Family move. Advice needed!

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Mackeyser

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My family is moving from the Tampa area of Florida.

I broached the subject at a family meeting to see who might want to come, fully expecting it to take months to determine who and how many were going.

The IMMEDIATE consensus was that everyone is going. The lack of hesitation was so shocking that we had to have another meeting the very next day. That’s me, wife, 3 adult kids living at home, my mom and my daughter and her serious bf. Eight people. One big house (the logistics of moving to a colder climate would only make it harder to get together than now which we all agree is unacceptable. We really enjoy one another’s company and like the big family atmosphere).

The impetus began with my examination of climate (not trying to start a debate. It’s just a big reason for us). In 2015, Florida had an insurance crisis because the insurance companies redrew the flood lines as a result of climate data. That meant for a small time, homeowners couldn’t get flood insurance and some folks lost their homes for no reason than their note was foreclosed due to a lack of flood insurance. My concerns were bolstered just this week when I talked with my agent as I paid my flood insurance premium that just one more hurricane hitting Florida and they’re going to want to redraw the lines again. We already have homes that should be worth in excess of $300k that can’t sell for $200k like many along the Manatee River just south of Tampa because no one can afford the homeowners insurance which can be in excess of $8k per year NOT including the flood insurance premiums which can be way in excess of $2k per year.

So, between no one really vibing with Florida (and my two youngest basically grew up into consciousness here and barely remember CA), we wanted to look at cities that will fare better as Climate Change continues.

I also have to have a very good VA hospital and they are regional, which restricts where we can look. Experience dictates that I need to be within an hour of a VA Hospital, not just a clinic. I know what crappy VA care looks like and very good VA care looks like and I’ll NEVER, EVER go back to crappy care.

Colorado was a top option, from Fort Collins to south of Denver. Problem is that while many areas had extraordinary homes for our needs, the VA there is routinely rated as just awful, especially in areas that are most important to me. Finding this out was probably the most disappointing part of my research thus far. With my asthma, I dunno how I’d react to the altitude, but the VA caused this area to be nixed.

Seattle area was vetoed because of depression issues, especially among women. It’s already an issue for our family and we’re not signing up to make the fight tougher.

Oregon was a possibility, but the dearth of larger, affordable multi family homes (6+ BRs with mother-in-law suite) made that essentially moot.

Tennessee was a possibility, especially not near the Mississippi river, but there were some red flags in their VA Hospital surrounding the care I need, so that became a pass. Plus, the only homes that fit our needs seemed to be in rural places. We are restricting our searches to suburbs and exurbs. We live in an exurb now and love it, but we can’t really adjust to anything more rural than we’re living in now.

Pittsburgh, PA, and Burlington, VT were possibilities, but as Climate is a huge factor in moving, they were eliminated due to increasing lake effects and the expected increase in hurricane activity and Noreasters dropping even more precipitation on the entire Northeast region. 300″ of snow in a bad year would wreck some members of the family. Have to go with reality and everyone’s reality is important. Plus, Legionella was found in the water supply both at the Pittsburgh VA and another VA facility near there in Jan of 2017. Not signing up for Legionella, even if the Pittsburgh VA was excellent, which it isn’t.

So where does that leave us? Well, the possibility we’re really focused on is Minneapolis, MN. HUGE change from what we’re used to in Tampa, but we’re not only ready to be done with the humidity and constant heat (the nights here when I pick up my son from work at 11 pm are about 86 degrees with about 90% humidity. That’s at 11 pm, dammit!

So, obviously, with such a drastic potential change (still so many details to address to see if this is even viable), there are so many questions, especially about living in a very northern climate. We lived in Easton and Allentown, PA for 3.5 years so the adults have a clue about living in winter and my mom had to make several business trips to Minneapolis over the course of winter a few years ago (October to February), so she’s familiar with the area, a little and what Feb feels like in MN.

That said, living is a complicated thing. I mean in the 9 years we’ve lived in Florida, I’ve learned SO MUCH about living in a tropical climate that I had no clue about coming from the arid climate of SoCal.

So… is anyone from Minnesota? Can anyone give advice moving to a cold climate?

Btw, I’ve already done tons of research on jackets and boots and nothing would please me more than getting a Big Red Canada Goose Snow Parka, but I think I’ll have to settle for a really nice The North Face McMurdo II or Gotham (if jacket works better than a coat) which should be more than sufficient.

Also, if there are alternatives that I haven’t mentioned (I may have done the research, but the place isn’t on my mind. Or maybe I hadn’t considered it), feel free to bring it up. I’m planning a road trip to Minneapolis either mid-September or early October to do the initial scouting and if there’s a “break” or for some reason it becomes a no-go, then I’d sure like to hear about other possibilities. I expect we’ll love Minny and surrounding areas, but never can tell.

I know there are folks from all over, so any advice is greatly appreciated.
 

