If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 15:44:35 -0400

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 3:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 15:48:28 -0400

Another state in the US: Oregon. It is close to me, I have a lot of ties there already, and it has a thriving independent comics scene that I would be eager to plug into.

Another nation? Either Israel or Germany. I lived in Israel for a few years and already feel comfortable there and know my way around. Germany because I also speak some German and I just like Europe in general; Germany is pretty central to all the rest of Europe so I can be in all kinds of interesting places with a day's train ride.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jun 12 at 2015 3:52 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 15:52:18 -0400

State? Somewhere in Oregon. The taxes are high, but the quality of life is wonderful along the Pacific coast (mountains, fresh air, coastlines, not too densely populated, great climate, etc.).

Country? New Zealand. I went there for a conference in 2011 (Queenstown) and everyone there was incredibly nice. The reversed seasons was a little awkward, but I could get used to that...eventually. It was definitely an outdoor enthusiast's delight.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jun 12 at 2015 3:57 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 15:57:45 -0400

If I HAD to and could afford it I would move to Colorado as my different state, simply for the legalized weed..as for different country, Germany, for the beauty of the country and the wonderful food and bier!

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 12 at 2015 4:01 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 16:01:40 -0400

Iowa will always be home, but I have not really cared where I am physically located as much as the one that I love are happy. Maybe this is a side effect of being in the Army for so long? It all kind of looks the same after a while?

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Jun 12 at 2015 4:01 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 16:01:47 -0400

Texas because I'm a native Texan. Just waiting for them to revert back to a Republic first. ;)

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made Jun 12 at 2015 4:04 PM

SSG Donald Mceuen — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 16:04:00 -0400

Can not think of one this is where i belong.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jun 12 at 2015 4:07 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 16:07:55 -0400

I'm in Arizona ONLY to be near my kids that the ex took off with. I'm ready to go elsewhere. I'm considered an Oregon resident because of my reenlistment docs, and believe it or not, they take good care of their vets. If you were an Oregon resident at the time you earned a Purple Heart, and became 100% disabled (service connected), you, your kids, and your spouse go to college for free at least thru the masters level. I have 3 kids and need to regain my 6 months residency so put me down for OR. Talk about saving a bundle. Overseas, I'd go to Saipan, Okinawa, or any of the big WWII islands. I put in to be a liason with the DoD to help coordinate with the recovery teams and repatriate the fallen, but they found someone more qualified (They deserve the very best!) I'm retired, and my wife is Japanese so we might go there and do it for free. I'll trust in God and go where I should go. Sometimes all we can do is be patient, stand still, and be patient some more. No one should rush into the wrong thing because they are just impatient. Of course, Hawaii is on the top of Hitomi's list. Anyone have a few million dollare I can borrow so we can get a cardboard box sized house in HI?? lol?

Response by SGT Edward Perez made Jun 12 at 2015 4:23 PM

SGT Edward Perez — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 16:23:56 -0400

No brainer to me. I would love to move to the Tacoma area of Washington state. Seems weird but my soul felt at peace out there. Love the country.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 12 at 2015 4:34 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 16:34:10 -0400

I'm looking at Belize just because that is where I want to invest my money into a property. It would be great to go down there a couple times during the winter months just to relax and take in the sun! Califonria is too expensive - the housing is ridiculous!

Response by SGT(P) Kenneth Jones made Jun 12 at 2015 4:35 PM

SGT(P) Kenneth Jones — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 16:35:31 -0400

Japan is where I would want to move to. The food and technology,but that's me. For me I am a soldier so there is no such thing as home just where I am stationed is a temporary home. Lived in several states before army, but none I would still call home. Home is where the heart is and that is where I am until next duty station.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jun 12 at 2015 4:47 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 16:47:59 -0400

Another state would be Texas. Why, no income tax, good food, decent weather, and good people (except for Austin which has been invaded by Californian ultra liberal nonsense including a willingness to pay outrageous prices for houses). Another Country would be Australia, in particular the State of South Australia. Why, the speak English, have good food, decent weather and good people.

