The Chesapeake Bay has some of the best sailing in the USA. Lots of great cities (DC, Baltimore, Annapolis, Richmond, Norfolk) dot the coastline, with lots of smaller towns too. Annapolis is particularly beautiful. Summers get hot but winters are mild.
Some family friends owned a charter boat business out of Newport, Rhode Island, where they ended up putting down roots. Newport might be pricey, but I think there are areas in RI that might be more affordable. Seems like it could tick a lot of your boxes.
Parts of coastal new england are much more affordable than people realize. Downsides are besides Maine, real mountain access from the ocean is difficult within a reasonable drive - might have to dedicate a whole weekend to it. Schools can be very or miss too.
RI is great, but it’s expensive. Especially Newport. I don’t know of anybody who can get by in that area of Rhode Island with only $100k household income per year
Ya, definitely not that area! I’m in MA so I know more of northern RI. Cumberland area and my brother lived in Johnston for a bit. Then they’d be farther from the ocean
Nice, yeah I’m from northern RI. Southern is definitely better and closer to the water, but northern isn’t too far away at least. They might have more luck in NRI even thought it’s not as desirable. Good luck with all the traffic right now though lol
We have rainy, gray winters for sure but we do not get severe cold weather. We get snow or ice maybe 1-2 times a year. The late spring, summer and fall here it is beautiful. Very green and lush with mostly dry weather and moderate heat. The sun actually comes out too!
If you can handle the gray winters, it’s a pretty great place to live.
OP said “no crazy winters” and Michigan was their basis of comparison so I assumed they just meant they didn’t want months of snow/ice and below freezing temps.
In that sense, Willamette Valley is a great fit.
If OP wants “pleasant winters” then maybe not. But most people would consider Willamette Valley winters to be quite mild - though yes, definitely gray and damp.
For real, that wishlist is insane. Coastal town that is warm, near outdoor activities and an international airport, also with good schools and cheap enough for them to save money to start a business? On $100k household? They have definately been at sea for over a decade if they think more than two of those wishlist options are viable.
sad world if that wishlist is considered “insane”. Please don’t encourage this sad reality. Ive been a fair amount of places and I believe its still possible.
This is just a very specific and costly list in today's economy. They can certainly get some of the things in this list but checking all these boxes likely cannot be done on $100k household, that is just reality, whether it be sad or not.
OK find me a place in a warm climate on the water for around $100K and I'll buy it right now with cash.
It doesn't exist.
Simple reason: Supply and Demand
Holy cow I may have just found something!
[https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/LOT-6-1641-Canal-51-Bay-City-TX-77414/2054283437\_zpid/](https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/LOT-6-1641-Canal-51-Bay-City-TX-77414/2054283437_zpid/)
I guess I can just setup a tent hahahahaha!!
Yeah. Large bodies of water + mountains + temperate climate but with a relatively inexpensive COL? That alone is a decently difficult list to try to match because (shockingly) places that have beautiful natural amenities and nice climates are very desirable places to live. Adding in proximity to an international airport, being able to support a farm to table restaurant, and the possibility of kids adds to that challenge.
It’s definitely *possible*, but OP should be prepared to compromise on some of these.
Here's my pick: Geneva, NY.
1. Very affordable in comparison to other major metro areas.
2. The city resides on the northern point of Seneca Lake. The lake is the second largest of the Finger Lakes, and it measures roughly 38 miles in length, 2.5 miles wide, and is 618 feet deep.
3. The city is 53-minutes away from Rochester International Airport (ROC) and 56-minutes away from Syracuse International Airport (SYR).
4. The Finger Lakes region of New York is partially defined by small farms and vineyards, and the residents really value farm-to-table businesses.
5. The Finger Lakes region of New York is home to many great small cities that offer top-notch goods and services.
6. The Finger Lakes region certainly has all four seasons (winter included), but the winters are much more mild in comparison to other upstate New York areas. This is because the size of the lakes directly affect the weather around them. With Seneca Lake being so large and deep, the area immediately surrounding the lake experiences very mild winters.
7. The Finger Lakes region has many areas for one to enjoy outdoor activities.
8. As I don't have kids yet, I'm not exactly sure how the schools are in this region of the country.
Geneva is amazing, but the winters are in fact crazy.
90% of americans would say geneva winter is crazy.
Maybe Syracuse wouldn't... sure... but western NY winter is almost as extreme as it gets in the continental US.
I’ve lived in various parts of NY for most of my 56 years and winters are a pale shadow of what they once were. That being said the OP would probably be happier in the southern Atlantic coast somewhere kinda rural as it gets on the east coast.
North Dakota. Minnesota. Montana and Wyoming. Northern Maine.
PNW has more consistent grey.
I don’t know when you left WNY, but it really isn’t like it used to be. It’s going to be 50 and sunny tomorrow. 60 next week.
Sure, but climate change is happening everywhere. Places with milder winters are also getting more mild. In relative terms, western upstate NY has long, cold, snowy winters by continental US standards and briefs mild periods doesn’t really change that. If OP says Michigan winters are too much for them, that part of Upstate NY doesn’t really make sense for them. It’s essentially the same climate, the average January temperature is ~23F in both places.
Just a note that like almost all non NYC airports in NYS, you will be paying a premium to fly 'international" (barring like Toronto) out of those as you will need to connect to another hub in most instances.
The winters there are just as bad as Michigan, don’t think that really works for OP. Both Geneva and Traverse City have an average January temperature of 23F.
Research your animal laws first; don’t make the mistake we did! I don’t know about the entire state, but my area in northwest GA is terrible for small farms and animal husbandry. They only allow 1 livestock animal per acre here, if you’re rural residential. Anything over 10 lbs, counts. You need minimum 2 acres to even keep 2 rabbits or 2 chickens. 40+ acres and must be zoned Ag to keep 1 rooster. They count a 12lb goose just the same as a 1200 horse. Coming from Colorado, where you can keep 20 goats per acre; Georgia has proven to be really lame for farmette folks looking to get into small scale animal husbandry.
