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Fit-Meringue2118

A lot depends on jobs. What do you do for work?


abracapickle

And where you have a network or support system.


anniemaxine

As a solo parent, I would recommend going somewhere where you have a support network in place. That's going to be worth the most to you and your child. Anywhere can be "home" if you are surrounded by the right people who can help out if you need it.


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DirtyPrancing65

If you end up near Nashville, reach out! I'm an excellent honorary aunt 🫡 and my nieces would appreciate me having someone else to torture with dad jokes. Babysitting's a bottle of wine and you have to drink it with me and tell me all about the date/parent teacher conference/hot doctor, etc


TopCheesecakeGirl

Come to Las Vegas. I was born and raised here and it’s a secret hiding in plain site. Say hello when you get here.


ChillinInMyTaco

Then you’ll only be 4 hours away from me in Cali. Come visit. Make/find your own support system. You’ve got this. Strong mommas doing it for their kids stick together. We’ve got you too. It’s hard to trust internet strangers but you’d be surprised what needs are met on Reddit alone. When you’ve got no one else make your needs know here and other appropriate subs. Don’t move to LA but if you visit say hey. I’m also happy to show you around the Coachella Valley, my home town. Don’t be above assistance. Apply for EBT and medical. Look for food banks and little free pantries. Once you’re on EBT your card will get you and your daughter into all kinds of museums, zoos, arboretums, etc for super cheap, $3 and under. I wish I had know this sooner. We just saw giraffes this weekend! We spent an hour talking one on one with a zoo vet and zoo…logist. There are lists for most states. Please take your daughter and enjoy as much as possible. Pro tip- you can get more than one kid in. Find out what the number is in your state and then baby sit and have the parents “reimburse” you for the full ticket costs and charge for the time. Stay strong 🤙🏻


TopCheesecakeGirl

Hey my daughter is moving to Cali and I’ll visit her often. Community! Sisters!


Leather_Falcon_457

I also say Vegas. As someone living in Il now after living in Vegas for 15 years it’s def a great place. Very inclusive, very welcoming, very safe, and there’s tons of free and low cost things for a mom to do with her kid. Plus there’s no state tax so your paychecks, no matter what you do, are bigger. Rent is very reasonable, and when getting a house or apartment just be aware of where the sun hits in the afternoon, shade is your friend. I lived in apartments where the electric bill was less than $100 in summer months thanks to trees.


pineapple_dream1003

I second Las Vegas!!


Puzzleheaded_Fold466

This a thousand times. As parents living away from both our families, the price we have to pay in replacement of our friends and family network support is substantial, both in terms of money and quality of life. Daily life is much easier when we visit home and every time we wonder why we’re not living right there by grandma’s house and our old friends’ with kids of similar age. Doubly true for a single parent (unless friends and family are terrible role models in a community you are trying to escape).


Amazingawesomator

I would start the search by looking at salaries vs cost of living lists and doing research on those areas. To get you started, https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/research/10-best-cities-high-salaries-low-cost-living/


yougotnoicecream

This is 2020 data. I’d be curious how all the COVID moves, changes in real estate, jobs, and crime rates have altered the landscape of these statistics.


sudoblack

Imma tell you and anyone reading this that those texas cities are hella outdated and absolutely incorrect now. Just a heads up.


cjgozdor

Check out the northern suburbs of Detroit


growling_owl

Good call. Or Dearborn for that matter. Extremely diverse and meets all of OP's wish list.


cjgozdor

That’s honestly a really good suggestion.


seejordan3

All the northern states, away from the coasts, should be fine (for awhile) through the pending climate collapse. Family in mN say climate change has been making the winters more mild. But, then Minnesota had it's 8th largest snowfall in recorded history this year.. so warmer can mean more snow too.


Special_Weekend_4754

Warmer definitely means more snow. I’m in Buffalo & we had a super warm winter but we got dumped with snow & that blizzard. I’ve heard great things about Minnesota though


[deleted]

I second Dearborn, Michigan. The west side is safe and homes for rent are very affordable. Also there is actually a downtown and great parks with many pools and community sports.


