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I'm from a medium sized town in Pa, and every so often I think about just moving away. Anyone out there have experience with something similar? How did it work out? Any advice in general for me? I tend to be shy when it comes to meeting new people, but I think maybe if I were to start over somewhere new that I'd feel more motivated.

Well if you have any thoughts, just let me know!

Thanks

Tags: advice, life, moving

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Good point, I would hate regretting passing on something this big. Thanks for the tip Red!
I moved to NYC after college. The best advice I can give you is to get everything on order before you move anywhere, and to have a stable job before moving anywhere to save on stress. Your job will not only gives ya much needed cas but also a crack into meeting new people/socializing :)
I have...like many others apparently!

In my case, it wasn't for particularly long, and it wasn't even that premeditated...it just kind of ended up upon my lap (the opportunity, that is) and I did it without thinking twice about it.

Of course, once I actually did it, it started to sink in that I didn't know anyone, people didn't know me, I was alone, etc . It ended up being an incredibly awesome experience for me--I can't emphasize enough how integral it was to my development and I can't even begin to imagine the person I'd be today if I hadn't done it.

I kind of come on too strong sometimes about it I think...but that's just because I believe it's a terribly important thing to do for yourself, and your future self...I think there are few things that compare in terms of opportunities to learn about yourself.
4 years ago, I packed my bags and moved to Nashville from Upstate New York. It was the best experience of my life!! It's nerveracking and thrilling all at once, but so worth it! I did end up moving back to NY after a year or so (my family is still here), but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything!
I've been a bit nomadic - moved around a few times as a kid - family and all, changing provinces (almost like states - I'm from RSA) - and they were all moves at crucial times...like just before starting high school.

imagine high school with none of your mates from primary school?!?! and then it was varsity - or uni. my family moved one direction and i the other, was only ever home for holidays. Then, it was a year in the bush - for work - by myself. Not technically the bush, but very small town. Met some great people.

And currently, I'm overseas (UK), once again on my ace - it's had it's moments (mostly good). I'm headed home (SA) in a few months, and that has me more terrified than travelling has! Nonsensical? Of course.

But, in the same breath...a place to call home would be great.

Big moves...change - is not as scary as what you think it will be. Especially not once you get things going.

So, go for it!
My family began in Northern Cali where my eldest brother still lives in SF, then up and moved to UT when I was 7. When I met my husband we packed our things and moved to Los Angeles, CA. I have LOVED living here in CA. It's quite the change as you can imagine, and I don't regret the move one bit! I had never stepped one foot in LA prior to the move, so it was a culture shock at first.

My recommendation is:

*Scout locations in an area you're looking into. My husband and I are looking to move to Austin TX. We didn't know why, just looking for a better place to raise children when we do decide to start a little family (LA is not the place for kids, in my opinion)... so we pointed to a random spot on the map, looked up some info on the area and took a 1 week trip out to TX. LOVED it!

*When you do move, give yourself 6 months to adjust. I was SO homesick for UT when I moved here. But after 6 months, I never want to move back to UT if I can help it. Nothing terribly bad about the place, I just don't miss more than I do miss about UT (if that makes sense).

*Join a club, or some sort of group of friends that you have common interest with - as you can get lonely FAST if you don't get social right away. This makes living in a new area lots of fun. My husband and I are slow to move from LA because of our friends, they have become like family to us.

Anyways, don't be scared to move. I was resistant at first because you get comfortable and unless you HAVE to move - nobody really thinks about moving - but it does make life exciting! Also, if you're looking to cut costs - Austin TX is one of the least expensive areas to live! You can easily find a brand new house, 3bd/2bth for 109,000!!!
I moved from a small town in Pa to Raleigh just because I wanted to live there. I knew one person and that was it. We went to high school together, but hadn't talked in years. I didn't even have a job! But after two weeks I had a job and had friends. Now I got laid off from that job and due to money and and life issues I came back home (haha) but the point is, just do it. You'll make friends at work, but I would also try in join some groups and volunteer in the area. What are you into to? There is a club or group for it, I'm sure. If you're athletic you can sign up for some smaller 5K's and meet people that way too. I'm thinking about moving again because going back to school just seems like too much money and time... Visit the area first and see how you feel. Meeting people and making friends is always going to be hard the older we get, but as long as you're happy with where you are everything always falls into place. Good luck!
hey! I'm originally from Pittsburgh, PA and I moved to Chicago nearly a year ago. I was apprehensive like you are, but I moved to be with my boyfriend. At the time I knew him, and maybe 2 or 3 other individuals. At first I was very scared, and insecure but because of social networks (mainly twitter) I went out and met a lot of people so far. It is definitely scary, but you won't know what will happen unless you try it.

Good luck with everything!!
When I first graduated high school, I decided to attend a university around an hour away from home because I was so scared of moving away and all that entailed. I went there with the intention of transferring after sophomore year - and I did just that.

I transferred to a WAY bigger university - sight unseen - about 8 hours away.

It was an awesome new start. It definitely worked out for the best because I met so many amazing people and had so many fun experiences.

Would I do it again? Probably. I don't have any strong roots in this area, and am definitely open to relocation
I'm thinking about it... It's a bad job market in NYC and a tough place to make it. Too expensive. I'm thinking Chicago.
Sometimes a fresh start is really helpful. I'm enjoying reading the great tips you've received here.

Maybe try a new place for a year and see how it goes? You could always move back if you don't like it. Good luck!
Ok, so I'm super late on this discussion but I just thought I'd add my two cents.

I moved from L.A. to Santiago de Chile in February 2008. I was really nervous about the move and thought it was only going to be for 6 months. My Spanish wasn't great and I knew no one when I arrived, though I did have a job lined up. I remember leaving LAX that night and saying good bye to my friends and family thinking "What the hell am I doing?"

It was the best decision I ever made of my life. I've been in South America for over 14 months and I love it. I've learned so much about myself and life in general. It's fucking scary and confusing and lonely at times, but I can honestly say that I am a way better person now for doing this. It also made me feel really good about myself that I was able to do something so drastic and survive on my own. I haven't been home since. (I'm saving up money for a round trip plane ticket.) Time goes by faster than you think.

So, if you haven't made the bigger move to LA/Cali, I would say DO IT!!! Los Angeles is expensive, sprawling, smoggy, superfical, and full of traffic, but it's really awesome. There's always something to do, you'll meet people from all over the world, it's culturally on the cutting edge of everything, you're close to Vegas, Mexico, San Fran, etc, etc. Bottom line, you may be broke, but you will not be bored. Plus the weather totally kicks ass. (Of course I'm biased cause it's my home.)

I do agree with what Timothy said a few posts back. Even if you do change scenery and location, you'll still always be the same person inside. My ways of thinking have changed ALOT, but fundamentally, I'm still dealing with the same issues I did in the U.S. You can run from home but you can't run from yourself, no matter how far you go.

Buena suerte (good luck) with whatever you choose!
I lived in the same house my whole life, and even went to college in the city I grew up in. (Granted I had travelled alot.)

Then I moved to New York from Athens GA after graduating from college because I wanted to be in a big city. I had only been to NYC once before for 3 days, had no friends or job, and stayed at this weird women's residence center until I found a place to live.

And it has been totally awesome.

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