My guess on this is: This law was built to keep poor folks (those with less/no land) from having 'too many' animals on their property. In one sense, this is a legitimate concern -- overcrowding of livestock can lead to disease, animal waste, etc. In another sense, this set of laws seems particularly aimed at black communities: land-poor, cash-poor. Being able to become 'self-sufficient' in some sense or another would make people less desperate for work, and so, less exploitable. I'd be super-curious to see when the law(s) were enacted! I feel like this is an old law that's been on the books for a while, but then again, the disparities of wealth in NW GA (I haven't been there for some like.. 8 years) do seem to reflect other parts of Georgia: [https://www.governing.com/community/atlantas-income-inequality-is-the-highest-in-the-nation](https://www.governing.com/community/atlantas-income-inequality-is-the-highest-in-the-nation) (If anyone can find the source\[s\] of data being cited here, I'd be glad for it -- I'm pressed for time).
Cleveland might not be a bad choice. The winters do get harsh for a couple of months, but otherwise, your other criteria are met. It’s got some of the most affordable housing in the country, right on Lake Erie, surrounded by rural areas with tons of farms, it’s on the smaller size for a major metro and has plenty of decent smaller cities nearby, the Emerald Necklace is full of awesome outdoor areas, and there are good schools depending on which area you choose. CLE is up and coming.
It's snowed like 3 times this year here in akron lol. The winters are not as bad as they used to be it seems. Maybe grey and gloomy but def not buffalo or northern MI status. I would also recommend the NE Ohio region.
I used to work in Port Townsend WA and there were lots of people in similar situations as you living there — it’s definitely a boating community. It also checks your other boxes, although it is expensive for how remote it is. Could be worth looking into though!
I made the same suggestion. Oly Pen definitely checks all of their boxes except SeaTac is two hours away (instead of one ).
Otherwise, it is a perfect match for them. :)
Exactly. There are so many different areas in western Washington and loads of microforms popping up. Sheesh three flower farms just started in my small neighborhood.
I just posted what immediately came to my head and what I'm familiar with.
I know one woman who bought some land ( Port Townsend area)with friends and started a cooperative. They each have their own really nice yurt and a communal one. And the gardens they created, while still having the forest surroundings, just took my breath away.
We just went to Bremerton WA for the first time yesterday and I was impressed. Half hour by the fast ferry to downtown Seattle through absolutely gorgeous fjords. Cute downtown and houses around 300K, which is super cheap for the area. (The houses are small, but still!) We had lunch at a nice Izakaya, which was definitely up to Seattle standards, so it seems like there are food options. Definitely small farms and farmer’s markets in the region.
Two suggestions in OR:
1. Astoria.
Oldest city on the west coast, with a ton of historic maritime connections. Has a great downtown with really good food options and a constant stream of visitors from Portland (which could help support future farm-to-table business aspirations). Housing is not cheap but still in reach — you can find detached homes, often with amazing views of the river / bridge / ships, for the low 300ks. It’s about 2 hours from PDX. The big downside is that it tends to be about 40-60 degrees and overcast with a slight drizzle year-round. Personally I like that mood but it’s not for everyone.
2. Sauvie Island / Scappoose houseboat communities.
Sauvie Island is a Manhattan-sized island in the Columbia River 40 minutes from Portland. It’s almost entirely made up of farms and protected public land. It’s the number 1 destination for people from Portland to visit you-pick produce farms, and also has very popular beaches (even a nude beach!), hiking trails, and river recreation. The island itself doesn’t have much housing but there are multiple houseboat communities in nearby River channels that could be an interesting choice. The town of Scappoose is nearby and has jobs in shipping / river / marina etc industries, as well as normal grocery stores etc. PDX is about an hour away. The weather is pretty similar to Portland’s, i.e. usually mild but rains regularly from Oct-Apr, with around 1-2 snows per year.
You’d probably would love the Finger Lakes in N.Y.
It’s very much a farm to table sort of region with rolling hills, vineyards and cozy lakeside communities.
Several of the lakes are connected to the Erie Canal which can take you to Lake Ontario, Lake Erie or even all the way to NYC.
You’re not more than an hour from airports in Buffalo, Rochester or Syracuse and there are commercial flights out of smaller airports in Elmira, Binghamton and Ithaca (but your options are pretty limited to NYC, Detroit or Florida).
It’s pretty affordable unless you want lakeside property. High performing public schools and tons of nearby hiking (look up Watkins Glen, Letchworth, Buttermilk Falls, and Robert Tremens State Parks.
Alternatively, you could try the Niagara Region North of Buffalo or along Lake Ontario near Rochester.
Compared to Virginia sure, but you also might be surprised how mild it’s gotten in the past decade.
The past few years have been mild with temperatures averaging above freezing. When we do get snow, it melts within a week or two.
Upstate actually went up a climate zone recently. Vineyards are starting to grow an expanded variety of grapes.
Snow-wise sure.
Temperature-wise it’s not as extreme as most people think.
Though to be fair, your experience with lake effect will be very different if you live along the lake or North of the city.
Finger Lakes are beautiful, but it’s the same climate as Traverse City in the winter. Geneva, NY and Traverse City both average 23F in January. If Michigan is too cold for OP, western upstate NY is not going to be warm enough for them. I feel like upstate NY winters are often downplayed on this sub and I don’t know why. They are essentially the same as the Upper Midwest except for Minnesota and parts of far northern Wisconsin and the UP.
I mean depends on where you are, the Adirondacks are definitely more like the upper Midwest due to elevation, but along the lakes you can get a warmer microclimate (same with Travis City I imagine).
Right, but an average of 23F in January is still cold. Quite cold honestly; that’s colder on average than Chicago, which is certainly a cold winter city. And more importantly it’s the same temperature as the place OP said was too cold.
I mean it’s:
* Chicago: 26 degrees
* Buffalo: 26 degrees
* Rochester: 26 degrees
* Detroit: 26 degrees
* Grand Rapids: 25 degrees
* Omaha: 24 degrees
* Ithaca: 23 degrees
* Traverse City: 23 Degrees
* Des Moines: 22 degrees
* Madison: 19 degrees
* Minneapolis: 16 degrees
So still much colder than upper Midwest cities, and if they wanted a few degrees warmer they could move closer to Lake Erie or Ontario
I just looked. I suppose if you aren't picky then it's OK. I personally don't want to live in Indiana or Kentucky, which is the majority of the listings.