Response by SSG Stephen Arnold made Jun 12 at 2015 4:58 PM

SSG Stephen Arnold — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 16:58:38 -0400

Hm.

Maybe Texas or Arizona (foothills). Possibly in the Mountains in Tennessee.

I'd love to be able to spend summers in Montana, and winters down south.

Countries? That would take some thought. Maybe, just maybe, New Zealand, Australia, or Switzerland. Then again, maybe in Latin America.

Response by SGT Christina Wilder made Jun 12 at 2015 5:15 PM

SGT Christina Wilder — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 17:15:04 -0400

I would not move. Conservative values, great gun control laws, and predictable weather. Very happy in AZ.

Response by CPL Zachariah Chitwood made Jun 12 at 2015 5:16 PM

CPL Zachariah Chitwood — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 17:16:51 -0400

I literally just moved from Oregon to Florida. Today is my second day in Palm Harbor. I moved at the recommendation of my doctors, for help with my depression. One of the men I deployed with lives here, so hopefully that will help out. Honestly, I am unsure. I don't have much family, but I kind of feel like I am making a mistake with my son. I just hope I do right by him.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 5:25 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 17:25:57 -0400

I am a native Minnesotan, and aside from the time I spent away on Active Duty and several years living in Wisconsin, it has been home. I love the lakes, the rivers, and the woods, and of course, my beloved Minnesota Twins, but in many ways, I have come to have a great deal of contempt for this state and many of the people living here. Minnesota taxes Military retirement income, for starters, one of the few remaining states that does so. Minnesotans are idiots when it comes to electing leaders, having elected Jesse Ventura Governor, Al Franken Senator, and the nation's only Islamic Congressman Keith Ellison, who has strong ties to the Islamic Brotherhood. Political Correctness runs rampant through our schools, the most powerful political entity in the state is Education Minnesota, the teacher's union, with over 73,000 members. More and more businesses flee for the more business-friendly climates in neighboring Wisconsin and South Dakota all the time. Who can fault them? I want out of here as well. We have discussed Texas (around the San Antonio area) and Wyoming (Casper area) as possibilities. States that still value and respect individual freedom is important to me!

As far as a foreign country, more and more Americans are retiring to Panama, where the U.S. dollar is strong and goes far. My wife wants to look into that as an option.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jun 12 at 2015 5:33 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 17:33:13 -0400

I grew up in Iowa (Idiots Out Wandering Around). Haven't really been back there for close to 30 years. Most of my family has moved to Wisconsin..... Wife's family is in Iowa. We have decided that when I retire this year, we will relocate to Spokane WA. WA has no state income tax. It DOES however have point of sale, sales tax (lets face it...the state will get their money one way or another). Spokane has a VA medical center, a military base (Fairchild AFB), and lots of options. With the newish rules on Tricare Prime for retirees, I have to live inside the 50 mile catchment area of a military medical facility to qualify for Tricare Prime.... if outside of that, Tricare Standard. This plays a lot of impact in my location of retirement. The base also offers Tax Free sales....so if I shop on base, it is tax free (I will purchase my appliances at the base!). If I had to choose another country to move to, I would go Germany....

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 5:38 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 17:38:21 -0400

Norway.. Just because of the lillyhammer olympics

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 5:50 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 17:50:47 -0400

Stateside - Virginia, because its my hometown and I haven't been back since childhood. Overseas - Germany hands down because your in Europe and the culture, beer, and ease of traveling are worth it.

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made Jun 12 at 2015 6:03 PM

SGT Kevin Brown — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 18:03:23 -0400

I'd move to the country out in Montana. Minnesota country is noce but this state is almost as liberal as California.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 6:14 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 18:14:36 -0400

Good question, Sir. The state I'd move to is TEXAS, because they think like I do: God, family, and country are the most important things in life. Guns, good music, and great food come next. "Country" is easy because I'm currently in South Korea and would rather be in the good ol' USA.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 6:24 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 18:24:39 -0400

Albuquerque, NM. Almost without question...the only reason I add "almost" is because I'm also very fond of CO, and the Rocky Mountain states in general. As far as I know, my money would go farther in NM though, and I'm already in love with the place. I only lived there 7 months, courtesy of the AF, but that was enough to hook me. The "Land of Entrapment" I've heard it called haha, can't help but agree. Even if you get out, a part of you will only be satisfied by going back.

