Yeah, but will there be parting gifts?
Welcome to this episode of…
Where Should the H Household Set Up a Homestead?
Ask anyone in my family or my circle of close friends (or, just look back through my archives here), and they’ll tell you that our decision about where to move has been a bit, uh, circuitous.
I’m embarrassed to say that we’ve taken our sweet, meandering time making up our sweet, meandering minds about the whole thing, and I suspect there are people we know who are even more tired of it than we are. That’s saying a lot, in case you were wondering.
To explain…
We’re lucky to have a few choices about where, at our respective ages of 59 and ,zxfllfjl, we would like to settle down and live out our silver-ish years. Our prospective suitors locations have included Cleveland, Ohio; broad swaths of Connecticut; the DC metro area; Atlanta and its burbs; the Phoenix metro area (our current homesweethome), and a lakeside home in Indiana–which we own and are taking our own sweet, meandering time (notice a theme?) to finish out…little details like flooring and appliances and such…but we’re making progress.
Now, finally, we seem to have that mixed bag narrowed down to hither (here) and yon (Cleveland). The real estate market in both places seems to have come down with a case of malaise…so, goodie for us, no?
Behind Door #1
The advantage of here is that we have great friends, and the winters don’t suck. There are things like heated pools and palm trees and bougainvillea and casinos. And beautiful mountains, and cowboys (she suddenly questions whether she has thought this through well enough).
Behind Door #2
The advantages of Cleveland are that Mr. H could be home more (that’s a biggie); beautiful, old houses with prices that are less than the value of the smallish house we rent now; great schools (in the area where we’re looking); we would be just a few hours’ drive from family; and the school where I would like to enroll (for a degree in historic preservation) is right there. Oh, and I haven’t even listed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (try not to say Cleveland Rocks! in your head.), and Lake Erie and the beaches. And hardly any scorpions, tarantulas, rattlesnakes, or mountain lions.
So, anyway.
Turns out, the house we almost bought a year ago is still on the market, but with an asking price that’s about 25% less than it was (see malaise, above). I shouldn’t even talk about this, because I’ve been disappointed before, but I’m just throwing this out into the universe in case that sort of thing actually works. Plus, I’m crossing my fingers, toes, knees, and elbows (okay, that last one is harder than it looks).
But if we stay here, we don’t have that whole moving halfway across the country hassle. The idea of it makes me tired, but then again, it would just be the one time. And then I’m never moving again.
So there you have it, folks.
Which door will they choose? Come back next year month week? to find out!
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Definitely door #2. For all the reasons you gave. Plus one more… change is good.
I want this house for you so bad I could cry. I fully intend to move into the attic and hide from my family.
Madges last blog post..Morning Forecast
Well since you wont be moving any closer by moving to Cleveland .. stay where you are cause I know I am coming out there some day .. a lot sooner than I would be going to Cleveland … nothing against Cleveland … but .. cowboys .. lots of wide open places to photograph .. ooops .. its YOU who is moving not me .. silly me…
Daryls last blog post..thursdays in the hood
Um…doesn’t Cleveland have hot, muggy winters and lot and lots of snow? I’d just stay where you are and think about it for a little longer….
Susans last blog post..Back To School
Well, despite being in Ohio, Cleveland sure sounds like it has a lot going for it, including relative proximity to your lake house in Indiana.
Hey, I have a suggestion - how about the Philly burbs? I’ve got a great house for sale here…yeah, still.
I don’t like snow AT ALL…but if your husband can be home more, I’d say the snow would be worth it.
dragonflys last blog post..A Whole New World
I grew up in Bath right outside Cleveland–a lovely area but be sure you like SNOW–and be sure you do NOT get a home in the snow belt. I really do like Cleveland and I always felt if we ever got attacked, I’d be safe–as the joke goes ‘who would waste a perfectly good bomb on Cleveland?’