Boston Ram

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Boston has similar weather to Minnesota. I love Minnesota, gorgeous country. As for weather you have your season. Cold is not that bad and there are no bugs lol. Real cold only last for Jan and Feb really. As for snow it can be tricky if your not used to it. Driving can be tough for many different reasons, but the truth is a blizzard cost you a day out of work and then you are back. Roads are cleared up very quickly. Shoveling sucks even with a snowblower especially if you are my age. Summers get humid but no hurricanes in Minnesota. Spring and fall are awesome. Fall to me is the greatest. Probably like Florida in February. Leaves fall perfect weather, no humidity and you can smell the start of football season. You have farms, apple picking and so much to do before the snow comes.

Funny you posted this as we are considering a move to Florida. A tremendous opportunity has come up in Miami, been looking at home in Weston, by the Everglades. Weather there has me concerned though and boy would miss the fall season. I am done with winters but did enjoy them for the first 49 years of my life
 

RhodyRams

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why not one of the Carolinas? Asheville VA supposed to be one of the best in the country

I dont know how familiar your family is with cold weather, but moving to Minnesota from Florida is going to be a humongous change in both weather and culture
 

Selassie I

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That's like moving to a different planet Mac.

You should just stay here with the rest of us lizards. I wouldn't be able to survive a winter up there... seriously.
 

1maGoh

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I moved from Texas to Germany in 2012 (and back last year). The biggest change I remember is getting adjusted to watching the weather to adjust drive times. You have to leave a lot earlier if it's actively snowing or funky rain snow slush.

And shoveling sidewalks or driveways sucks. Sucks a lot. I'm only 31 right now and 3 years ago when I was in the Army it sucked. It sucks.

Other than that I don't know that the adjustment was that huge besides embracing the suck of constantly being cold in the winter, spring, and fall.

But your experience, and Minnesota, will likely be different.
 

Mackeyser

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Well, we lived in PA for nearly four years and I may be crazy,but I always enjoyed shoveling snow (except the slate sidewalks! Damn shovel would get stuck in the slate and wreck my back).

I'm kinda excited to use a snowblower. I'd be more outdoorsy, but I'm really allergic to one of the types of mosquito here. I used to cycle in cold rain in CA and used to walk 4.7 miles each way to work including through the snow when I went back to work after being bedridden for over two years including one memorable walk through a blizzard.

I'm turning 49 in October so I'm no spring chicken, but I have 4 adult kids and my boys love outdoor work and the cold.

It's just the last time we were in the cold, we had two babies and I'd never owned a home. Now, this move will include home ownership and I'd like to skip as many of the really costly newcomer mistakes as possible.

I think I'm more worried about the homeownership aspect of owning a true four season home with harsh winters as well as meeting new friends.

I think we'll adapt to the cold weather pretty well.
 

Angry Ram

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Seattle area was vetoed because of depression issues, especially among women. It’s already an issue for our family and we’re not signing up to make the fight tougher.

LOL, ANYBODY from this board would be depressed over there.

Might I suggest Buffalo, NY, Milwaukee, or Green Bay? I only suggest these b/c

a.) they have pro teams

b.) not in a remote cold place. THAT is a deal breaker for me.
 
Last edited:

Loyal

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Hey Mac, I did a google search about the best VA hospitals in the country, which includes quality of living jobs etc...
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-cities-for-veterans/8156/

It seems to me that if the main consideration is the VA hospital not too far from a city (in the exurbs), then you find the best hospital and see if you could live where it's located
 

bnw

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My wife and I are looking to move to buy in South FL but she won't be there for the summer. Minn-St. Paul is going to be a long cold cold cold winter. if you're that concerned about insurance in FL just wait until you have to heat a 6+ bedroom house in MN. Energy won't stay cheap for long either. Best of luck.....you might just make it after all.

View: https://youtu.be/RYgKcUDZ-E0
 

Selassie I

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Some other quick thoughts Mac...

Everyone I've ever met from Minnesota has been extremely friendly. Like the friendliest people ever.

I have also found that those people drink more alcohol than any other human beings that I've ever known. I'm completely serious about this. My one friend from up there actually orders 2 drinks for himself each time he visits the bartender at every bar/restaurant. He claims that he has to do that because he doesn't want to run out of a cocktail at any time during the night. He literally walks around a bar holding 2 drinks much of the night.

Also... those folks up there speak some form of the English language that sounds utterly ridiculous.
 

Mister Sin

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https://www.va.gov/qualityofcare/measure-up/End_of_Year_Hospital_Star_Rating.asp

If I'm reading this right, Boston has an amazing VA. I've been all over this country. I currently live on east central Missouri. We have extreme heats and colds here. It sucks. Avoid! Lol

I always enjoyed Tennessee, New England area...but I also LOVED New Mexico and Arizona. Much dryer heat. No humidity. Easier to deal with.

Northern California is beautiful. Just depends on your preference. I live in the country, I couldn't imagine city life. You may be opposite.

PS-I have a friend from Minnesota, she moved back there last year, only to come back to Missouri on February. The winters are nuts.
 

dieterbrock

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Minnesota is like being a fan of Game of Thrones. All you hear in June-July is "Winter is coming"
Stay where its warm
 

DCH

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Just OOC, but have you considered Utah? Park City is amazing year round, although the SLC VA hospital has lower ratings for wait times. Especially being outdoorsy, ski and snowmobile in the winter, hike and kayak and bike all summer.
 

