USA -- low budget repatriation specific locations that aren't horrible

[Jingthing]

Back to destinations.

This list may be of interest to some.

Although it's about "Queerest" Cities in America, places like that are more likely to be diverse in other ways with cultural offerings as well. Not necessarily affordable though, of course.

It's interesting how some on the list are the same that have been mentioned a lot on this thread. Nothing from Arizona though but lots in Florida -- Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and St. Pete.

http://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/2017/1/12/queerest-cities-america-2017

 

 

Keep in mind this is now an old thread so probably to best ignore any mentions of the health care access situation in the U.S. which was based in the assumption that Obamacare would continue. That is likely to change a lot quite soon and the politics of that are not in the scope of this thread (go elsewhere for that please!). 

 

 

Edited January 12, 2017 by Jingthing

[bendejo]

On 12/5/2016 at 5:43 PM, craigt3365 said:

Being from Vegas, I can guarantee this won't work. LOL  They don't build big flashy casinos because they lose money.  The odds are all in the casino's favor.

 

There is only one way to win at gambling: own the casino.

 

No guarantees, there is an orange-haired celebrity who had a casino and he screwed that up too.

Looks like this thread has taken on a new life.  Maybe we'll hit 1,000 responses.

 

 

[Jingthing]

 
There is only one way to win at gambling: own the casino.
 
No guarantees, there is an orange-haired celebrity who had a casino and he screwed that up too.

Looks like this thread has taken on a new life.  Maybe we'll hit 1,000 responses.
 
 

No more gambling posts here please. Gambling tactics are totally off topic.

[BruceMangosteen]

6 hours ago, Jingthing said:

No more gambling posts here please. Gambling tactics are totally off topic.

Not if a person can support his/herself gambling, which he/she can if play smart. Reno and Las Vegas have thousands doing this, if not tens of thousands. 

[craigt3365]

57 minutes ago, BruceMangosteen said:

Not if a person can support his/herself gambling, which he/she can if play smart. Reno and Las Vegas have thousands doing this, if not tens of thousands. 

Being from Vegas. I can guarantee you few make a living off gambling. 

 

But let's get back to the topic. 

[BruceMangosteen]

2 hours ago, craigt3365 said:

Being from Vegas. I can guarantee you few make a living off gambling. 

 

But let's get back to the topic. 

Okay, please give us an up to date description of living in Las Vegas or Reno or(in Nevada) on a limited "budget", little "savings", and no skills working wise applicable due to age, health, and experience. Thank you and OO.

[Jingthing]

Henderson NV is on that list I posted. A little surprising. Obviously about proximity to Vegas.

[GinBoy2]

I'm dipping back into the dying throes of this discussion, in a somewhat self reflective manner.

 

'locations that aren't horrible'; I've lived in a lot of places in my life, some absolutely gorgeous eye candy, other absolutely the opposite. But curiously the places I've loved the most tended paradoxically to be the least 'eye candy' worthy.

 

The Midwest and it's people hold a special place in my heart. Korea & Japan, loved them both. Kern County California, my birthplace, far from the glitz and glamor of Southern California, the Bay Area, Las Vegas where I have also lived, is again a great place to live, if that is you want to 'live' rather than just skate along on a superficial rollercoster.

 

Its funny really, as a kid growing up in Kern County I couldn't wait to get away from rural small town life. Yet as I approach the last part of my life I yearn to return to the simplicity and familiarity of that life.

 

So JT, my advice is try to be open to all, it may actually come as a pleasant surprise

[craigt3365]

9 hours ago, BruceMangosteen said:

Okay, please give us an up to date description of living in Las Vegas or Reno or(in Nevada) on a limited "budget", little "savings", and no skills working wise applicable due to age, health, and experience. Thank you and OO.