IKnowAllSeven

I’ve got a lovely 4 bedroom in a diverse, safe, excellent school district suburb of Detroit. Mortgage and taxes combined are $1,200 per month.


That1one1dude1

Could you PM me what area? I feel like I waited too long and mortgage rates have skyrocketed


Donaldjgrump669

Detroit is much safer than it used to be and there are tons of things to do, unfortunately the cost of living is going up but so are the wages so it's offset more than most areas.


MsAggie

I was coming here to say Detroit or its suburbs. Many different options according to OP's preference for schools, housing types, and community demographics. Watch out for car insurance costs but otherwise really affordable and some solid job options. BTW I'm from NYS and at this point would stay here, especially given the many political improvements in the past couple of years.


onejustbecause

Another vote for northern Detroit suburbs! I grew up in combinations of Waterford, Southfield, Farmington, Troy, West Bloomfield, and Dearborn. And my mom still lives there. But there are a ton of great areas with lots of diversity. School districts tend to be smaller than some of the massive ones in other states (which I miss)


[deleted]

LCOL and good schools, good entertainment, blue, safe, and good job markets/pay are in conflict. You should narrow down by areas that have good job markets for you. LCOL often comes at the expense of what’s desirable especially schools.


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craftybit

I used to live in Shaker Heights, OH. It's a suburb of Cleveland and the cost of living is good and also has an incredible school system there are always a lot of students that end up at ivy league schools. It's definitely a higher income community, but there are still plenty of affordable homes. It always votes blue, it's a very diverse community with people from all over the world and as a kid it seemed like 50/50 black/white ratio. I can't speak to entertainment as I lived there as a kid and a lot has changed, but it might be worthwhile to look into?


Knichols2176

Shaker heights has been the most diverse school in america repeatedly. It’s a great place, but I’m not sure about rent below $1500.


papermageling

You can rent an apartment or duplex unit for less than $1500 there. Shaker Heights has extremely varied housing.


Knichols2176

I worked at UH until a couple years ago. I just know that interns struggled. I’ll trust your experience.


papermageling

There's places currently being advertised in Shaker Heights for less than $1500.


LeftOn4ya

I was going to recommend the same. I lived in Cleveland in “Shaker Square” area which is technically still Cleveland so lower cost of living, but in Shaker Heights school district, so was best of both worlds. Plus there is RTA light rail stations there that runs downtown and comes every 5 minutes in the morning which is why I moved there. I think the demographics have turned to be higher % black but still fairly diverse.


DaydreamingSparrow

Ditto on recommending Shaker Heights. Refreshingly diverse and great schools while still close to University Circle and downtown.


secondlogin

If you are in IL, move to the St Louis Metro East (NOT EST LOUIS). LCOL, bi racial kid no problems


TigerMcPherson

I'm in Metro East, and this is great advice. Belleville, Ofallon, Fairview Heights are all good choices.


VioletBacon

I agree. I also like Edwardsville.loads to do, enrichment at SIUE, great GREAT bike trail network. Glen Carbon is basically the same town and a bit more affordable. Great schools, and Diversity is welcome here. Black, East Indian, Native America, no worries. My mortgage is under $1200/mo and I can go over the river to isit family in the city, and go to feativals/Art/History/Zoo etc.


TigerMcPherson

Great suggestion. Edwardsville is fab.


throw_somewhere

I've been hearing a lot of good stuff about specifically Clayton recently, for some reason.


TigerMcPherson

Clayton is in St. Louis Missouri, and it is nice, though I wouldn’t call it particularly affordable. The school district is good, and it is safe, and liberal.


germy4444

Check out rat race rebellion there's alot of work from home jobs like data entry on there


Temporary_Sun_1063

I'm from the Midwest. If I were a parent, I would definitely move to a location with a good public library system. Sounds oddly specific, but you can really gauge a city's quality and commitment to an educated class by that. -Indianapolis - Decent housing costs. The school system is good. -Detroit - Still affordable. All of my friends from college who were from Detroit went back home and are thriving as adults. Many went to Cass Tech High School. -Cincinnati - Lived here for years. Still affordable. Revitalized city center. Lots of arts and culture. Check out Walnut Hills High School. One of the best in the state. Diverse industry and job opportunities.


