Ok, I am getting out of the Navy after 11 years this summer. I have nothing holding me down to any particular place, but I am moving away from SC. So far, I have found job opportunities that I like in Jersey, PA, Arkansas, and one that looks really good in Port St. Lucie, FL. Who is really happy with where they live? My only requirements are that it doesn't snow a whole lot and that I am least near a big city. I need to be able to drive my Lightning and ride my motorcycle for at least 9 months of the year, and I don't want to have to drive for an hour to get to Wal-Mart. Does anyone have any good suggestions?

Matt

 

what kind of job are you looking for?

 

Here's a tip to follow since you're from the South: Stay in a warmer climate. You'll hate yourself if you don't.

 

Right then.

Move to The Netherlands. Just about everything is legal here and Rotterdam is cool.
F150Europe can probably supply details.

 

Yes! Stay in the south if all possible. All of my family is from south Alabama and i like being able to go down there in January and wax my truck outside with my shirt off (on good days that is)

 

I'm originally from Minnesota, I joined the Navy to get away from the cold! I won't be going back that far North any time soon. As far as work, I am mostly looking into supervisory/trainer positions anywhere in the power generation or electronics industries. I don't think it will be hard to find good work, it's just a matter of finding a job I will actually enjoy. Thanks for your help so far guys.

Matt

 

I'd say take the job in Florida. It stays warm most of the time and you don't have to worry about snow. But that's what I'd do. That's just me though.

 

maui was nice, didnt want to leave..

 

I was stationed at Ft Benning and moved back north. I got married bought a house and 12 years later I'm kicking myself in the *** that I didnt move back south. My brother in law just left an 80k job as a cop to move to Tampa making half of that. But he loves it there.

Point being, take the Fla job.

Good Luck.
Ron

 

contrary to common misconception new jersey is very nice, but you will not be riding for 9 months of the year. (unless you dont mind freezing).

i like the change in seasons, and i like the snow, but if you dont, i wouldnt move here.

 

There's no question. Come to Texas!

I'm not sure what you mean by a big city, but you have Houston, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth and San Antonio just to mention a few. Your choice would depend on what type of job, amenities and recreation you want. The highway systems are great, meaning you don't have to live in a city to take advantage of what they have to offer.

I'm a transplanted New Yorker (been here 37 years now) and love not having to shovel snow (or drive in it, for that matter). I currently live just south of Houston. When I retire, I'm thinking of moving more toward central Texas. It's a great state!

 

If those are your choices, I'd go with Fla.

I retired from the military last year and stayed in Las Vegas. Love the weather (65 degrees this week). Grew up in NJ. Was great to visit over TGiving but I don't miss the snow one bit. We actually got some a couple weeks back, the first time in four years here, it was gone by noon and wasn't really a road issue. If you want the best of both worlds (warmth and snow), this place has it. As I'm walking around in a TShirt I can see all the mountain tops covered in snow. Mount Charleston is a 45 min drive, has plenty of snow and ski slopes...

Other +'s, not far from California and no state tax on your wages.

 

Why are leaving the Navy? Your over the hump now and those last 9 years will go by fast. A few years from now you'll probably wish you stayed and took the retirement. I just hit 20yrs and it doesn't seem like it.

Anyway, consider Warner Robins Ga. With the vet preference you may get a job at the Air Force depot there, especially if you have a degree.

No matter what it is Good Luck!

 

Leaving the Navy is a tough decision, and you're not the first person to ask me why. There are a lot of reasons, and the top two are: going to sea for 6 months straight is hard, unless you've done it, you don't really understand. Number two: my next duty station will be San Diego, CA if I stay in. I have never lived west of the Mississippi, and I can't afford to live in San Diego on what I make. Apartments are going for $1600+, let alone buying a house.
With my experience and training in my field in the Navy and my college degree, I am not even entertaining job offers that start less than $65K/year. No one I know who has gotten out in my field makes less than that, and many make a lot more.
I have come a long way in the Navy, and it's hard to let that go...I like being one of the big fish in the little pond, and not vice versa. Between the money and the time away from home though, it looks like I am getting out.

Matt

 

You looking at Port St. Lucie because of the nuke power plants there ?

If so, I'd go in a heartbeat. Good pay, cheap cost of living, no state income tax, great weather, affordable housing, etc.

You can ride your bike 12 months a year here...