(The irony-_Cleveland really does rock (don’t forget Cedar Point!!!_ but the rest of the world has no idea!)
I miss Cleveland
Lisas last blog post..Just call me a Communist
I have friends who moved back home to the Cleveland area (Shaker Heights) from San Diego for many of the reasons you stated. They’ve been very happy for several years.
It’s not which one will they choose….
It’s which one chose them… ;0)
I think one is calling more than the other, but if it is meant to be, it will happen. Uncross your elbows Jennifer. It is unladylike and no self respecting cowboy would look at an elbow crossed girl. That’s better.
Btw, your keyboard seemed to malfunction just where you were typing your age….
Crazycaths last blog post..Sky Watch Friday
I refrain from comment at this point. When you’re driving through town on the way to OH, then I’ll know you’re moving away.
Is this going to affect my December plans???
Louises last blog post..Late Summer Sky–SkyWatch
I spent my early childhood in Indiana - lots of time on Lake Wawasee and Lake Tippecanoe.
You have a difficult choice to make - I have a heart for Arizona too - where many famiy members currently live.
I’m sure you’ll make the best choice (if one is made
for you and yours…
I don’t want you to have that house. I want you to send it to me.
Emily Rs last blog post..And, now, back to our regularly scheduled posts
I just realize, the other day, that we’ve lived in this same house for 16 years. Didn’t we JUST finish building the thing? Didn’t we JUST move in?
While I’d love the thought of winters that don’t suck (ours decidedly DO), I wouldn’t relish the idea of scorpions and all the other nasties that you mention (sucky winters keep those beasties in check).
Really, what I’m trying to tell you is that I’m no help at all. I’ll probably NEVER move; it’s a good thing I’m happy in this house…
Mrs. Chilis last blog post..I’m a Biker Babe!
My first thought reading this - “Is she completely insane? She has beautiful scenery and beautiful weather and cowboys where she is now. Why would anyone with half a brain want to move to Cleveland? Snow, the Browns, no beautiful scenery that I know of, Lake Erie?! are you serious?”
My second thought reading this, “Hey, I’m not that far from Cleveland. Move there! I’m sure it’s fabulous!”
Did that help?
I’m sure you didn’t ask my opinion (did you???)…but I promise that Cleveland = Ree The Hotfessional coming over since it’s only about 2 hours from me.
Rees last blog post..Today’s Request for a Good Deed
Oh, wait. Poor Cleveland. Did I just jinx it?
Rees last blog post..Today’s Request for a Good Deed
I’m thinking….CLEVELAND. Although no cowboys…that’s a BIG drawback. However, I’m sure there are other delicious sights you could find. The house still being on the market…well, that sounds meant to be. Thinking good thoughts for you!
JCKs last blog post..Chatty Snippets from the 6 hour road trip home
I have absolutley no advice to give but will enjoy watching you make this decisions from the sidelines. I’m never moving again. Ever. So I can sympathize with that perspective.
cindys last blog post..Thank you, Gloria
I skipped right to the comments, without having read, just so I can give you my initial gut reaction to the question:
COLORADO!
Now, I shall meekly return to the top and actually READ what you wrote and then give you a potentially different answer.
Hatchets last blog post..Broken
Aww phooey! Colorado isn’t even on the short list!
OK, fine! Go to freakin’ OH. It’s got actual RAIN and stuff! Also, gardening is REALLY easy there. Come on, you’ve watched me all summer, you KNOW you WANT to!
Plus, it’s only just gonna get crazy hotter in AZ over the next 10 years or so. Also, being able to spend more time with your honey? Yay! Right?
Hatchets last blog post..Broken
Uh, have you been to Cleveland in the wintertime? It’s like, all snowy and stuff. Plus they barely have any summer. And it’s humid. There are like three nice days a year out there.
I say keep your Phoenix rental and live there during the winter. Then when it’s 120 degrees outside, move back to Cleveland and ride out those summers up there.