Reno is cheaper than Vegas, but both have a variety of places to live depending on your level of income.  It's relatively easy to find a nice one bedroom for around 15,000 Baht/month.  Food at the grocery store is the same as here, or cheaper, depending on what you eat, with a much greater variety.  Eating out can be more expensive, unless you partake of the many offers around town in the casinos.  Especially at the smaller casinos away from downtown.  Then the price is way cheaper than here, for Western type meals.  Booze is cheaper.  Public transport is available.  Some great free entertainment at the various casinos.  And jobs available at Walmart for those interested.  LOL  Health care is excellent.  Though appropriate insurance is required.

 

Move out towards Pahrump or Mesquite, and things get even cheaper.  Carson City is a lovely town, and quite inexpensive and near Lake Tahoe.

 

https://www.vegas.com/restaurant/specials-and-deals/

 

[craigt3365]

2 hours ago, GinBoy2 said:

I'm dipping back into the dying throes of this discussion, in a somewhat self reflective manner.

 

'locations that aren't horrible'; I've lived in a lot of places in my life, some absolutely gorgeous eye candy, other absolutely the opposite. But curiously the places I've loved the most tended paradoxically to be the least 'eye candy' worthy.

 

The Midwest and it's people hold a special place in my heart. Korea & Japan, loved them both. Kern County California, my birthplace, far from the glitz and glamor of Southern California, the Bay Area, Las Vegas where I have also lived, is again a great place to live, if that is you want to 'live' rather than just skate along on a superficial rollercoster.

 

Its funny really, as a kid growing up in Kern County I couldn't wait to get away from rural small town life. Yet as I approach the last part of my life I yearn to return to the simplicity and familiarity of that life.

 

So JT, my advice is try to be open to all, it may actually come as a pleasant surprise

Kern County is fantastic.  Incredible mountains, redwood forests, nice lake, cool small town.  I've been many times and have many friends who live there.  A bit hot in the summer, and a bit cold in the winter though.  Love that river going through town.  My friend has a place right on it.  We've camped there many times, up the canyon a bit.

[BruceMangosteen]

4 hours ago, craigt3365 said:

Carson City is a lovely town, and quite inexpensive and near Lake Tahoe.

 

https://www.vegas.com/restaurant/specials-and-deals/

 

 

Thanks for the gracious reply. You are indicating that a person can find a basically safe, decent, one bedroom or studio for less than $500.usd(15,000.Baht) a month? 

 

Last time I passed through Carson City, it was at the base of the mountain ride up to Lake Tahoe. Not really near, but it's a matter of perspective I guess. If you had your own care and no snow and ice, not a long way away. 

 

Thanks again and cheers mate.

[bendejo]

Portland Oregon is known as a place where it hardly ever snows.  Not this year.  Four snowstorms so far this winter.  Usually when it does snow it melts off in a few days.  Not this year.  It may not come down in blizzard sheets like elsewhere with accumulations measured in feet, but the few inches of snow have turned into roughly shaped ice that makes driving miserable and walking near impossible.

 

 

[craigt3365]

4 hours ago, bendejo said:

Portland Oregon is known as a place where it hardly ever snows.  Not this year.  Four snowstorms so far this winter.  Usually when it does snow it melts off in a few days.  Not this year.  It may not come down in blizzard sheets like elsewhere with accumulations measured in feet, but the few inches of snow have turned into roughly shaped ice that makes driving miserable and walking near impossible.

Climate change is definitely happening.  Look at the heavy rain we've had here in Pattaya the past few weeks.  Never seen rain like that in January before.

[anotheruser]

I just bought a house in the Des Moines area. Before you laugh as Iowa is the butt of many jokes take a look at what is there. Almost every article you will find will be talking about the new emergence of Des Moines and the strength of it's economy.

 

The downtown has been revitalized, it is full of craft breweries, artist lofts, bohemian coffee shops and the like. The city punches way above it's weight class as far as cultural offerings.

 

Houses are as cheap as chips in the area. The economy is diversified and quite white collar which leads to a much better selection of restaurants for a city this size as people can afford to eat out. 

 

There is public transport if you live near a bus line no problem and every bus is equipped with a bike rack. Traffic is not bad at all even during rush hour. There are museums and art centers.

 

Some very wealthy people invested in Des Moines to make this happen intentionally, it is by design. It's nickname these days is "Silicon Prairie" because of the amounts of tech start ups and companies like Google setting up offices here.