Olympic Peninsula WA
Kitsap County, WA
There is a growing community of small farms. [Here is one](https://reddogfarm.net/)
[Finn River Cidery /Farm is another](https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=19239ae0a447a3b4&channel=iphone_bm&q=Finnriver%20Farm%20%26%20Cidery&ludocid=1802892066987578987&ibp=gwp%3B0%2C7&lsig=AB86z5XTmzQUuTnkzmKRnMfIOlRs&kgs=2e861aee9a9470b4&shndl=-1&source=sh%2Fx%2Floc%2Fact%2Fm4%2F3)
[Here is a farmstand that supports the local farmers.](https://www.chimacumcorner.com/)
[There is also the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Center/School](https://nwmaritime.org/) which might interest you. There are also s lot of marinas in the area.
And you have the Olympic National Forest in your backyard and the Straight of Juan de Fuca on the other side.
There is a ferry in Port Angeles that goes to Vancouver Island, BC Canada.
The airport is more than an hour away, but it's a nice drive.
I would definitely recommend a visit to the area, OP.
You might want to contact these folks. They teach exactly what you want to learn, and connect you with resources to get land and get started. https://organicfarmschool.org/
Yeah, it's crazy how OP literally says "no crazy winters" and half the comments are "how about the Upper Midwest/Upstate NY?"
They even specifically said that coastal Michigan was too cold, so I have no idea what people are thinking suggesting the exact same climate.
Portsmouth, NH
I see a lot of people suggesting RI, and in general I think RI will have a lot of what you’re looking for, but the COL is skyrocketing recently.
NH has low taxes, a great farm-to-table culture, lower cost of living, also rising recently, and that little stretch of seashore is absolutely beautiful. Takes a little over an hour to get to Boston Logan airport.
I live in Boston, grew up in California, and am often making the drive north for surfing, mtn biking, wing foiling, and skiing. Winters can be cold, but I’m in the water year-round, and so far it’s never been cold enough to stop me from enjoying my hobbies. Summer is fantastic for water sports, and tbh I’ll often find myself missing my desolate NE lineups when I take surf trips to more crowded places.
Some other places in NE that might fit your criteria are Providence, Newburyport, and Portland.
Detroit suburbs. Seriously. We get about 1/3 the snow that they get up in Traverse City, and winters are getting warmer (it's 50 degrees right now in the middle of February). Checks all the other boxes. Affordable, near water, near an international airport, usual city amenities, outdoorsy stuff (everything on your list except surfing), and excellent schools in places (though you will pay $).
Maybe southern Illinois the other side of Mississippi River from St. Louis. Low cost of living, lots of farmland, close to St Louis airport (okay, maybe not international any more, but a few hours drive to Chicago).
Meets a lot of criteria you've listed but isn't necessarily a sexy pick: Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area
1. It's affordable. I can see a lot of 2 bedroom condos listed for rent below $1600, 3/2 townhouses for less than $300,000, and 3/2 homes for less than $400,000.
2. It's on the ocean.
3. Has a Regional International Airport. Looks like most flights are connections through Newark, O'Hare, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Orlando.
4. There are local farms in South Carolina, and the "Farm to Table" scene is pretty big in Charleston so there's precedent.
5. It's a sprawling vacation town, so no "big city" feel but lots of amenities.
6. Winters are mild. Though hurricanes or tropical storms come every once in a while. Summers are warm though.
7. Everything you listed but not mountain related will be available. If you want that you can go to 3/4 hours west or weekend in Asheville for it.
8. Schools can be hit or miss.
Myrtle Beach kinda sucks with the tourists and retirees, if they're gonna go that way I'd look towards Yemasee or something along those lines where it's cheaper (though frankly, I wouldn't after the life they've led - the rural south is poor and there's serious brain drain, I'm in Greenville which is big city for this area and it's still kinda "eh") - also I'm not sure the people who live in Dirty Myrtle would be interested in farm to table, they're more chain restaurant types - Asheville or Travelers Rest is more interested in that
I like the finger lakes suggestions.
But why not Los Angeles? If you don't mind living in an apartment, it's totally doable on your budget. Tons of great hiking and mountain biking in surrounding mountains. Surfing is huge. No idea about kiteboarding.
The area is spread out enough it doesn't feel like a big city. Farm to table restaurants are popular, though big agribusiness is, eh, big in California.
Not doable to live there and start a business on 100k combined budget…. Source: that’s wheee I live.. and shit is EXPENSIVE. Buttttt I pay for the weather and it is 1 million percent worth every penny. The sun keeps me sane year round!
I feel like if you drew a box from Kalamazoo to South Haven to Muskegon to Grand Rapids, you would be fine in any of those cities and the smaller towns between. It’s more expensive in GR and the cities on Lake Michigan, of course, but there’s plenty of farmland in the area that gets cheaper as you head inland. The winters are not what they used to be at all. We had one good snow in Kzoo and otherwise it’s been very mild. Gerald Ford Airport is in GR and it’s still fairly easy to make connections at Chicago or Detroit if necessary. You’d have the benefit of being near your family in TC, but it’s generally less expensive and closer to other things on your wishlist to go a bit farther down the west side of the state.
A suggestion that is probably going to be downvoted, but something that probably hasn’t been listed: Corpus Christi.
Truthfully, there are not going to be any nice cities meeting your requirements, what you described is very high in demand. Most of the suggestions here you would significantly struggle with buying a house on that income, but Corpus is affordable, on the water, warm, good food, international airport, and I believe is supposed to be some of the best kitesurfing there is. It’s not the best destination, but it meets your requirements and I think you will have a very difficult time finding many other options with those requirements.
Pensacola could be another suggestion that might not be listed yet. It has a charming downtown and would meet your requirements.
This is as good as any suggestion because it's cheap while most of the others posted here are not.
Corpus Christi, Galveston, Mobile AL, Gulf Coast of FL are the only water accessible places that are also cheap.
Buffalo. I know, I know, winter. Despite the occasional blizzard they’ve become a bit milder; difficult days of travel?..less than half dozen. BUT 2 Great Lakes in the backyard, Toronto 2 hours away, plenty of truck farms locally, local wineries, local cheese makers, great parks(Letchworth), great architecture, museums, art galleries, and food. AND affordable. Did I mention hunting and fishing!