Yeah, easy for me to say, eh? It’s not MY pocketbook! LOL
Oops had my website wrong on my last comment! Teehee
Midlife Mamas last blog post.."We have room for but one flag, the American flag… We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language…"
I’m voting Cleveland….big house, for little dollars? check. four seasons? check. enjoying Mr. H’s company more often? check.
This may be just my impression, but as I read your descriptions of both choices, you seemed more effusive about the Cleveland choice. Sounds like your imagination has already made the decision, it just needs to tell your logical mind.
BTW, I’m enjoying the heck out of someone other than me struggling over where to live. Such a relief.
Suzannes last blog post..And so it begins……
Who says there aren’t cowboys near Cleveland?? You are only a couple of hours away from several ag areas (W. NY and W. PA) that specialize in beef, so there have to be some cowboys!
Besides, if you live in Cleveland, you’ll have a giant fab house, be close to my favorite Great Lake, I can come and see you (I know that’s going to be a deal maker right there!), you’ll have much nicer summers, and NO MORE SCORPIONS IN THE HOUSE! There will be snow, lots of it, but they have plows. They get bogged down with it far less than we do, and we hardly ever get snow (though our house market is stupid busy - growth here is obscene).
I’m hanging on the edge of my seat now - is Jennifer going to be in range for a collective roadtrip?
My nails are going to be shot!
we_be_toyss last blog post..The Waiting Is The Hardest Part
By the way, there is a blog award waiting for you over at my place. Peace - D
RiverPoet (formerly Momma)s last blog post..What I See on my Walk
I go with Door #2. It is obviously meant to be for you.
Treasia/TruckersWifes last blog post..It’s Hump Day or Should I say Hunk Day?
I can’t help you, I can’t even decided where I want to live!! We both want to move house, but can’t decide where to, and that’s how we’ve been for the last two years …
When you make up your minds, let me know how you did it!
I hate cold weather so I would vote for Arizona. But it sounds like your heart is pulling you to Cleveland.
the mama bird diariess last blog post..the morning after sarah palin
Alright, alright, I’ll throw in the monkey wrench. Go and revisit the idea of living in DC! Great areas of the city have phenomenal schools. There is also free history and culture everywhere. The place is teeming with things going on. Museums galore. All you do is leave the kids at the doorstep and come back in the afternoon. They will have educated themselves
Great food all over the place. Farmer’s markets, art. You can walk. Cherry blossoms in spring!!! Can you say the word Glory? Because that is what they are - sheer glory. Book readings. The best little family bookstores in the planet. Just to name one Politics and Prose. It is your kind of place Jennifer, trust me. Mr. H? He’ll be huger than big there. The kids? Little bigs. You? More happier than ever. Me? An absolute ulterior motive…. It is where I plan to retire and I would LOVE to have you and the family close by. 
Milenas last blog post..The March
You make Cleveland - a place I know next to nothing about - sound splendid.
It must be the houses, spouses and schools.
I trust that if you make the trek, it will be the right move.
I’m certain like that. For other people.
There is obviously a reason you are going in circles…maybe the solution is on your beaten track?
I would hate to have you too far from a casino…
texasholly @ June Cleaver Nirvanas last blog post..Horror House
Cleveland! Cleveland! Cleveland! I’m a little biased, though. We could start a Cleveland bloggers group
But seriously, if you have any questions about the Cleveland area and schools (especially east side), shoot me an email.
Good luck!
Cleveland??
Cleveland?
Are you kidding me? My uncle lived in Shaker Heights for years and never had anything good to say about that area.. isn’t that kinda like moving to Newark, NJ?
If you can afford to move just about anywhere, why not around Boulder, CO or Jackson Hole, WY?
Or Bah Hahbah, ME? You can at least eat the fish there. Or the lobstah.
sauerkrauts last blog post..Anne Kilkenny provides her 1st-person observations of Sarah Palin
But will you want to take Thursday Drives when the snow is piled as high as an elephant’s eye? Drat that lake effect snow!