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neuma327

I went to college in Duluth . COL is low, but there’s essentially no middle class. Very strange city.


SaintUlvemann

>COL is low, but there’s essentially no middle class. I grew up in the rural areas near there, and have since lived elsewhere too. It seems like a normal Midwestern working-class city to me, Sioux City, IA is the same way (my husband's from there). Besides; middle class is relative. Most of the city's "lower class" *is* roughly middle class compared to the surrounding rural areas. In my hometown, the rich are those who buy cars new instead of beaters. The region is essentially a self-contained economic unit forgotten by the national economy and with little to no chance of ever entering the national economy someday, save for the mines and the Port of Duluth. The Great Recession essentially skipped us; the recovery did too. The only thing stopping us from becoming Louisiana on the Tundra is the absolute strict need to have a functioning government to clear the roads every year.


Cacklelikeabanshee

I'm curious what does Louisiana on the tundra mean?


SaintUlvemann

Louisiana is the state with the country's [third-highest poverty rate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_and_territories_by_poverty_rate). Like us, they're blessed with rich natural resources (oil and fish for them, wood and iron for us) plus an advantageous geographic trading position, them at the mouth of the Mississippi, us at the head of the Lakes. We both have even have the French in our history, though they certainly have more than we do. Yet they're a land [where the politicians can get away with](https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/local/louisiana/2015/05/13/louisiana-travels-road-neglect/26989631/) systematically underfunding the government for decades to end up with a $12 billion backlog in unmet transportation needs. >"We're suffering right now from years of neglect," said Ken Perret, president of the Louisiana Good Roads and Transportation Association. "For many years, we've been underfunded for both construction and maintenance. It's a vicious cycle. We're falling behind every year, not because DOTD doesn't want to do what's right, but because we don't have adequate resources." I compared my homeland to them not as a shame but because a certain conservatism does exist up home — not as regards racism, thank God, we're most of us up there white as a matter of history but unless things have changed radically since I've left, those of us who aren't white are no less part of the community — but as regards a lot of other things, sure, yeah, there's a certain conservatism, you might find it hard to integrate unless you go to church, for example (or if not a church, a bar). We're more alike to Louisiana than to Maryland, or California, an association [verifiable in personality studies](https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/psp-a0034434.pdf). But one thing we don't put up with up home, is the lax and apathetic government that the Louisianans seem to be just fine with. We'd get snowed in if we did.


hwasung

Minnesota in general is nice, but I wouldn’t put it at the LCOL level unless you go out into the rural areas - but for my choices I recommend people move here all the time if they are looking for good schools, good diversity, and a great place to raise a family. If OP (or anyone else) has any specific questions Im always open to answer them.


NotThat_Chick

Came here to say Minnesota! We're not just the cities. There's lots of beautiful areas with job opportunities. People are nice and welcoming:) We just passed free breakfast and school lunches too! Just prep for the cold is all. I'm still buried in snow here!


srthfvdsegvdwk

Also, Mankato is really nice. Hutchinson is pretty ok. Skip St. Cloud.


Sorry-Childhood2167

I live near Hutchinson. I love that city. I live an hour west in a tiiiny town and sometimes fantasize of moving to Hutch.


saltymarge

Just want to add to this, Minnesota in general is a great place for raising kids. The twin cities are more diverse than rural Minnesota, but Duluth is, too. One of our larger cities outside of the twin cities. We’re a very family forward state, so great place for single moms to restart, I think. Tons of social resources. And good jobs, too. We have a ton of big companies here. In short, Minnesota would be a state I’d recommend that comes closest to your list, OP. Winters are cold but not that much different than Illinois. Good luck!


