Well I live on Long Island…..in New York…about 50 minutes to the Apple. Drop dead gorgous area. Home town to past residents smack dab here or way close by such as John and Yoko..right here in town.HArry Chqpin.2 secs away,,Papa John Phillips…Billy Joel,….Walt Whitman..3 minutes away….la de da da day…whatever.point being…..its an awesome area. I renovated/built this crib and its on the market now….Taxes and all are now way to high for me and the house is too big for my wife and daughter and me 4000 sq ft. My wifes a top realtor in this hood….and theres now nada available in my price range here to re-do another. Absolutly nada……soooooooo where to go? Thing is..I wanna be in a great school district for my 12 year old daughter as this hood is………but…..I’m cool with private alternative ed schools. Looking upstate NY in Woodstock which has now become high end……….but..sucky schools still. UGH,,,,Reason I’m writing this is cause……..it reaches zillions of folks. I spose I’m willing to relocate out west so……..any fantastic locations with great alternative schools and where I can continue my craft and make a living do spec homes along with renovations and customer work? Just a thought
Thanks in advance.
Be well
Namaste
Andy
It’s not who’s right, it’s who’s left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Replies
If you are looking for high end places, check out the new issue of Worth magazine. they do a piece every year on the richest 400 communities in the country.
Another tack would be to look for a place with a nice climate and cultural history that is just starting an upswing. You don't want to buy into a place that has reached it's peak.
I presume you want to avoid being neighbors with Larry, too! ;>)
If you want a town that values its school system enough to fund it well, then look to university towns. I've always like Madison, Ann Arbor, Lawrance, Amherst/Habley/Northampton, Eugene, Corvallis, etc. Good universities make for good public schools with lots of kids who expect to go to college and smart, active parents. And good bookstores, resturants, revival theathers, etc. And some fraction of homeowners who appreciate good design and high quality building. You can be in town if you want to walk to everything or be 4 miles out of town on 5 acres if you want.
Andy,
I love water. the society is aging so they will be moving towards retirement homes which tend to be near the water. If you buy something on a lake, Ocean front, or river. You will do better then other property. In addition the nature of water tends to always produce a few homes that become neglected while the owners enjoy the recreation. Now all you need is a decent school district. Anything near water has an active realestate market.
It seems to me that you need to pick a few more priorities to start making any kind of meaningful search. Drop dead gorgeous is in the eyes of the beholder, most areas have at least a few good private schools, and there are some good customers anywhere that you look hard enough. Having said all of that obvious crap, my wife and I have chosen the island of Hawaii. No kids so the bad public schools don't bother me to much, lots of private, and plenty of money is no object construction going on for those that are qualified to work that market. I have not reached that level yet, but stay busy anyway. Most of all the weather is decent year around, and I would sure call it pretty at least. So there is my two bits worth of useless advice, but you are the one that has to live with your choice!!
Be sure to check the water before juming in head first
Dan
Dan, Where are you on the Big Island? We lived near Naalehu about three/four years ago.
Scott R.
Edited 5/13/2002 11:02:11 PM ET by Scott R.
Aloha Scott;
Just about a mile uphill from Kailua- Kona for three years now. You will be depressed to hear that the bakery was sold, and seems to be going downhill. Where did you go from here, and why if I may ask? Construction in the Resorts up North of town is going absolutely crazy! hope you are enjoying your new location.
Dan
Dan
When I left the Big Island construction was very slow. I saw plenty of tools at garage sales from guys just trying to pay the bills. I'm in Michigan now (born and raised), We moved because my wife worked for the Hawaii Dept. of Education and we lived in Kau, need I say more? We had three choices at the time, move towards Waikoloa, move to Maui (My first choice) or back to the mainland but we were not spending another school year in Naalehu. The mainland was the best sense even though we didn't want to leave. We did make ourselves a promise to return and it just may happen this summer, however I would like to live on Maui and the wife wants to live on the Big Island (because that's where our friends are) since you say that construction is hot again she may get her way.
E-mail me at [email protected] I would like to hear more.
P.S. Are you talking about the Punaluu sweetbread bake shop? I prefer malasadas anyway. :)
Scott R.
A "sweetbread bake shop" ? You do know that sweetbreads aren't bread, right ?.