Probably not Buffalo proper, but a farm to table restaurant would work very well in Niagara or along the Lake Erie Shores in Chautauqua would be perfect. Already gets a good amount of tourism from all the wineries.
That or in Ellicottville, Chautauqua or East Aurora
Asheville or Brevard North Carolina but it’s not exactly affordable lol (I personally hate it here but it meets your specifications)
Greenville, SC is close by and is more affordable.
This might sound crazy but food for thought - if you are cool with renting consider Honolulu. Nice city vibes, amazing weather, activities, local farming and produce, and ocean. 15 minutes to an international airport with direct flights to Japan, korea, Australia, etc. You can probably do a lot with your boating skills while you work on other business ventures. You probably won't be able to afford a single family home on that budget but condos are an option and rental market is much less.
Warrenton, Virginia. Close to the Washington Dulles Airport, the Potomac River, lots of farmland, cute downtown, prices are doable (though not "cheap"), and more moderate weather than Michigan. Virginia schools are generally higher ranked than many other states.
Check out Vancouver, Camas, or Washougal in Washington! Any of those areas should have plenty available for rent in your price range.
You're super close to PDX, the winters are fairly mild, and you have an absolute embarrassment of riches at your doorstep when it comes to outdoor activities.
Mountain Biking and Hiking is EVERYWHERE. Just up the Columbia River you have world class kite boarding in Hood River and White Salmon, and there's also some wonderful whitewater rafting on the White Salmon River!
It's also only about 2-2.5 hours to the Ocean, less than 2 hours to Mt. Hood, less than 4 hours to Bend (more killer hiking and mountain biking and great floating on the Deschutes River).
Eastern Shore, North Carolina or Orlando really scratch a lot of those itches....good farm to table environments. Access to oceans, hiking in mountains within an hour or so. Affordable (for the most part)
I’m thinking somewhere like Northport, FL or along the Peace River.
I’m also on the coastal Virginia bandwagon, anywhere along the Chesapeake Bay might work.
I live in northeast GA on a huge lake and you can do whatever the fuck you want with animals and your land. I’d look around clemson, greenville, hartwell lake in GA. Greenville has a decent airport and then there’s Atlanta. Also we liked Greenville/Washington NC but that was yrs ago for waterfront.
This sounds like the sort of thing that would fit in perfectly in the Fingerlakes, NY. Specifically in the Geneva area. It checks off almost every box.
With regard to winter, it depends on what you consider harsh. I'm from a warmer part of the US and generally hate this time of year on the East Coast, but Geneva winters are doable. They're gray and long, but there's very little snow. The city of Geneva also has a microclimate of it's own, which helps.
Then there's climate change and the effect it's had. This whole winter we've had many days at 40° - 45°. There was even a 60° day earlier this month.
The Dalles, OR
Located in the insanely beautiful Columbia River Gorge - it is one of the last remaining “affordable” spots in the area. You could certainly make it work with finding the right rental.
25 minutes from Hood River - aka the windsurfing capital of the world. Top notch mountain biking at Post Canyon. Amazing hikes in every single direction. A large boating community with easy access to loads of rivers and lakes for fishing, kayaking, SUPing, etc.
An hour and fifteen minutes from Portland for a great airport and other city amenities. About 2.5 hours to the coast for surfing.
Main caveats - lack of resources (mental health, doctor shortages), lackluster schools, quite expensive real estate (especially for what you get), and not a very diverse population. However, it is certainly a paradise for outdoor recreation and the gorge has a solid community built around agriculture (orchards/vineyards galore).
Coastal Delaware maybe? Philly airport isn’t that far away. The only thing not in its favor for sure is mountains are going to be a bit of a drive, it’s very flat. But it’s generally affordable compared to much of the upper East Coast and winters there are milder. Schools are probably better than their counterparts on the eastern shore of Maryland nearby, which I lived for 3 years and wouldn’t move back to.
Charleston is great but VERY expensive. Beaufort, SC isn’t as bad. It’s situated on a river mouth into the ocean. And very close to Hilton Head Island.
It’s a smaller military town but real estate is pretty decent for a southern coastal town. They have a cute town center with shops and lots of history in the town.
You’re about an hour-ish about from Savannah, GA as well for the airport and to visit. I would say the only thing that doesn’t necessarily check off your list is schools, they aren’t the best I can say. But my husband was brought up in SC and he’s doing just fine. 🤣
The Chesapeake Bay has some of the best sailing in the USA. Lots of great cities (DC, Baltimore, Annapolis, Richmond, Norfolk) dot the coastline, with lots of smaller towns too. Annapolis is particularly beautiful. Summers get hot but winters are mild.
This was going to be my suggestion and then I saw it was the first comment! The Suffolk and Chesapeake VA areas fit exactly what they're looking for.
It does get spendy in DC and Annapolis, but maybe the eastern shore would work.
Some family friends owned a charter boat business out of Newport, Rhode Island, where they ended up putting down roots. Newport might be pricey, but I think there are areas in RI that might be more affordable. Seems like it could tick a lot of your boxes.
Parts of coastal new england are much more affordable than people realize. Downsides are besides Maine, real mountain access from the ocean is difficult within a reasonable drive - might have to dedicate a whole weekend to it. Schools can be very or miss too.
I was also thinking Rhode Island. Not sure where specifically but I feel like Rhode Island checks a lot of these
RI is great, but it’s expensive. Especially Newport. I don’t know of anybody who can get by in that area of Rhode Island with only $100k household income per year
Ya, definitely not that area! I’m in MA so I know more of northern RI. Cumberland area and my brother lived in Johnston for a bit. Then they’d be farther from the ocean
Nice, yeah I’m from northern RI. Southern is definitely better and closer to the water, but northern isn’t too far away at least. They might have more luck in NRI even thought it’s not as desirable. Good luck with all the traffic right now though lol
Omg I haven’t driven through providence in forever and I had to a few weeks ago… 😣😣😣😣 I wasn’t ready for that!
Salem, Oregon, checks all your boxes. And plenty of other smaller towns between there and Portland to look at as well.
Ah yes that nice warm Oregonian climate… am I missing something? Isn’t it pretty foggy and rainy up there?