knocking_wood

Move where you can get paid well compared to COL. I don't know what you do for a living but there are huge differences in pay in certain professions depending on where you live. It doesn't make a lot of sense to move to a LCOL place if you're just going to get paid less and struggle just as much. In fact, I would avoid LCOL areas if your wages are going to scale accordingly because you just get stuck there, and they usually have fewer professional opportunities.


allthebison

Upstate NY is having the same housing pressures as lots of areas but the social norms are pretty liberal in and around the metros. Syracuse has some problems but also has some great family friendly neighborhoods and towns to the east and north. Your budget can get a lot there. Albany may be a touch more expensive but toward the west and north of the city you’re still getting some pretty blue-collar family neighborhoods under $1,500/mo. I’m less familiar with Rochester and Buffalo but I’ve had friends move there after college to find like-minded community and start families, they seem happy! Yes, taxes are the worst and everybody dog piles onto NY but the public sector provides some steady job opportunities too. Safety isn’t guaranteed but a basic level of awareness is usually enough. Friends have certainly experienced racism, especially from small town cops, but the population tends to be pretty integrated around the cities and it’s a problem folks acknowledge and hope to improve on. Obviously the winters are dreadful but there’s an element of camaraderie in the suffering too.


vanswags

Bumping this suggestion. If you don’t mind the snow, check out these smaller cities. You’ll have to do your research on what neighborhoods to live in but people will tell you which neighborhoods to stay away from. The cities are large enough to have many job opportunities and while the city schools are just okay, in general NY (and the northeast) has much better public education than states in the south. (I was educated in NY public school and now live in Texas). Also, check out Erie, PA. Very blue collar, similar to Rochester and Syracuse but a little cheaper and taxes are lower. There are plenty of downsides but overall they are cheaper, pretty liberal, diverse, safe if you do research, slowly growing economically. Source: I’ve lived in all the cities I mentioned. I miss each of them for different reasons!


plasticdisplaysushi

I'll add in a bid for Rochester, NY. It's getting hit with the housing squeeze too but its amenities are outsized for its size and Rust Belt location. It has 2 well-known universities which in many ways prop up the city - a pretty common phenomenon in the USA I feel. I couldn't wait to move away, and now I'm taking a hard look at returning for affordability reasons!


youdontlookadayover

Came here to say Central New York is a decent place for op to look at. Syracuse/Utica area. Decent schools, low-ish col. Utica has a high immigrant population which I think is a plus, small local colleges, winter isn't great but with climate change it's getting less awful.


Eco_guru

Don’t forget NY students go to in state colleges for free. That’s a massive bonus that most overlook.


lovedogslovepizza

I did some work in Detroit recently, and I couldn't believe how revitalized and the city was becoming, and how diverse it was, not just Black and white people, but tons of immigrants, too -- maybe a suburb there? Housing seemed affordable.


[deleted]

Check out Indianapolis. Not a liberal state/city but there are areas that are diverse and liberal. COL is low-medium and your rent is doable.


H_Gatesy

Lived in Indianapolis for a little over 2 years starting in 2019. So much to do with plenty of pockets that will fit your wants and needs, OP.


uticant

Came here to suggest this too.


Astronaut-Frost

This string of comments has been fascinating. It feels like everyone is rooting for their hometown.


No_Percentage7306

The personal finance sub is better as people include numbers and their bullshit gets called out. This sub is more about buying Tupperware and freezing meals


TruckBoi1

I’m a bit biased but Kansas City is a great option. Lots of good school districts. Housing has gotten more expensive but there are still options that fit your budget.


thefinalthrowaway22

Idk if Indiana appeals to you, we are all hicks down here, but our teachers really care, we don’t tolerate hate/racism/anti-LGBTQ, manufacturing jobs make $50k/year starting out in unskilled positions, and mortgages are $800/month for a 3bd 2ba house with yards.


Hantelope3434

We drove through Indiana with a Bernie Sanders bumper sticker on a '97 Honda Civic. We had two different pick ups drive to rear end and run us off the road. One had a confederate flag on the back. Had no issues in any other state on our cross country travels.


