Okay, so leaving Hawaii and moving to Alabama seems a tad nutty, right? But look at this gorgeous house. This is my parents' house. It's on the National Historic Register. The price they paid for this house a year ago wouldn't even buy you a closet in Hawaii.
Half a million bucks will buy you around 1200 – 1400 sq feet about 15 miles from downtown Honolulu. If you want to live in town, forget it. Half a mil might get you 1000 sq ft in a condo, if you're lucky. If you don't mind the uncertainty of a leasehold property, you can pay half a mil for a really nice condo on the beach. The trick, of course, is that you don't really own it because someone owns the land beneath you. Once the lease expires, they get whatever is sitting on their property — i.e. your house or condo.
At least one non-nutty reason to leave Hawaii. But damn I'm gonna miss this weather!
It is gorgeous Lynn. I gotta visit you when you move to Alabama.
Well, why not buy a boat and live on that for awhile! The thing about a person of “normal” means trying to live somewhere like Honolulu or NYC is that you have to want the lifestyle 100%, and not be concerned about downsizing your stuff and living in a box, or delaying purchase plans, because life is so good, stimulating, etc. There is really no right or wrong decision. If in the future you want to return and live on Oahu, you can. You have a positive attitude, so you will be happy and make the best of wherever you live.
Come for a visit, Cyn! I hope we find a house this nice, but you know my mom. She has a knack for finding cool houses to live in. Whether it’s a 12th century house in Germany, a villa on the Adriatic in Italy, or a high rise penthouse in Turkey, the woman has a gift. I plan to drag her with me when I go house hunting and hope some of it rubs off. 🙂
Hey, Patricia! Yeah, you’re right about the lifestyle, and the thing is I don’t want to get rid of certain things. My antiques, for instance. 🙂
I’m honestly happy about this choice. You know how it is in the military. After a few years, you start to get restless, looking for the next move. I love Hawaii, but I’m ready to leave it because I want the house and I want to be close to family. And I can always come back, like you said. 🙂
yes, your Mom has the knack… I could use some of it. 😉