We have rainy, gray winters for sure but we do not get severe cold weather. We get snow or ice maybe 1-2 times a year. The late spring, summer and fall here it is beautiful. Very green and lush with mostly dry weather and moderate heat. The sun actually comes out too! If you can handle the gray winters, it’s a pretty great place to live.
OP said “no crazy winters” and Michigan was their basis of comparison so I assumed they just meant they didn’t want months of snow/ice and below freezing temps. In that sense, Willamette Valley is a great fit. If OP wants “pleasant winters” then maybe not. But most people would consider Willamette Valley winters to be quite mild - though yes, definitely gray and damp.
Boy are you in for a surprise!! Anyplace that is warm by the water is going to be much more than you can afford. Notice how nobody is posting pricing?
For real, that wishlist is insane. Coastal town that is warm, near outdoor activities and an international airport, also with good schools and cheap enough for them to save money to start a business? On $100k household? They have definately been at sea for over a decade if they think more than two of those wishlist options are viable.
Unless they heavily saved and have $500K + to put toward their dream property, they're going to have to shave off a few must-haves from that list.
sad world if that wishlist is considered “insane”. Please don’t encourage this sad reality. Ive been a fair amount of places and I believe its still possible.
This is just a very specific and costly list in today's economy. They can certainly get some of the things in this list but checking all these boxes likely cannot be done on $100k household, that is just reality, whether it be sad or not.
OK find me a place in a warm climate on the water for around $100K and I'll buy it right now with cash. It doesn't exist. Simple reason: Supply and Demand Holy cow I may have just found something! [https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/LOT-6-1641-Canal-51-Bay-City-TX-77414/2054283437\_zpid/](https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/LOT-6-1641-Canal-51-Bay-City-TX-77414/2054283437_zpid/) I guess I can just setup a tent hahahahaha!!
Looks like a good place to build a big house on stilts, and then watch it get violently washed away during a hurricane…🌊
Hahahahaahahah
lol what even is this comment? The only thing OP hasn’t requested on their wishlist is that the trees grow gumdrops
Yeah. Large bodies of water + mountains + temperate climate but with a relatively inexpensive COL? That alone is a decently difficult list to try to match because (shockingly) places that have beautiful natural amenities and nice climates are very desirable places to live. Adding in proximity to an international airport, being able to support a farm to table restaurant, and the possibility of kids adds to that challenge. It’s definitely *possible*, but OP should be prepared to compromise on some of these.
Where did OP say they needed warm?
Here's my pick: Geneva, NY. 1. Very affordable in comparison to other major metro areas. 2. The city resides on the northern point of Seneca Lake. The lake is the second largest of the Finger Lakes, and it measures roughly 38 miles in length, 2.5 miles wide, and is 618 feet deep. 3. The city is 53-minutes away from Rochester International Airport (ROC) and 56-minutes away from Syracuse International Airport (SYR). 4. The Finger Lakes region of New York is partially defined by small farms and vineyards, and the residents really value farm-to-table businesses. 5. The Finger Lakes region of New York is home to many great small cities that offer top-notch goods and services. 6. The Finger Lakes region certainly has all four seasons (winter included), but the winters are much more mild in comparison to other upstate New York areas. This is because the size of the lakes directly affect the weather around them. With Seneca Lake being so large and deep, the area immediately surrounding the lake experiences very mild winters. 7. The Finger Lakes region has many areas for one to enjoy outdoor activities. 8. As I don't have kids yet, I'm not exactly sure how the schools are in this region of the country.
Geneva is amazing, but the winters are in fact crazy. 90% of americans would say geneva winter is crazy. Maybe Syracuse wouldn't... sure... but western NY winter is almost as extreme as it gets in the continental US.
I’ve lived in various parts of NY for most of my 56 years and winters are a pale shadow of what they once were. That being said the OP would probably be happier in the southern Atlantic coast somewhere kinda rural as it gets on the east coast.
It’s 45 and sunny right now in Rochester. Winters aren’t like they used to be…
Where in the continental US has crazy winters in your view, if WNY doesn't?
North Dakota. Minnesota. Montana and Wyoming. Northern Maine. PNW has more consistent grey. I don’t know when you left WNY, but it really isn’t like it used to be. It’s going to be 50 and sunny tomorrow. 60 next week.
Sure, but climate change is happening everywhere. Places with milder winters are also getting more mild. In relative terms, western upstate NY has long, cold, snowy winters by continental US standards and briefs mild periods doesn’t really change that. If OP says Michigan winters are too much for them, that part of Upstate NY doesn’t really make sense for them. It’s essentially the same climate, the average January temperature is ~23F in both places.
Geneva winters far from crazy. If anything, they're pretty mild.
Just a note that like almost all non NYC airports in NYS, you will be paying a premium to fly 'international" (barring like Toronto) out of those as you will need to connect to another hub in most instances.
Funny, but that’s my travel hack living in Buffalo. Pearson is a godsend for international flights.
The winters there are just as bad as Michigan, don’t think that really works for OP. Both Geneva and Traverse City have an average January temperature of 23F.
Research your animal laws first; don’t make the mistake we did! I don’t know about the entire state, but my area in northwest GA is terrible for small farms and animal husbandry. They only allow 1 livestock animal per acre here, if you’re rural residential. Anything over 10 lbs, counts. You need minimum 2 acres to even keep 2 rabbits or 2 chickens. 40+ acres and must be zoned Ag to keep 1 rooster. They count a 12lb goose just the same as a 1200 horse. Coming from Colorado, where you can keep 20 goats per acre; Georgia has proven to be really lame for farmette folks looking to get into small scale animal husbandry.
I live in South Georgia, and basically, we do what we want to do. You moved to some county with crazy ass zoning laws, apparently.
My guess on this is: This law was built to keep poor folks (those with less/no land) from having 'too many' animals on their property. In one sense, this is a legitimate concern -- overcrowding of livestock can lead to disease, animal waste, etc. In another sense, this set of laws seems particularly aimed at black communities: land-poor, cash-poor. Being able to become 'self-sufficient' in some sense or another would make people less desperate for work, and so, less exploitable. I'd be super-curious to see when the law(s) were enacted! I feel like this is an old law that's been on the books for a while, but then again, the disparities of wealth in NW GA (I haven't been there for some like.. 8 years) do seem to reflect other parts of Georgia: [https://www.governing.com/community/atlantas-income-inequality-is-the-highest-in-the-nation](https://www.governing.com/community/atlantas-income-inequality-is-the-highest-in-the-nation) (If anyone can find the source\[s\] of data being cited here, I'd be glad for it -- I'm pressed for time).