Another country? I like Canada, very beautiful. I've been itching to visit Chile and Argentina though, perhaps I would like them.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Jun 12 at 2015 7:49 PM

SFC Boots Attaway — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 19:49:57 -0400

For a state it would be Oklahoma because I have friends and family there and the OkC VA rocks. As for another country it would be Belize as they speak some English there and the cost of living.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Jun 12 at 2015 7:56 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 19:56:17 -0400

Well, since I am purchasing land in Mississippi, I guess that is where I will go. Outside of the U.S., I would pick Ireland (though COL Mikel J. Burroughs has a pretty good idea when he said Belize)

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 12 at 2015 8:18 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 20:18:09 -0400

TEXAS

GERMANY

No questions in my mind

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jun 12 at 2015 8:31 PM

SGT Richard H. — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 20:31:20 -0400

Washington or Alaska. I miss them both.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 8:54 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 20:54:23 -0400

Id move to Luxembourg for the nation,and other than my home state, id move to either Colorado or California. Some of my favorite places to vacation! Monterey is beautiful and I love Glenwood springs.
Those would be my top choices.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Jun 12 at 2015 10:33 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 22:33:19 -0400

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. I've been living in #Alaska, Anchorage area since 2008. It is "terrible" here in both winter and summer.

I'll let the 10 pictures do the talking:)

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Jun 12 at 2015 11:27 PM

LTC Hillary Luton — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 23:27:59 -0400

Hmmmmm.... first choice would be Italy. If it was state-side, I would say maybe back to Nebraska or something new like Tennessee or what the heck, I'll go for Hawaii. Yup, Hawaii it is.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 13 at 2015 12:39 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 00:39:29 -0400

I would never live outside the USA again by choice. I would maybe take an overseas contracting assignment for the right position and right amount of money.

If I had to live in another state other than AZ I would have to say my home state of Michigan. Even though it gets cold as HELL (ironically enough there is a city called Hell in Michigan and it does freeze over every winter, so the saying "When Hell freezes over..." is true) it's still my home. Plenty of nature so good hunting, fishing, hiking, trail riding, snowmobiling, that kind of thing. I would still want to maintain a residence in a warmer state in case the winters get to be too much to handle. Plus I like being able to ride my motorcycle year round!

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Jun 13 at 2015 5:13 AM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 05:13:22 -0400

My husband and I keep talking about going to Alaska. Even for just a few years, it would be a great experience. Whether we could hack it or not is the debate that keeps us home.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Jun 13 at 2015 6:03 AM

PO3 David Fries — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 06:03:28 -0400

Staying married, the farthest I would move from where I am currently would be New Hampshire. They have lower taxes and less restrictions than CT. If I was single, I would probably try my luck in Alaska. Out of the country, I could see me living in Okinawa.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2015 9:05 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 09:05:09 -0400

I'm from Texas, so I would never turn down an opportunity to be stationed there or to live there period. I have enjoyed every state that I've been stationed at in my almost 17 years of service. Each state has its positives and negatives but each had more significantly more positives. If I had the chance to pick one state that I haven't live in yet, I would say Hawaii. I would love the great year round weather, all of the beaches and the Pacific Islander heritage and culture.

Response by CW4 Abdulaziz Bulling made Jun 13 at 2015 1:03 PM

CW4 Abdulaziz Bulling — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 13:03:52 -0400

Meknes Morocco
I lived in Morocco for four years, and have since revisited it six times over the years. A few years ago I bought a condo there and when I finally retire again I will split my time between Richmond, Virginia and Meknes, Morocco.

