Graduating College, working out where to live

[Theik]

I'm graduating with a BS in Computer Science without debt. My parents live in CT and plan on downsizing/partial retirement in a few years once my sister goes off to college. They want to retire in CT as their parents still live in state. My dad recently bought a condo that needs to be fixed up in VT for skiing. I have my mom telling me she doesn't want me to move too far away and my dad wanting to use the condo for skiing with me. This puts me in a weird spot as I feel like I should consider moving out of the northeast to a place that has a lower cost of living and better opportunity. Just wanted to give a bit of background so the situation is bit more clear.

I was considering Colorado and Texas. Colorado because there seems to be opportunity for tech jobs there and I enjoy the outdoors. It also offers a lower cost of living when compared to the northeast. Texas for the same reasons, minus the skiing and ability to easily bike around. I also considered New Hampshire for the tax benefits and in order to remain close.

The way I see it is they will be retired in a few years. If I decide to move away they will have plenty of time to visit and will have an excuse to travel. I'm currently planning on using the summer to help my dad fix up the condo and learn a few things regarding home improvement while I apply for jobs. I also need to finish up one course in order to be officially done with school.

My dilemma is where I should move and how I should tell my parents about what I'm going to do so I don't put them on the defensive again. I'm open to other places as well. I don't care where I live so long as I have the opportunity to retire early. The benefits would be proximity to CT and things to do outside but it isn't necessary.

Thank you

[matchewed]

Why not work it from the opposite angle? Find a job in a COL area that works for you, move to the job. Tell your parents you found a good paying job in X area, move to X area.

[Theik]

I'm strongly considering CO and I think working it from that angle would be best. I guess my main reason for posting was to see if there would be comparable options that are closer or if somebody wanted to talk me out of it. If not I think I will decide on CO.

[matchewed]

Well TBH almost any location in the US is lower COL than the northeast.

There are tons of places that offer outdoor activities and the US is full of open spaces. You've identified two states out of 50 matching your rather broad criteria... aren't there a great deal more?

[GizmoTX]

OP, being a new grad (& single) is the best time to find a job with high opportunities in an area that excites you & hopefully has a low COL. High tech companies will usually pay for your visit & final stage interviews -- get the job first, then move.

The "danger" of course to your parents is that you will like the new area so well that you put down roots & never move back. However, airplanes go both ways, & all of you should be free to retire wherever you want to.

[rocksinmyhead]

I would definitely look for a job before choosing a location. Personally, I have zero desire to move to Texas because most of the places I would want to live there actually aren't all that low COL (and the weather sucks... yeah I know it's a huge state with a variety of climates but I've spent time in Houston and the panhandle and both of those climates suck, LOL), but maybe that's just me. I agree with others that you should come up with a longer list, there are lots of options! I don't know how Pittsburgh is for tech jobs, but it's a city with low COL and lots of great hiking/trail running nearby, and closer to your folks.

[RexualChocolate]

Move wherever you get the best job at the most reputable company (or exciting startup). Their decisions to buy real estate should have absolutely no effect on your living situation.

Once you have 2-5 years experience, you can move wherever you want.

[desertCyclist]

I would consider expanding your search to AZ too - low cost of living, lots of jobs for CS grads, and lots of outdoor activities (including skiing, though not as awesome as CO). Many large tech companies will offer a pretty generous moving compensation package too.

[frugaliknowit]

Being that you are a skier (as I am), assuming you want "big mountain" skiing, besides CO, I would consider Utah (Salt Lake City area, maybe Ogden Valley) where there's some fabulous skiing.  If there were not a drought, I would consider Nevada near the California border outside of Lake Tahoe.  Wyoming in/near Jackson would be great too (very red state). There are more.  Denver, Salt Lake and Reno are all good airports.  Jackson, not so great and pretty expensive.

[I'm a red panda]

I'd find the job offers first. Then decide where to live by which of the offers you want to take.