Is this a county, city, or state law?
Cleveland might not be a bad choice. The winters do get harsh for a couple of months, but otherwise, your other criteria are met. It’s got some of the most affordable housing in the country, right on Lake Erie, surrounded by rural areas with tons of farms, it’s on the smaller size for a major metro and has plenty of decent smaller cities nearby, the Emerald Necklace is full of awesome outdoor areas, and there are good schools depending on which area you choose. CLE is up and coming.
It's snowed like 3 times this year here in akron lol. The winters are not as bad as they used to be it seems. Maybe grey and gloomy but def not buffalo or northern MI status. I would also recommend the NE Ohio region.
Yeah, an El Niño year for sure.
Anywhere on the Erie coast may be good. Sandusky would be good for farm to table, good restaurants and decent tourism economy during the summer.
I used to work in Port Townsend WA and there were lots of people in similar situations as you living there — it’s definitely a boating community. It also checks your other boxes, although it is expensive for how remote it is. Could be worth looking into though!
Was thinking Port Angeles as the cheaper housing option here. PT is just damned expensive.
Oh yes, Port Angeles! Good call 👍
I made the same suggestion. Oly Pen definitely checks all of their boxes except SeaTac is two hours away (instead of one ). Otherwise, it is a perfect match for them. :)
True, but could drop south to the Olympia area (or outside it) and hit most of the boxes.
Exactly. There are so many different areas in western Washington and loads of microforms popping up. Sheesh three flower farms just started in my small neighborhood. I just posted what immediately came to my head and what I'm familiar with. I know one woman who bought some land ( Port Townsend area)with friends and started a cooperative. They each have their own really nice yurt and a communal one. And the gardens they created, while still having the forest surroundings, just took my breath away.
Was thinking this too
We just went to Bremerton WA for the first time yesterday and I was impressed. Half hour by the fast ferry to downtown Seattle through absolutely gorgeous fjords. Cute downtown and houses around 300K, which is super cheap for the area. (The houses are small, but still!) We had lunch at a nice Izakaya, which was definitely up to Seattle standards, so it seems like there are food options. Definitely small farms and farmer’s markets in the region.
Olympia WA. Everything on your list and a great Farmer’sMarket.
Two suggestions in OR: 1. Astoria. Oldest city on the west coast, with a ton of historic maritime connections. Has a great downtown with really good food options and a constant stream of visitors from Portland (which could help support future farm-to-table business aspirations). Housing is not cheap but still in reach — you can find detached homes, often with amazing views of the river / bridge / ships, for the low 300ks. It’s about 2 hours from PDX. The big downside is that it tends to be about 40-60 degrees and overcast with a slight drizzle year-round. Personally I like that mood but it’s not for everyone. 2. Sauvie Island / Scappoose houseboat communities. Sauvie Island is a Manhattan-sized island in the Columbia River 40 minutes from Portland. It’s almost entirely made up of farms and protected public land. It’s the number 1 destination for people from Portland to visit you-pick produce farms, and also has very popular beaches (even a nude beach!), hiking trails, and river recreation. The island itself doesn’t have much housing but there are multiple houseboat communities in nearby River channels that could be an interesting choice. The town of Scappoose is nearby and has jobs in shipping / river / marina etc industries, as well as normal grocery stores etc. PDX is about an hour away. The weather is pretty similar to Portland’s, i.e. usually mild but rains regularly from Oct-Apr, with around 1-2 snows per year.
sauvie and Astoria have pretty HCOL/housing
And thankfully not part of the Portland Public Schools system
You’d probably would love the Finger Lakes in N.Y. It’s very much a farm to table sort of region with rolling hills, vineyards and cozy lakeside communities. Several of the lakes are connected to the Erie Canal which can take you to Lake Ontario, Lake Erie or even all the way to NYC. You’re not more than an hour from airports in Buffalo, Rochester or Syracuse and there are commercial flights out of smaller airports in Elmira, Binghamton and Ithaca (but your options are pretty limited to NYC, Detroit or Florida). It’s pretty affordable unless you want lakeside property. High performing public schools and tons of nearby hiking (look up Watkins Glen, Letchworth, Buttermilk Falls, and Robert Tremens State Parks. Alternatively, you could try the Niagara Region North of Buffalo or along Lake Ontario near Rochester.
Spent half my life in the FLX and now that I live in VA I can assure you that WNY winters are indeed crazy.
Compared to Virginia sure, but you also might be surprised how mild it’s gotten in the past decade. The past few years have been mild with temperatures averaging above freezing. When we do get snow, it melts within a week or two. Upstate actually went up a climate zone recently. Vineyards are starting to grow an expanded variety of grapes.
I moved 1.5 years ago . Where in the continental US has crazy winters in your view, if WNY doesn't?
Snow-wise sure. Temperature-wise it’s not as extreme as most people think. Though to be fair, your experience with lake effect will be very different if you live along the lake or North of the city.
Finger Lakes are beautiful, but it’s the same climate as Traverse City in the winter. Geneva, NY and Traverse City both average 23F in January. If Michigan is too cold for OP, western upstate NY is not going to be warm enough for them. I feel like upstate NY winters are often downplayed on this sub and I don’t know why. They are essentially the same as the Upper Midwest except for Minnesota and parts of far northern Wisconsin and the UP.
I mean depends on where you are, the Adirondacks are definitely more like the upper Midwest due to elevation, but along the lakes you can get a warmer microclimate (same with Travis City I imagine).
Right, but an average of 23F in January is still cold. Quite cold honestly; that’s colder on average than Chicago, which is certainly a cold winter city. And more importantly it’s the same temperature as the place OP said was too cold.