Response by CW2 John Brookins made Jun 13 at 2015 1:22 PM

CW2 John Brookins — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 13:22:52 -0400

It’s kind of tough to get it all in one state. I like the attitude and generally the laws of Texas but the countryside of Virginia and Tennessee.

Countries outside of the US, would be:

Germany – love the place, but the politics can be a bit too socialist for me.
Denmark – another amazing place
Austria – Yep
Switzerland – love it but could never afford it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2015 10:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 22:02:18 -0400

Drop me in Spain. It is just like Chicago without the fear of getting shot. Great food, fashion and interesting people.

Response by SGM (R) Antonio Brown made Jun 18 at 2015 12:30 AM

SGM (R) Antonio Brown — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 00:30:51 -0400

Bluffton, SC: It is close to family and close to several beaches. When I retire I can get a job if I want too not because I have too because money will go pretty far. My hometown of Charleston is 90 minutes away and Savannah, GA is 30 minutes away. Countrty of Panama: I have been to Panama before and my retirement pay can go very far and my wife is familiar with Panama as well.

Response by SSgt Dale W. made Jun 18 at 2015 2:50 AM

SSgt Dale W. — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 02:50:31 -0400

While I don't have to move, my wife and I will be moving to Oklahoma to get out of PRC (Peoples Republic of California). We debated Texas, but found OK govt is even less intrusive than Texas. Firearms laws in OK also contributed greatly to our decision.

Response by SSG Daniel Brewster made Jun 26 at 2015 10:57 AM

SSG Daniel Brewster — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 10:57:54 -0400

One of my most favorite things to do is browse through the listings on Zillow.com. Now, keep in mind I have my fantasy list of homes, but I've also got my "yeah, we could afford that " list.

So... Where to go? I'm 50, and if all goes well, can pull the trigger on retirement in 4-7 years. I am in the Chicago area now and it is crazy stupid with the cost of living and taxes. I'm looking at coastal South Carolina and Northern Alabama. I can get a slightly smaller house for well less than the cost in the Chicago area. The taxes are easily 75% *less* than what we pay now. We would like to be in the country a bit, so not somewhere terribly crowded, yet would be nice to be within 30 minutes of shopping, entertainment, and healthcare.

To all those younger troops reading this... Start saving now. If I had started saving and investing as a E1 private way back when? Shoot, we'd be having this conversation on my ranch.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 26 at 2015 11:06 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 11:06:19 -0400

Since I just moved into my last home in Northern Idaho, that had better be my choice. Beautiful area, small town, nice people.

For a country, I'd pick the South Island of New Zealand hands down. Same reasons as above.

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Jul 29 at 2015 1:39 PM

MSgt Jim Wolverton — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 13:39:03 -0400

Easy question, Germany. The pace of life and travel, it's the place my kids spent the majority of their young lives in and feels like home to us.

Response by PV2 Katina Mckenzie made Aug 6 at 2015 6:45 PM

PV2 Katina Mckenzie — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 18:45:48 -0400

Dubai, It's a beautiful place. If I get the chance to get a contract job there, it would be wonderful.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 6 at 2015 6:49 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 18:49:10 -0400

Alaska

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 9:02 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 21:02:52 -0400

My next move will be when they wheel me out.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Aug 6 at 2015 9:10 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 21:10:25 -0400

I think the State would be Alaska. Country - besides all the landmine probably still there, Croatia was a very beautiful country.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Aug 7 at 2015 12:15 AM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 00:15:11 -0400

I agree with everything SPC(P) Shelby Thundercloud wrote. Without having to think about it much, Texas is the place for me! I was stationed at Ft. Hood back in the 80s and loved Texas.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Nov 6 at 2015 4:08 PM

CPT Jim Schwebach — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 16:08:01 -0500

But I already live in Texas. Where else would anyone want to go?

Response by SGT Wayne Lane made Nov 12 at 2015 10:12 AM

SGT Wayne Lane — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 10:12:05 -0500

Texas from NC. Booming economy and massive resistance to a government that is trying to change everything about the country i love and our way of life.