 

You can find Asian, Mexican, Greek, Ethiopian food etc. Over all the city is green and pleasant. There is an expansive network of bicycle trails in Des Moines many of which go through forests and are paved.

 

The people are really friendly and when they heard there was going to be a same sex marriage at the sculpture garden downtown many strangers came around to show support.

 

The down side is it is cold but not as bad as places like Minnesota, New York and Chicago.

 

I will post  an interesting article about Des Moines below and if you google Des Moines you can find similar articles on what is going on around here. Omaha may be another good choice as both cities are consistently ranked in the top ten on Forbes. 

 

I give Des Moines the edge because of proximity to other places. Chicago, Minneapolis (very refined and pleasant city that is very liberal with a great arts scene and all types of dining), Saint Louis, Omaha and Kansas City are all less than a days drive. Minneapolis is my home town but I chose Des Moines for a better climate and housing is much more affordable.

 

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/01/how-des-moines-iowa-got-cool-213552

 

This is a pic of the house I bought 30 minutes from downtown on a scenic parkway in the Raccoon River Valley for $63,000. 3 bedrooms, one bath, directly abutting a state park to the back.

 

Maybe not to everybody's taste but I am happy with the choice and it ticks many boxes, liberal place, arts and events, wide range of restaurants, affordable, crime is virtually non-existent, although you will find it if you search. So I think it deserves at least an honorable mention in this thread.

 

 

 

 

[craigt3365]

Wow.  That's an amazing price!  I'm impressed.  Might be a bit cold for me.  Not sure I could live somewhere it snows again!  25 years in places like Minnesota, Michigan, Alaska, Ohio, etc, is enough for me. LOL!!!

 

I hope you enjoy your new home.

[anotheruser]

19 hours ago, craigt3365 said:

Wow.  That's an amazing price!  I'm impressed.  Might be a bit cold for me.  Not sure I could live somewhere it snows again!  25 years in places like Minnesota, Michigan, Alaska, Ohio, etc, is enough for me. LOL!!!

 

I hope you enjoy your new home.

Yeah the cold part is the main disadvantage to the place. However if it had great weather year round nothing would be in that price range. Not sure the cold weather in Iowa is worse than the hot weather in Arizona. Pick your poison I guess if you don't have $500,000 for a home.

 

FWIW that house is move in ready and in very good shape on the inside. Seen a few at that price point that were gutted inside.

[Jingthing]

A lot of stuff in this thread is dated, but I'm still interested in both Tucson, AZ and Pinellas County, FL.

 

Real estate prices have apparently gone up nationally. 

 

trump won the election, potentially changing the health care access situation ... (we'll see about that). 

 

Here's a clue about Pinellas County. 

 

Today, there’s only speculation.

“There’s the beach environment here, you know, there’s a lot of tourism that happens here, and there’s kind of a laissez-faire attitude about St. Petersburg,” said the Rev. Kenneth Irby, pastor at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Petersburg, who was hired by the city as a liaison to at-risk youth.

...

 

Pinellas is the most densely-populated county in Florida, with areas of poverty within walking distance of affluent ones. It’s also difficult to get around the county using its public transportation system, which is among the worst in the nation; in several police reports, kids said they stole a car because they needed a ride.

 

 

If you live there, best to lock your car and don't leave the keys in the ignition!

 

http://www.tampabay.com/projects/2017/investigations/florida-pinellas-auto-theft-kids-hot-wheels/car-theft-epidemic/

 

Edited April 29, 2017 by Jingthing

[anotheruser]

Who in their right mind would leave their keys in the ignition anywhere? If you do so you can't claim your car was stolen for insurance purposes. It reverts to unauthorized use if the keys are in the ignition. 

 

Who would have thought the crime rates would be really high in in the south along areas on the border? 

 

You can pick 1. nice weather 2. culturally progressive 3. affordable

 

You get to pick two of the options. 