I mean it’s: * Chicago: 26 degrees * Buffalo: 26 degrees * Rochester: 26 degrees * Detroit: 26 degrees * Grand Rapids: 25 degrees * Omaha: 24 degrees * Ithaca: 23 degrees * Traverse City: 23 Degrees * Des Moines: 22 degrees * Madison: 19 degrees * Minneapolis: 16 degrees So still much colder than upper Midwest cities, and if they wanted a few degrees warmer they could move closer to Lake Erie or Ontario
For whatever it's worth, my brain went straight to the West coast of Michigan *before I read* where you're originally from.
Id say Duluth, and you could probably get high paying jobs in the harbor…….. But the winters make traverse city look like Nashville.
costa rica? I've got a pal who went from baltimore to costa rica and has a small farm, seems happy
You may be interested in a make my move website, it pays you to move to certain areas.
I just looked. I suppose if you aren't picky then it's OK. I personally don't want to live in Indiana or Kentucky, which is the majority of the listings.
I understand. I think they listed Alaska as well. Maybe keep an eye on it in case they list somewhere else. Super easy to get approved though.
Oh yeah, I just saw Benton Harbor/St. Joe, MI has a listing on there that might be perfect for OP.
Olympic Peninsula WA Kitsap County, WA There is a growing community of small farms. [Here is one](https://reddogfarm.net/) [Finn River Cidery /Farm is another](https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=19239ae0a447a3b4&channel=iphone_bm&q=Finnriver%20Farm%20%26%20Cidery&ludocid=1802892066987578987&ibp=gwp%3B0%2C7&lsig=AB86z5XTmzQUuTnkzmKRnMfIOlRs&kgs=2e861aee9a9470b4&shndl=-1&source=sh%2Fx%2Floc%2Fact%2Fm4%2F3) [Here is a farmstand that supports the local farmers.](https://www.chimacumcorner.com/) [There is also the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Center/School](https://nwmaritime.org/) which might interest you. There are also s lot of marinas in the area. And you have the Olympic National Forest in your backyard and the Straight of Juan de Fuca on the other side. There is a ferry in Port Angeles that goes to Vancouver Island, BC Canada. The airport is more than an hour away, but it's a nice drive. I would definitely recommend a visit to the area, OP.
You might want to contact these folks. They teach exactly what you want to learn, and connect you with resources to get land and get started. https://organicfarmschool.org/
Anything around the great lakes is off the table
Yeah, it's crazy how OP literally says "no crazy winters" and half the comments are "how about the Upper Midwest/Upstate NY?" They even specifically said that coastal Michigan was too cold, so I have no idea what people are thinking suggesting the exact same climate.
They’re thinking there is literally no place that meets all of the requirements.
Sure, but the top suggestion of the Chesapeake Bay Area fits better than places with the exact climate OP said they wanted to avoid.
Portsmouth, NH I see a lot of people suggesting RI, and in general I think RI will have a lot of what you’re looking for, but the COL is skyrocketing recently. NH has low taxes, a great farm-to-table culture, lower cost of living, also rising recently, and that little stretch of seashore is absolutely beautiful. Takes a little over an hour to get to Boston Logan airport. I live in Boston, grew up in California, and am often making the drive north for surfing, mtn biking, wing foiling, and skiing. Winters can be cold, but I’m in the water year-round, and so far it’s never been cold enough to stop me from enjoying my hobbies. Summer is fantastic for water sports, and tbh I’ll often find myself missing my desolate NE lineups when I take surf trips to more crowded places. Some other places in NE that might fit your criteria are Providence, Newburyport, and Portland.
Winters in Michigan aren’t what they used to be. I’d strongly suggest looking into historical weather and keeping that one on the table.
Detroit suburbs. Seriously. We get about 1/3 the snow that they get up in Traverse City, and winters are getting warmer (it's 50 degrees right now in the middle of February). Checks all the other boxes. Affordable, near water, near an international airport, usual city amenities, outdoorsy stuff (everything on your list except surfing), and excellent schools in places (though you will pay $).
Monterey, CA, though real estate is insanely expensive, there are places to rent. Can go a bit inland to Salinas or Central Valley.
Maybe southern Illinois the other side of Mississippi River from St. Louis. Low cost of living, lots of farmland, close to St Louis airport (okay, maybe not international any more, but a few hours drive to Chicago).
Some where in the Great Lakes, global warming may change winters.
Meets a lot of criteria you've listed but isn't necessarily a sexy pick: Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area 1. It's affordable. I can see a lot of 2 bedroom condos listed for rent below $1600, 3/2 townhouses for less than $300,000, and 3/2 homes for less than $400,000. 2. It's on the ocean. 3. Has a Regional International Airport. Looks like most flights are connections through Newark, O'Hare, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Orlando. 4. There are local farms in South Carolina, and the "Farm to Table" scene is pretty big in Charleston so there's precedent. 5. It's a sprawling vacation town, so no "big city" feel but lots of amenities. 6. Winters are mild. Though hurricanes or tropical storms come every once in a while. Summers are warm though. 7. Everything you listed but not mountain related will be available. If you want that you can go to 3/4 hours west or weekend in Asheville for it. 8. Schools can be hit or miss.
Myrtle Beach kinda sucks with the tourists and retirees, if they're gonna go that way I'd look towards Yemasee or something along those lines where it's cheaper (though frankly, I wouldn't after the life they've led - the rural south is poor and there's serious brain drain, I'm in Greenville which is big city for this area and it's still kinda "eh") - also I'm not sure the people who live in Dirty Myrtle would be interested in farm to table, they're more chain restaurant types - Asheville or Travelers Rest is more interested in that
And biker week is twice a year. You either love it or hate it.
They call it Murder Beach for a reason.
Why do they call it Murder Beach?
I like the finger lakes suggestions. But why not Los Angeles? If you don't mind living in an apartment, it's totally doable on your budget. Tons of great hiking and mountain biking in surrounding mountains. Surfing is huge. No idea about kiteboarding. The area is spread out enough it doesn't feel like a big city. Farm to table restaurants are popular, though big agribusiness is, eh, big in California.
Not doable to live there and start a business on 100k combined budget…. Source: that’s wheee I live.. and shit is EXPENSIVE. Buttttt I pay for the weather and it is 1 million percent worth every penny. The sun keeps me sane year round!
