to not be offended. (See free speech above.) That's a good thing, too, because that thought offends me!

Back to the discussion of good places for pilots to live!

So I'll bite since you're in AL.  I moved from MS to CA 40 years ago after turning down a job in Huntsville, AL.  As beautiful as some of our Northern states may be (ID, MT), we don't want cold long winters either, especially later in the life.  Based on the OPs specs, as well as my own, I would likely move back to the South and if I did, I would consider Huntsville, AL or perhaps Franklin, TN.  A ton of high tech technical jobs have moved to Huntsville over the years (NASA, DOD).  I'm guessing those people are from all over the country if not all over the world.  Not too cold, not too big, lots of smart people, a good cost of living, and it's tax friendly.      

[EricJ]

5 hours ago, dkkim73 said:

I suppose it could be a private group chat, but isn't it simpler to just tolerate the discussion? 

If it is ever demonstrated in a group that that can be done continually and successfully without creating and tension and division it is an exception to the norm.   Even in the barbershop politics and religion are discouraged as conversation topics for generations because the lessons are repeatedly learned.

I'd discourage religious conversation here as well, but that doesn't seem to be a problem at the moment.   I do like that this thread has been pretty civil, but I wouldn't tempt the beast.

[DXB]

On 4/29/2025 at 4:04 PM, khedrei said:

I may be barking up the wrong tree with this post, but people on this forum seem to be generally helpful, intelligent, kind, and productive.  I also dont frequent any other forums that are filled with as many americans as this one so I figured I would give it a shot.  Here goes.

Basically with the disasterous result of the canadian election last night, my girlfriend and I are wasting no time in getting off this sinking ship.  While I have no dilusions of the fact that the US has its issues, we both believe that overall, our futures will be brighter south of the border.

Quick outline of me so that opinions can be directed accordingly.  I am 40, my girlfriend is 53.  No kids, just a dog.  She can retire with a pension from her company in less than 2 years.  I am currently employed as a corporate pilot in the Toronto area.  I have about 18 months left on my contract.  It is likely that the process of me getting a green card (she is american but never lived there) will take about 18 months-2 years so the timing probably works out well.  I can easily afford a home in the 400-800k range, but would also be happy to settle for something on the low end and buy a remote cottage or off grid property to get away to.  I would likely rent for the first couple years.

What I am hoping to gain from this post is simply an opinion of where we can set up roots.  Priorities are as follows:

1. A nice clean, low crime, awesome state/town/city that is NOT WOKE.

2. Reasonably affordable.  Somewhere a little above the national average in terms of cost of living is fine.

3. Warm, but hopefully not too hot.  

4. NOT a big city.  200k people max.  But would be very happy in something less than 5k.  Suburb of a big city is fine too.

5. Within an hour drive to a major hub, or close enough to a place with jobs.  That could be a corporate gig, or I may be open to airline work.

6.  A place that is growing, thriving.

7. Ideally the town or city would have a nice local airport withint a 15 minute drive of my home that I can buy a hangar and have my Mooney, with maintenance, fuel, and decent services, so I can tinker and do my various projects.

States that my partner and I had in mind (in no particular order) are Utah, (Northern) Arizona, Texas, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Colorado.  States that I have visited and absolutely love but which I think are too cold for my girlfriend are Montana, Wyoming, Alaska.  I also love Florida but its just too hot.  California is one of the nicest states I have visited but if I wanted to pay huge taxes and live with the liberal beurocracy, waste and crime I would just stay where I am.  I am absolutely open to other places.  Sell me on it!

I am not exactly looking to start a political debate, but I am happy to hear peoples opinions of the US and it's future as a whole, keeping in mind that the problems I am coming from are probably bigger than the ones that you guys have.  Mainly I am just looking for you guys to sell me on your State/City as a wonderful, sensible, fun, and safe place to set up a new life.

I have a week booked off in June, so I am looking to fly the Mooney out to visit a few places.  Since it's only a week, the trip will likely be limited to the eastern part of the country.  Regardless, I would love to get some places on my list to visit from people who live there.  

 

Thanks guys!

I've been all over the US and Canada, and lately been struck by the excellent amenities and overall quality of life in multiple medium sized places in Virginia where I've flown the Mooney in recent years - specifically Charlottesville, Richmond, and perhaps even Roanoke.  My temperament sounds fairly similar to yours, and I looked closely at a job in Charlottesville (that didn't pan out in the end), but otherwise I would have been very happy to move there.  There was even some hangar space available!  I bet these places would check most of your boxes.  And you can get up and down the east coast very easily from those locations in the Mooney to many places that are lovely to visit but you wouldn't want to live year round.  

I would definitely NOT suggest Philly - my current home of the last 20 years - it checks zero of your boxes .  Please let me know if you do find the perfect spot, and I'll put it on the list for my retirement options...

 

[GeeBee]

Just tie a snow blower to the top of your vehicle. Drive south and when someone asks “what is that?”, you are there.

[Hank]

50 minutes ago, GeeBee said:

Just tie a snow blower to the top of your vehicle. Drive south and when someone asks “what is that?”, you are there.

My dad drive south in late January, and stopped when he had to turn on the AC. That was in Frostproof, FL, not much around but many lakes for fishing, and more citrus groves than I'd want to count. 

[GeeBee]

In all seriousness to the OP's desires he should look for a Southern town where there is still a town square. Preferably where the cars still park into the curb. Where the square has a soldier statue in the center showing they honor their ancestors. I.e. no woke stuff. The buildings can be old but look for signs of new and local restaurants rehabilitating the store fronts to create a vibrant lunch and weekend night life. Make sure there is good medical care, some states are having trouble with tort reform which may make good specialists like GYNs rare. Look at house prices and make sure they are at least stable if not growing modestly. Be wary of boom town pricing as it means the place is soon to be strip mall city and not a town. 

[Hank]

22 minutes ago, GeeBee said:

In all seriousness to the OP's desires he should look for a Southern town where there is still a town square. Preferably where the cars still park into the curb. Where the square has a soldier statue in the center showing they honor their ancestors. I.e. no woke stuff. The buildings can be old but look for signs of new and local restaurants rehabilitating the store fronts to create a vibrant lunch and weekend night life. Make sure there is good medical care, some states are having trouble with tort reform which may make good specialists like GYNs rare. Look at house prices and make sure they are at least stable if not growing modestly. Be wary of boom town pricing as it means the place is soon to be strip mall city and not a town. 

Sounds like Monroe, GA, where I went to high school. The cotton mills.are long closed, shipped to places like Sri Lanka and Vietnam, but the buildings are all turns into multiple businesses. Atlanta hasn't yet grown out to it, and Athens / University of Georgia isn't too far, and due to scholarship money from the lottery, UGA has risen to be quite competitive. There's even an airport with hangars on both sides of the runway, and a decades-long active glider group or two.

[Steve Dawson]

When are you leaving, I'll help you pack,

You're likely to be disalusioned anywhere you move