Young Auto Tech looking for place to live (GA inquires)

[Kozworth]

Hello r3v.

This might come off as a NJ bashing, but I really dont care.

For the past few years I have been looking to move, I am currently living with my friend in Central NJ. However, with entry pay in automotive doesn't really allow one to move out in NJ, as for I have seen studio apartments go for 1k + Utilities around me. Absurd. I am looking to "leave the nest", of which doesn't really happen to people around my area, assuming the cost of living, and hoping you guys can give me some input on where to consider starting my life.

I am 22 years old, single, Associates in Automotive technology, and currently working 50 hours a week in the field. I am an oil change bitch at a dealership, which is really monotonous, but gives me hours and a paycheck. I also work as a tech at an independent shop, where I have done anything from struts to a clutch, and actually have to rr a gmc envoy trans this up coming week. Under my belt, I have about 2 years general "oil change experience" but probably 4 or so years of personal automotive tinkering.

I currently live in Flemington NJ, but I really want to start over in a new area. In my area, there are some kind people, but most are stubborn and self centered. Being in a wealthy area doesn't help aswell.

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations of places that would suit my needs below. My friend visited family in GA, and said it would be perfect for me but I am really looking for input from wherever.

-Have decent automotive employment
-Decent cost of living (not 1k for a studio appartment...)
-Friendlier people

I am really drawn to the south, because from what I have heard the lifestyle is "slower paced", which I think would be a good change from NJ. Also, heard from a few sources, the south generally has a lower cost of living. Myself, I am not really a city guy, I prefer a rural area, so that is another bonus.

Appreciate the input.

[yahh]

Richmond and outlying places aren't too bad here. You can get a single bedroom apartment for about $650-700 (or $500ish in the ghetto) or so. There are a LOT of indy bmw shops and quite a few dealerships. "The honda and DSM scene" is quite large here and they are cheap asses but it allows people who have experience to make a lot of side money. A buddy of mine made about 3 grand last summer just from doing little shit on hondas after his full time job/weekends. VA economy is holding on pretty well compared to other states. Plus we're 2 hours from the beach and 2 hours from the mountains. Many college girls because of VCU/UofR.

[Kozworth]

How is the area down there? Is there a lot of suburbs or is it more country setting? I assume it really matters where you go. Appreciate your input.

Bump

[z6ne]

You can definitely find housing for around $500/month with utilities included in Atlanta. There are also a bunch of specialty european auto shops around where you might be able to find employment. There are plenty of good neighborhoods around here.

I happened to be driving by a BMW/Mini shop in my catering van the other day and spotted a MINT red e30 vert, stopped by to chat with dude, and he ended up offering me an internship when I'm going to school in August (associates in auto tech, just like you). Super cool random opportunity that popped up out of nowhere.

People are cool down here if you are. There is for sure a southern comfort/hospitality feel to things a lot of the time. I have conversations with random folks almost every day, and most have great stories if you're willing to listen. On the other side of the spectrum there are also a lot of fuckos, which is to be expected in a big city. Just gotta learn to spot bullshit and avoid it.

PS- it's hot as FUCK

[Kozworth]

Not sure how much I am down for ATL. Like I said, I am really a rural area or more of a country by yourself kind of guy. Any input on Savannah?

[yahh]

It all depends. Richmond is mainly city but you have Midlothian/Chesterfield and Mechanicsville as well as Glen Allen/Short Pump which are all suburbs. Any one of these places are near a major interstate (95/195/295/64/288) so its very easy to hop around from place to place. About 30 minutes or so from and to most parts of the town. I've been to atlanta as well and it wasn't TOO bad but make a wrong turn and it gets pretty dark.

[z6ne]

Very similar to what he just said ^

the city is big and crowded, but there are tons of sweet neighborhoods tucked away in between busy areas, I love it. And then there are the suburbs. I really don't like em, but they will give you your space for sure, and are also all near major highways.

Yeah, it's true, try not to make that wrong turn next time :mrgreen:

[Kozworth]

It all depends. Richmond is mainly city but you have Midlothian/Chesterfield and Mechanicsville as well as Glen Allen/Short Pump which are all suburbs. Any one of these places are near a major interstate (95/195/295/64/288) so its very easy to hop around from place to place. About 30 minutes or so from and to most parts of the town. I've been to atlanta as well and it wasn't TOO bad but make a wrong turn and it gets pretty dark.

So basically my chances of getting a job would more or less be commuting to richmond?

I am not a huge hot weather guy, I mean I enjoy summer but its good to get a nice fall. I would take a summer over a pain in the ass winter though, but some winter is fine. Its so difficult to narrow down to a place to research, let alone a state!

I filled out this stupid questionnaire, and a lot of the places lead me to go to NC. However, one place led me to an area right around me, and I am in no intentions moving there, so not really sure how productive the questionnaire is.

[z6ne]

Nc has some pretty cool areas

[evandael]

Ohio.

no really.

[delatlanta1281]

you ever met anyone who moved to your town from North Carolina?
Not really?
Theres a reason for that. It's really nice there.
Atlanta isn't bad, but it is pretty busy.

[Kozworth]

you ever met anyone who moved to your town from North Carolina?
Not really?
Theres a reason for that. It's really nice there.
Atlanta isn't bad, but it is pretty busy.

Actually, a guy from one of my previous jobs lives down in NC now. He went to school, and fell in love with it. I wish I had more time to talk to him about it, but he teaches early edu down there now. He said he hated coming up after school but he did it because he could work my previous job on summers.

I'll have to look up some spots in NC. ATL seems pretty interesting but I wouldn't probably want to live there. It would be nice to be within the hour or so of a city.

[travish325]

Dude indiana. Kokomo area is cheap as shit to live and rural.

[slammin.e28]

So basically my chances of getting a job would more or less be commuting to richmond?

I am not a huge hot weather guy, I mean I enjoy summer but its good to get a nice fall. I would take a summer over a pain in the ass winter though, but some winter is fine. Its so difficult to narrow down to a place to research, let alone a state!

I filled out this stupid questionnaire, and a lot of the places lead me to go to NC. However, one place led me to an area right around me, and I am in no intentions moving there, so not really sure how productive the questionnaire is.

Va, somewhere in the Shenandoah Valley. Sure, there's a hefty number of redneckians, but it is a nice place to live, and not too far from anything major. Also, we have the Parkway in my backyard, and my shop is looking for a Porsche, Audi, VW tech.

[willworkfore30s]

Can't be North Carolina.

Great automotive scene due to all the nascar teams.

Mild seasons all the way around. Never too cold, never too hot.

Not in tornado alley or an earthquake zone. Don't really get too much trouble from hurricanes in the mid to western part of the state.

Cost of living is fairly low.