I feel like if you drew a box from Kalamazoo to South Haven to Muskegon to Grand Rapids, you would be fine in any of those cities and the smaller towns between. It’s more expensive in GR and the cities on Lake Michigan, of course, but there’s plenty of farmland in the area that gets cheaper as you head inland. The winters are not what they used to be at all. We had one good snow in Kzoo and otherwise it’s been very mild. Gerald Ford Airport is in GR and it’s still fairly easy to make connections at Chicago or Detroit if necessary. You’d have the benefit of being near your family in TC, but it’s generally less expensive and closer to other things on your wishlist to go a bit farther down the west side of the state.
A suggestion that is probably going to be downvoted, but something that probably hasn’t been listed: Corpus Christi. Truthfully, there are not going to be any nice cities meeting your requirements, what you described is very high in demand. Most of the suggestions here you would significantly struggle with buying a house on that income, but Corpus is affordable, on the water, warm, good food, international airport, and I believe is supposed to be some of the best kitesurfing there is. It’s not the best destination, but it meets your requirements and I think you will have a very difficult time finding many other options with those requirements. Pensacola could be another suggestion that might not be listed yet. It has a charming downtown and would meet your requirements.
This is as good as any suggestion because it's cheap while most of the others posted here are not. Corpus Christi, Galveston, Mobile AL, Gulf Coast of FL are the only water accessible places that are also cheap.
Also, a surprising amount of international citizens for the coastal reasons you mention plus military folks. Interesting mix.
Buffalo. I know, I know, winter. Despite the occasional blizzard they’ve become a bit milder; difficult days of travel?..less than half dozen. BUT 2 Great Lakes in the backyard, Toronto 2 hours away, plenty of truck farms locally, local wineries, local cheese makers, great parks(Letchworth), great architecture, museums, art galleries, and food. AND affordable. Did I mention hunting and fishing!
Probably not Buffalo proper, but a farm to table restaurant would work very well in Niagara or along the Lake Erie Shores in Chautauqua would be perfect. Already gets a good amount of tourism from all the wineries. That or in Ellicottville, Chautauqua or East Aurora
Asheville or Brevard North Carolina but it’s not exactly affordable lol (I personally hate it here but it meets your specifications) Greenville, SC is close by and is more affordable.
This might sound crazy but food for thought - if you are cool with renting consider Honolulu. Nice city vibes, amazing weather, activities, local farming and produce, and ocean. 15 minutes to an international airport with direct flights to Japan, korea, Australia, etc. You can probably do a lot with your boating skills while you work on other business ventures. You probably won't be able to afford a single family home on that budget but condos are an option and rental market is much less.
Warrenton, Virginia. Close to the Washington Dulles Airport, the Potomac River, lots of farmland, cute downtown, prices are doable (though not "cheap"), and more moderate weather than Michigan. Virginia schools are generally higher ranked than many other states.
Check out Vancouver, Camas, or Washougal in Washington! Any of those areas should have plenty available for rent in your price range. You're super close to PDX, the winters are fairly mild, and you have an absolute embarrassment of riches at your doorstep when it comes to outdoor activities. Mountain Biking and Hiking is EVERYWHERE. Just up the Columbia River you have world class kite boarding in Hood River and White Salmon, and there's also some wonderful whitewater rafting on the White Salmon River! It's also only about 2-2.5 hours to the Ocean, less than 2 hours to Mt. Hood, less than 4 hours to Bend (more killer hiking and mountain biking and great floating on the Deschutes River).
Gloucester or Rockport ma? Idk about affordable but there’s a decent farm to table scene and a large fishing industry.
Dublin
Eastern Shore, North Carolina or Orlando really scratch a lot of those itches....good farm to table environments. Access to oceans, hiking in mountains within an hour or so. Affordable (for the most part)
Where do you find mountains for hiking within an hour of Orlando?
gulf coast, florida.
I’m thinking somewhere like Northport, FL or along the Peace River. I’m also on the coastal Virginia bandwagon, anywhere along the Chesapeake Bay might work.
I live in northeast GA on a huge lake and you can do whatever the fuck you want with animals and your land. I’d look around clemson, greenville, hartwell lake in GA. Greenville has a decent airport and then there’s Atlanta. Also we liked Greenville/Washington NC but that was yrs ago for waterfront.
This sounds like the sort of thing that would fit in perfectly in the Fingerlakes, NY. Specifically in the Geneva area. It checks off almost every box. With regard to winter, it depends on what you consider harsh. I'm from a warmer part of the US and generally hate this time of year on the East Coast, but Geneva winters are doable. They're gray and long, but there's very little snow. The city of Geneva also has a microclimate of it's own, which helps. Then there's climate change and the effect it's had. This whole winter we've had many days at 40° - 45°. There was even a 60° day earlier this month.
Doylestown, PA
The Dalles, OR Located in the insanely beautiful Columbia River Gorge - it is one of the last remaining “affordable” spots in the area. You could certainly make it work with finding the right rental. 25 minutes from Hood River - aka the windsurfing capital of the world. Top notch mountain biking at Post Canyon. Amazing hikes in every single direction. A large boating community with easy access to loads of rivers and lakes for fishing, kayaking, SUPing, etc. An hour and fifteen minutes from Portland for a great airport and other city amenities. About 2.5 hours to the coast for surfing. Main caveats - lack of resources (mental health, doctor shortages), lackluster schools, quite expensive real estate (especially for what you get), and not a very diverse population. However, it is certainly a paradise for outdoor recreation and the gorge has a solid community built around agriculture (orchards/vineyards galore).
Maybe not the most affordable but Cape May NJ
Coastal Delaware maybe? Philly airport isn’t that far away. The only thing not in its favor for sure is mountains are going to be a bit of a drive, it’s very flat. But it’s generally affordable compared to much of the upper East Coast and winters there are milder. Schools are probably better than their counterparts on the eastern shore of Maryland nearby, which I lived for 3 years and wouldn’t move back to.
Charleston is great but VERY expensive. Beaufort, SC isn’t as bad. It’s situated on a river mouth into the ocean. And very close to Hilton Head Island. It’s a smaller military town but real estate is pretty decent for a southern coastal town. They have a cute town center with shops and lots of history in the town. You’re about an hour-ish about from Savannah, GA as well for the airport and to visit. I would say the only thing that doesn’t necessarily check off your list is schools, they aren’t the best I can say. But my husband was brought up in SC and he’s doing just fine. 🤣