Edited April 29, 2017 by anotheruser

[Issanman]

I am sitting in St Petersburg, Florida right now. It has been my main base of operations since the early 70s. I think most people consider it to be a nice town. Lots of people moving into the area.

I just returned here in January after spending 3 years in NE Thailand. The most noticeable thing, having been gone for the last three years, is the increase in traffic. Many nice beaches around here. And the number of places to eat and drink is a definite plus, with a lot of great food and some excellent local breweries. My brother and I go out on our motorbikes every Wednesday evening and find a new place to eat and drink each time. Rarely disappointed in the food and beer. The roads and highways around here are in excellent condition.  I haven't noticed any increase in crime. 

I decided to buy a house while I am here. The real estate prices are going up fast now in Pinellas County. Maybe in a few years I will be able to sell at a profit. I found a house and will complete the purchase in a few weeks. After that, I will return to Thailand and let the renters pay for my house. Such a deal!

[Jingthing]

Yes, in delaying a potential move I realize I may be pricing myself out of buying anything in any "not horrible" location such as St. Pete. On the other hand, there are some contrarian voices saying the recent spikes are creating a bubble so there's always the buyer's hope of catching the wave after the bubble has burst. 

 

Another aspect of St Pete is that it's apparently changing into a younger, hipper place and going away from the retirement focused spot it had been for several decades. So there is lots of of over 55 housing that younger people can't buy into. Before I have read that the market for the over 55 stuff was less hot than all ages housing. Not sure if that situation is persisting or will persist. 

Edited April 29, 2017 by Jingthing

[anotheruser]

2 hours ago, Issanman said:

I am sitting in St Petersburg, Florida right now. It has been my main base of operations since the early 70s. I think most people consider it to be a nice town. Lots of people moving into the area.

I just returned here in January after spending 3 years in NE Thailand. The most noticeable thing, having been gone for the last three years, is the increase in traffic. Many nice beaches around here. And the number of places to eat and drink is a definite plus, with a lot of great food and some excellent local breweries. My brother and I go out on our motorbikes every Wednesday evening and find a new place to eat and drink each time. Rarely disappointed in the food and beer. The roads and highways around here are in excellent condition.  I haven't noticed any increase in crime. 

I decided to buy a house while I am here. The real estate prices are going up fast now in Pinellas County. Maybe in a few years I will be able to sell at a profit. I found a house and will complete the purchase in a few weeks. After that, I will return to Thailand and let the renters pay for my house. Such a deal!

Can I ask what that home cost?

[anotheruser]

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

Yes, in delaying a potential move I realize I may be pricing myself out of buying anything in any "not horrible" location such as St. Pete. On the other hand, there are some contrarian voices saying the recent spikes are creating a bubble so there's always the buyer's hope of catching the wave after the bubble has burst. 

 

Another aspect of St Pete is that it's apparently changing into a younger, hipper place and going away from the retirement focused spot it had been for several decades. So there is lots of of over 55 housing that younger people can't buy into. Before I have read that the market for the over 55 stuff was less hot than all ages housing. Not sure if that situation is persisting or will persist. 

You seem pretty determined to move where ever is convenient for you and to take benefits. I hope you stay in Pattaya I can only imagine the great things you do there.

 

Everything you ask seems to be selfish. There are plenty of places you can go in the USA that are actually cheaper than Thailand if you don't want to have your bread buttered on both sides. 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

9 minutes ago, anotheruser said:

There are plenty of places you can go in the USA that are actually cheaper than Thailand if you don't want to have your bread buttered on both sides. 

I think for most people, what drives the consideration isn't just where is cheaper, but rather, what place does or doesn't provide a better overall value for one's lifestyle (how much it costs for the things that are most important to you).

 

As in, cheap is nice, but not if it comes at a price of neighbors who go around demanding that you "squeal like a pig," etc etc... Or that you're living in someplace that is either frozen or hell-fire hot for most of the year.  Or you have more crack dealers than cops hanging around your local neighborhood. 

Edited April 29, 2017 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[anotheruser]

15 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

I think for most people, what drives the consideration isn't just where is cheaper, but rather, what place does or doesn't provide a better overall value for one's lifestyle (how much it costs for the things that are most important to you).