Suzannes last blog post..Signs of Summer, Revamped
WHAT? You’re MOVING? I just thought I was behind, geez with no computer for the last month, gah!
CLEVELAND? Yikes, there is very cold winter there, snow and NO COWBOYS…what in the world will you do? Oh..maybe, you can come visit me in TEXAS where we have great weather and the cowboys just come with the territory!
Honestly, Jen…make yourself happy darling…get the house that will make you smile from now on…maybe even in Texas…hey, I can dream can’t I?
Smooches!
Megs last blog post..Texting…1…2…3 calling all CHEATERS
Hmmmm, I don’t know. Having lived with winter, but now in Phoenix - I have to say I don’t miss winter one iota. But, I heard your heart in Door #2 more than Door #1, somehow….
Anns last blog post..FAQs
Sounds like Cleveland is calling. I’m glad I’m not the only one who crosses my elbows. For me, it’s the only time I have cleavage.
Hilarys last blog post..Summer Leftovers
Cleveland, huh? Well, even though I might be in the minority, I say “go for it”! You see, I spent the 1st 25 years of my life in Ohio. Born and reared on the shores of Lake Erie in Sandusky (better known for the amusement park Cedar Point that is called the Roller Coaster capital of the world), attended THE Ohio State University, and then moved away for career. But all my siblings and hundreds of relatives STILL live in Ohio. What’s kinda’ funny is how a few of my uncles have 2nd homes in none other than Sun City, AZ where they escape the Ohio winters. Even about me.
Cleveland isn’t so bad. As you wrote, you can get quite the house for a little money in Cleveland. ‘Course summers are different than AZ because in the Midwest the humidity is such that, as they say, you can step out of the shower but you never dry off. And in the winter you’re subjected to some days of chilling cold as artic air flows down from Canada and, depending on where you live, can dump a whole lotta’ snow on your doorstep (see Buffalo, NY for examples).
You may not find cowboys in Ohio but you will find lots of cows and corn. You won’t find mountains but you’ll find serpent mounds made by Native Americans in southern Ohio. If you like Sports, Ohio is one of *THE* big sports states, whether it be rooting for high school, college or pro teams. As fervent as some are in Arizona for the Diamondbacks, so too are Cleveland fans for the Tribe. And the fan base for the Browns is considered one of the top 3 in the NFL.
Being a native Ohioan, and even though Oregon is green pretty much year ‘round, I do miss the distinct change in seasons . . . how the days are getting shorter right now and the air a little bit cooler . . . the fall festivals that’ll pop up all over the landscape with their homemade crafts and cider . . . the hayrides and pumpkin patch outings . . . followed by the first snowflakes of winter that will draw both a 7-year old and a 70-year old to the window with awe and delight . . . followed by the first hints of spring when the sun shines a little bit brighter and warmer as the first new blades of grass start showing more green than the white of snow . . . followed by the warm, humid, lazy summers best spent out on Lake Erie fishing for perch or walleye . . . and then back to right now.
Again I say go for it, JH. Take Door #2!
Meant to write “Enough about me” in the last sentence of the 1st paragraph. OOPS!!
Maybe one of the doors will just mysteriously open and you’ll say, “Yeah, that’s the one. I knew it all along.”
I know a couple who once chose which painting to buy by flipping a coin. They used this technique in other decisions too. What they noticed was: when the tossed coin was on its way down, a thought would pop into their heads, such as ‘Wow, I hope it’s heads.’ And that was the answer. Now a coin has only two sides, so you’ll have to devise another gamble, since you have more than two doors to choose.
Sans last blog post..Let Me Eat Cake
Hey! Remember me? Probably not…I’ve been gone a while…
Not long enough for you to have made a decision, :0), but at least you’ve narrowed it down! And yay for the house still being on the market.
I’d take it as a sign.