How to move your family??

[jms531]

DH, DD (2) and I currently live in Northwest PA and while it's not ALL bad, I've always wanted more of a city-life feel and experiences for my DD. So we're looking into relocating to the suburbs of Philadelphia. I have family down there (aunts and uncles) but we would be leaving our parents and brothers.
Unfortunatley it's easier said than done and especially with this economy kind of scary! I'm an RN so I don't think I'll have too much trouble finding a job, but by the time we move DH will be a new teacher and I've heard it's difficult for teachers finding jobs right now...anyone know if this is true?? DD will be just going into kindergarten and I already found the private school she'll go to so I'm not too concerned about that.
So I guess what I'm trying to figure out is if anyone's relocated their family, the logistics of it and whether or not they're happy they did. DH is happy with pretty much whatever I choose which is a curse and a blessing...it makes me very nervous b/c if anything went wrong I would feel completely responsible

 

[ryanshana]

I live in a suburb of Philadelphia, a few of my friends work for the school districts. I believe Pennsbury, Neshaminy and I thought I heard Council Rock are on hiring freezes. Don't quote me though.

There are alot of other school districts he could try. Like Bristol, Central Bucks (east, west & south). Centennial is another. And he could always teach in Philadelphia. I actually drove by Abington Memorial Hospital the other day and it said something about hiring RNs.

GL

 

[rbork]

Human Resources offices are packed w/ applicants so you might want to have an "in" first before taking the plunge. Remember, in this economy last hires are the low man and go first in many cases. School systems are hurting across the board with their budgets. Last year our county hired ~800 new teachers. This year ~300. Teachers are staying as long as they can around here. My first priority before buying a house would be securing a job. Employment history/length could also affect securing a new mortgage. Going from a large amount of land to smaller cookie cutter mini lots is hard no matter how you look at it. We moved from a quiet 2.5 acre lot into a .20 city lot. We decided 6 months after buying this brand new house that we didn't like city living, missed the quiet country and put the brand new house back on the market. Finally sold it in a slowing market and are home in the fields now. I look back and don't regret our moves. We were fortunate enough to be able to take the risk and blessed because we were able to fix our oopppss move. Hardest part was moving the kid's and that truely broke our hearts. But kid's are tough and they have gained experience in meeting new people and making new friends.
I gave in to my husband because HE wanted to move closer to his job for many years. I was supportive but so relieved when HE wanted to go back. In discussions/arguements I say, "you made me move in the first place" and he says, "well you picked the awful lot". We end it w/ "We're EVEN now"

 

[jenb1023]

Devil's advocate here. . .

I'm from PA too and from the people I know the cost of living is much, much higher in Suburban Philly than most of the rest of the state. Plus, depending on how far out in the suburbs you are, how many trips will you actually make into the city due to commute time, busy schedules, etc.? I have friends that live 45 minutes out and never go downtown.

Also, what about holidays? If your parents and siblings are all in NW PA, someone will have to travel to be together for the holidays or you will be on your own or with extended family.

We are in the process of moving right now but we are only moving to a different part of the same town and same school district - and it is stressful and a lot of work. It took DD awhile to adjust to just the thought of a different house. If I told her she was leaving all of her grandparents, cousins, etc. and would be in a new house and new school, she would have been devastated.

All that being said, you know you and your family best and only you can make the decision to move or not to move. Best of luck deciding!