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
Phil: I have witnessed some pretty silly arguments involving you and a few others on this site, and up until now have just shook my head and laughed. Now you have gone just a little over the edge, this is not a fine cooking site, The Bread made at the bakery in Naalehu is Sweet, and I'm willing to bet you have never tried it to know. If either Scott or I give dangerous or obviously faulty construction advice that you can KNOWINGLY correct then jump on in. But leave my favorite SweetBread out of this conversation. Just how smart can you be, still living in Canada, East Coast at that.
Scott: Check out the West Hawaii Today website for current advertising for Jobs in construction, and real estate for sale, still pricey here in town, but it is going up so should do ok in the long run. I'll E-mail direct later with more wisdom and stupid advice. Boy that Phil lights my fuse!!
The reasons Dave gave for picking a college town are the reasons I moved here (Ithaca, NY). We have Cornell, and Ithaca Collegel; which are a magnet for culture, food, etc... This Fingerlakes region of upstate NY is gorgeous, theres a strong winery/vinyard industry. Range of schools from good to bad to excellent. Very diverse society in a rather small "City". Some high end custom building going on, but the RE price range is no where near what you're used to on the island. As for great tennis (per your other thread here somewhere)...well, your wife can take a 40 minute flight to Queens to watch the US open.
Well Handy, look up "sweetbread" in a dictionary: it's the thymus of a calf (sometimes other young animals).
PS, I don't live on the east coast either..
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
Virgin Islands are great too. Been here 25 years and survived several hurricane. But - I have made up my mind that I would rather shovel the white stuff than put up with the fury of a hurricane. Going to go to Upper Peninsula of Michigan for retirement. Everything is life has a compromise to it.
Best of luck in your quest!
Hi Andy,
I grew up in Woodstock, and your'e right, it's now high end. You might want to try up the road a piece in a town named Phoenicia. I have lived here for about 15 years now, and find it to be just about right- a few stars, and a lot of nice local folk. One thing though, you might want to find your spot here pretty quick, cause I've been told the town is #6 on the most desirable list from some magazine like Forbes or Smart Money. Ever since the 9/11 attack, there has been a "mini" boom going on here in the building trades. I am a cabinet maker, and right now there's not enough of us around to serve the local scene. Most all of the larger local shops are doing contract work for places elsewhere.
As far as the schools go, I can;t say much other than when I was in the local system(Onteora) it was in the top 5 in the state. Most of what has led to it's presently tarnished(if it really is) image is because of constant in-fighting on the school board.
Anyhow, Phoenicia might be worth a look.
Dave
Andy-
Come on down to Maryland. Three hours to the Mountains, or the beach. 6-7 hours from NYC. 1 hour to DC. Good schools in Howard and Montgomery counties. Here in Carroll, lots of rehabs to be had.
Andy - Western Massachusetts is great place to live - great building scene, lots of custom work, great schools - check out the hilltowms outside of Northampton - small towns, lots of space, progressive - 15 to 20 minutes to Northampton with all its great dining, music, shopping - 5 college area - Chesterfield is a great place, Goshen, Cummington, Westhampton, Williamsburg - all have town tennis courts..
Phill- My family has lived in Kona on the big island for 30 years. Gotta spend some time there to know what people are talking about. The lifestyle and lexicon are decidedly different than anywhere on US soil. :o)
Handydan- Aloha, brah. Lots of times I really miss living on the Big Island. Family home located Keahou Mauka at 1500' (Walua Rd.). Just sold home so Mom has $$$ for live-in eldercare at a rental home in Honalo. Sister and bro-in-law at Keahole Mauka at 2000'. Was in Kona in Oct. for a week, not long enough. Actually, Kona was my intro to construction trade as a teen working for stepdad building apartments. This last trip considered working there but I can't take the heat. Also a bit of 'stuck on the rock' feeling, so here I stay on the mainland. Hawaii truly amazing, beautiful, magical place. No small wonder that so many spiritually dedicated people live there.
Ken Hill
Spent 5 weeks there circa '88..