DCH

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https://www.va.gov/qualityofcare/measure-up/End_of_Year_Hospital_Star_Rating.asp

If I'm reading this right, Boston has an amazing VA. I've been all over this country. I currently live on east central Missouri. We have extreme heats and colds here. It sucks. Avoid! Lol

I always enjoyed Tennessee, New England area...but I also LOVED New Mexico and Arizona. Much dryer heat. No humidity. Easier to deal with.

Northern California is beautiful. Just depends on your preference. I live in the country, I couldn't imagine city life. You may be opposite.

PS-I have a friend from Minnesota, she moved back there last year, only to come back to Missouri on February. The winters are nuts.
Seems about right, and we actually have two 5-star rated VA hospitals, per your list - Bedford is right in my back yard. The VA there is massive. My folks (retired) recently moved to southern New Hampshire - about an hour outside of Boston - from STL and they absolutely love it, especially comparing the summer weather here with what STL has been crushed with so far.

Nor'easters aren't really that bad. Don't drive in them, shovel when they're gone, and get used to the grass being covered with snow for a month or so. We've had a few bad winters recently, but if, as you say, you enjoy shoveling and are looking forward to snowblowing, might be fun.

Edit: Also, from that list the Salt Lake City VA is a 4/5 and improved since 2015.
 

Boston Ram

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Well, we lived in PA for nearly four years and I may be crazy,but I always enjoyed shoveling snow (except the slate sidewalks! Damn shovel would get stuck in the slate and wreck my back).

I'm kinda excited to use a snowblower. I'd be more outdoorsy, but I'm really allergic to one of the types of mosquito here. I used to cycle in cold rain in CA and used to walk 4.7 miles each way to work including through the snow when I went back to work after being bedridden for over two years including one memorable walk through a blizzard.

I'm turning 49 in October so I'm no spring chicken, but I have 4 adult kids and my boys love outdoor work and the cold.

It's just the last time we were in the cold, we had two babies and I'd never owned a home. Now, this move will include home ownership and I'd like to skip as many of the really costly newcomer mistakes as possible.

I think I'm more worried about the homeownership aspect of owning a true four season home with harsh winters as well as meeting new friends.

I think we'll adapt to the cold weather pretty well.

I turn 50 in January and always loved shoveling.....to me it was a work out and loved the cold winds and snowfall. It was therapeutic. Last year was it for me. I now hate shoveling lol. Homes in the PA area and North East are built for the winters now. I find it very low maintenance. I can speak for Boston but our biggest concern home ownership wise is flooding which is a low concern.

If you give us some of the mistakes you are worried about making Im sure the crew in PA or surrounding areas can help.
 

Boston Ram

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Seems about right, and we actually have two 5-star rated VA hospitals, per your list - Bedford is right in my back yard. The VA there is massive. My folks (retired) recently moved to southern New Hampshire - about an hour outside of Boston - from STL and they absolutely love it, especially comparing the summer weather here with what STL has been crushed with so far.

Nor'easters aren't really that bad. Don't drive in them, shovel when they're gone, and get used to the grass being covered with snow for a month or so. We've had a few bad winters recently, but if, as you say, you enjoy shoveling and are looking forward to snowblowing, might be fun.

Edit: Also, from that list the Salt Lake City VA is a 4/5 and improved since 2015.

@DCH makes a good point. I work in healthcare and the Bedford VA is top notch.
 

Ramfansince79

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I don't know about the VA here, but we moved to Omaha, NE 8 years ago (to the day!).

We had originally planned for this to be a 3 year temporary move (for grad school), but we're still here because it's just an awesome city.

Our two previous homes were Dallas and Phoenix, and imo Omaha provides a much better quality of life.

Is it sexy to say you're from Omaha? No. But it's full of awesome friendly people, the economy is great, and the weather is not that bad.

Happy to answer Q's if you have any--good luck!
 

LesBaker

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Mac, I'm sorry to see you leave but I understand.

I'll weigh in in Minny. It's a fantastic city, I used to go there every three months when I had my event business. If I had to live in a cold weather city I would move there over Chicago and even my hometown.

@Selassie I is right, the people are very friendly, it's very much a midwestern place and while I know people always talk about Southern hospitality I've been all over the US and the nicest people are midwesterners. Milwaukee is another cold weather city that has great people but nothing up north tops Minny IMO. Cosmopolitan type of vibe, great restaurants, all sorts of different cultures, lots of outdoorsey stuff. You won't hate it, it's pretty much impossible to hate it unless you don't like the cold. And it does get cold there of course.

As an FYI since you know me and know how many places I have been I will tell you this. When I was leaving Ohio there were two cities on my radar. Denver CO and Des Moines, IA. You've already ruled out Denver, so take a look at Des Moines it really has a lot to offer. The people are small town nice. But if you are looking for an area that is multi cultural it's not for you.

Stay away from Pittsburgh, it's not a very great place. Beautiful topography, not so wonderful people.