 

As in, cheap is nice, but not if it comes at a price of neighbors who go around demanding that you "squeal like a pig," etc etc... Or that you're living in someplace that is either frozen or hell-fire hot for most of the year.  Or you have more crack dealers than cops hanging around your local neighborhood. 

I don't know some people find they want to visit IHOP in Paragon so everybody is different.

[Jingthing]

26 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

I think for most people, what drives the consideration isn't just where is cheaper, but rather, what place does or doesn't provide a better overall value for one's lifestyle (how much it costs for the things that are most important to you).

 

As in, cheap is nice, but not if it comes at a price of neighbors who go around demanding that you "squeal like a pig," etc etc... Or that you're living in someplace that is either frozen or hell-fire hot for most of the year.  Or you have more crack dealers than cops hanging around your local neighborhood. 

Cheaper than Thailand isn't the consideration, of course.

I actually don't think there is any place in the USA that would be "cheaper than Thailand" OVERALL compared to the current setup I have here.

Repatriation decisions are very personal and often complex, with many pros and cons for staying or going. It is not required that moving abroad always needs to mean for life. If cheapness was the only factor, I would stay in Thailand for life, which I still may do, because I might not have any other acceptable/feasible choice.

 

The increase in housing prices in the U.S., buying and renting, is very concerning. I may indeed be priced out repatriating to any place that I can tolerate. Repatriating after being abroad for many years is not a trivial change. It's not the same nation you're moving back to after many years, you're not the same person either. In a sense you're an immigrant but happily you don't need a visa. 

 

I just had a Zillow look at St. Pete at some random over 55 units. I'm not clear yet on how much that segment has been impacted by the bubble up in housing prices. It seems somewhat but not extreme. I suppose the long term answer to that will be if many baby boomers are attracted to these older age restricted communities in a city that has changed into a younger scene. Supply and demand and all that jazz. Honestly such places aren't my dream either ... more a matter of utility ... affordable housing. Nothing to sneeze at if for the non-loaded. 

Edited April 29, 2017 by Jingthing

[anotheruser]

There is nowhere cheap in the USA unless you own your own house.  It doesn't matter what you have or where it is but if you don't own your own place you aren't likely to be able to live anywhere as cheaply as Thailand.

[Jingthing]

A warning about COASTAL real estate in South Florida --

The Nightmare Scenario for Florida’s Coastal Homeowners
Demand and financing could collapse before the sea consumes a single house.

 

As President Donald Trump proposes dismantling federal programs aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions, officials and residents in South Florida are grappling with the risk that climate change could drag down housing markets. Relative sea levels in South Florida are roughly four inches higher now than in 1992. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts sea levels will rise as much as three feet in Miami by 2060. By the end of the century, according to projections by Zillow, some 934,000 existing Florida properties, worth more than $400 billion, are at risk of being submerged.

 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-04-19/the-nightmare-scenario-for-florida-s-coastal-homeowners

Edited April 29, 2017 by Jingthing

[anotheruser]

Who would have thought that Florida real estate is a scam?

[Issanman]

5 hours ago, anotheruser said:

Can I ask what that home cost?

$100K including the 20 ft x 20 ft garage in the back.

This neighborhood is 55 feet above sea level. One of the highest areas in south Pinellas County and St Petersburg.

Edited April 30, 2017 by Issanman

[Jingthing]

Without knowing the details of the neighborhood or condition of the house, that certainly appears to be a great deal. Best of luck with that.

I understand the rental market there is very attractive for landlords so it seems your plan is realistic. 

In other words, the area can be affordable as an owner, but much less so as a renter. That's generally true in many markets, but I think more extreme in that market.

Possibly because it's in an area linked to beach tourism. 

I would possibly be looking to spend a lot less than that on a condo or townhouse in an over 55 community.

People in many U.S. markets will be amazed you can get a house and land for 100K ... as in so many places that wouldn't buy you a parking space. 

Edited April 30, 2017 by Jingthing