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
If you're interested in visiting the Big Island (Hawaii) or moving there, you might want to check out: http://www.konaweb.com/forums/
Phil i owe you an apology over the East Coast remark, must have confused you with Newf. Canada has some good spots, I even liked Quebec, the City . Still think the sweetbread thing is over the top, but if you know the trivia, more power to you. Kona has changed a lot, not all for the better since 88. Still a pretty neat place to call home though.
Ken it sounds as though you got a good taste of Kona. Come back often, bring lots of money to spend and you will always be a welcome visitor:) Can you try to explain to the rest of the world the construction up at the Resorts. I don't think any body believes me.
Scott as soon as I kick this cold so that my typing makes a little sense, I will E-Mail you so we can swap some stories.
ANDY Tennis we have, but the golf and fishing are to die for. Private schools are available in several price ranges and custom construction is backing up waiting for qualified people, of which I am not.
ALL we in Kona are actually cheerfully awaiting the arrival of both a Lowes and Home Depot, the first on the Island. If you think that they are hard to live with you should try doing without them!!
bye for now DAN
Dan.
I'm really interested..tell me more. The good bad and ugly. Please. All I know besides the fact that its gorgous is that its really expensive. Taxes on my house now that I finished are $14000 a year. Health insurance is almost $8000 a year and the list goes on. I can make money here but........45 minutes to MAnhatten I spose is why its so expensive. If you have a name of a real estate company there that has good links I'd appreciate it. Comin' to California the end of Aug to scout properties from SF north....HAwaii was always in my head but seemed to be sooooo expensive.
Thanks again
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Andy,
On your way to or from Cailf.pass through Colorado. We dont have the Ocean that Cailf. has (or the fruits & nuts).
Andy, I think you would be surprised how comparable the cost of living in Hawaii is to where you are now. It all depends on what island and which part of the island you choose to live. It certainly is worth looking into.
Dan, I'm fighting a cold as well and I've had about enough.
My last impression of the entire Hawaiian economy was not a good one. It's not easy but I'm trying to erase that image and believe you that it's much better now. I'm eager to hear more about what your doing. All of my tools have made two trips across the Pacific, what's one more?
Virginbuild, Thats quite a move to the U.P. Where are you in the Virgin Islands? The wife has a friend living on St. Thomas
Scott R.
Edited 5/16/2002 9:04:14 PM ET by Scott R.
Andy I am so bad with computers that I don't know how to send you web sites to hit direct, but I hope that company names can get you going the right direction. For Real Estate in our Area which is the Kona side of the Island of Hawaii the best company is probably "Clark real estate". C-21 and Coldwell Banker also have busy offices. Another local company that also build and develops land is "Maryl" My opinion is that it will cost at least 350,000 for a pretty decent livable home. Fixers are almost impossible to find, the termites got them all. New construction in the area is busiest in VERY high end developments that surround most of the big hotels. Some very exlclusive golf course- resort type area's with lots starting over a million and the houses are hard to imagine. Rumor has Charles Schwab building at near 25 mil. Believe it or not there are probably 30 or 40 such houses now being built. If want general real estate information try http://www.hawaiiinformation.com Somethings are very expensive here, but your heat bill, and vacations will help save some of the difference. Just tonight I attended a hearing about raising property taxes, up to 5.50 per thousand of assessed value, and you get to take exemptions at the start for homeownership, so taxes should not hurt you to bad. Check it out, if I can offer more help, let me know how. P. S. that is the best part about hawaii, every body helps and is mostly very freindly.
Aloha Dan
Dan
Thanks and I am going to look into it right now, sounds intriguing, very
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
St. Croix, the "big" island.
"confused you with Newf"
...gee, thanks...
...<G>...
...have a good one...
Newf Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Carpenter, woodworker, gardener, Can't sew or cook
Aloha Newf;
I must apologize to you to for my earlier confusion, but after all from this far away on a five year old computer all you canadians look the same to me :] I will try in the future to direct my sarcasm in the correct directions. By the way what do you call a loaf of baked goods that has a fruit flavor and tastes sweet? Do you think that it sounds like part of a Calf? I guess I never will understand some people, and what they eat!!! Where do you think Andy should move to, I think most of the suggestions so far were way to serious.
bye for now Dan
Ma west of the Conn River is not the same state as Ma east of the Conn river
in fact inside 495 is sooo much different than outside 495.bobl Volo Non Voleo Joe's cheat sheet