Hello. We're a couple with 3 kids under 8 yrs old, and DH is looking to change careers. (I am a stay-at-home mom.) We own our house, monthly payment including property taxes is $975. We have some equity in the house. We've lived here for approx. 5 years. Husband is currently 2 miles from work, and he bikes to work when weather/daylight cooperate. His compensation does not currently include health insurance, so for all of us we pay $700 per month for a catastrophic plan with a $10k indiv. deductible, plus expense we incur satisfying the deductible (which we never do).
Any potential new jobs that we are finding in our current vicinity will have substantial commutes, and will require us to pay a state income tax (which we currently do not have to pay). Public trans. is an option for some jobs, but not all.
We're wondering whether we should consider looking at other cities/states when looking at jobs, and possibly relocating. DH and I hopped around the country a bit before the kids came, and had a blast. But we like where we are living now -- lots of kid/family-friendly activities, nice people, down-to-earth, very safe, outdoorsy, and you don't have to make a ton of $ to live comfortably. Plus, we and the kids are making friends, getting involved in activities, etc.
But, unfortunately, there are few new job opportunities in the immediate vicinity, and DH's current job is a dead-end. Remote jobs may be a possibility, once DH establishes himself in his new career, but for right now, any job change will likely bring a long commute and a state income tax bill (b/c he'd be working in another state that has an income tax).
We also have some debt emergencies that we are addressing, too, but no car payments, cell phones, TV/cable, dining out, vacations, or "extras." Our home is in a residential area and desirable school district, so renting it out would be an option (once we completed the many DIY projects we've started...).
Would love to hear your thoughts regarding whether we should consider relocating at this time.
THANKS!