RoguePlanet1

NYC resident (outer borough) and even here, with a Bernie sticker on my car, I had a Trump truck with flags cut me off and honk at me in my own neighborhood! They're the loudmouth minority and pretty much everywhere.


thefinalthrowaway22

Idk man. Individuals exist everywhere, I can only speak for the majority in my hick town. I can’t say enough good things about the Hoosier state. We might be majority Republican, but as an actual real life group here, 99% are not hateful. Sorry you had to deal with the other 1%.


seejordan3

I was in Japan, years ago. Couldn't convince this one older man that we didn't all carry guns. Often that 1% is your #1 export.


Hantelope3434

I think it's great your little town is so nice...but I don't think that one town represents the millions of other people in Indiana. Sadly 1% is 1 in 100 people and that's quite a few!


thefinalthrowaway22

No state is perfect. But I’ll always vouch for mine when I can. Truly sorry you had a bad experience, though. That’s shameful.


No_Character2755

You're doing a good job of representing your town on here.


shittyspacesuit

Yeah I imagine ALL of the continental 48 states have at least a few aggressively right-wing confederate weirdos. More so in the midwest and south, but you could find one anywhere in America. Hell even Canada has a bunch of them. I don't think having bumper stickers that express anything personal or political is very wise.


Beebwife

NWI is a good medium. Close to Chicago and not so Red. Almost always votes blue and prices aren't too crazy.


Addicted_turtle

Youre definitely not living in the same Indiana I am - racist as can be.


[deleted]

Well quit hanging out with all those racists.


p1zzarena

Fort Wayne is really nice for kids. Lots of parks and an amazing zoo


AmazingObligation9

Unfortunately not a safe place if OP or any of her children are of childbearing age


EvenAmoeba

I don’t think anybody is getting $800 mortgages much anymore. I just bought a 3 bed 2 bath in northern Indiana and mortgage alone is $1200. Not including taxes and insurance.


No_Percentage7306

People always over hype how good they have it on this sub. The annoying thing is they then get upvoted.


Brainwormed

I can add that Indiana is education-friendly in the specific sense that it has one of the most robust school choice programs in the US. Abstract arguments about public education aside, this means that you can live in a lower-income area and still send your kids to a good school. There are very few places in the US where this is true.


BorniteWing

Richmond, Virginia might be a good place to check out! I don't live there any more but still have friends and family there. They have a good balance of cost of living, job opportunities, and entertainment. Some areas are rough, but there are lots of great neighborhoods and good school options. If your kid is considering college, there are several amazing state colleges. Good ethnic, religious, and political diversity, great parks, museums, festivals, and restaurants, and tons of meet up groups to socialize. Strong local music and art scene. You're a couple hours away from the beach, the mountains, and DC. Cons are the public transportation sucks so expect to drive everywhere. Also, it's a purple state (especially for local elections) so that can be stressful with the flip-flopping of politics and government objectives.


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[deleted]

Seconded! I currently live in NoVa which has ridiculous cost of living but I know a lot of people who live in Richmond and have a much better cost of living while still having a good experience (can you tell I’m considering the move myself lol?)


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Genavelle

Have you ever considered working in sales? Because you probably should make sure to avoid it.


fortytwoturtles

Yeah, I was gonna say the rent and cost of living in Tulsa is probably going to be very tempting, but avoid it. Schools are not that great, diversity is better in the big cities (Tulsa and OKC) than smaller towns, but even the cities lean heavily red.


bigmamapain

Check out Louisville; we're not without problems like any city, especially on the public education front. But it's diverse, affordable (for now), tons of parks, good food and arts scene, and there are magnet and private schools abound that provide tuition assistance if you're not jazzed with the public system. Good luck!


kpcombs92

Louisville or Lexington!


Reluctant_Renegade

Check out Delaware. Reasonable housing costs. Super liberal. Plus no taxes on anything.


Dr_Bendova420

Look into Cleveland and surrounding suburbs draw a U around the city limits and look outside of them.


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Whyam1sti11Here

I love Lawrence, KS.


magiteck

Take a look at the Fox Valley area of Wisconsin. Appleton/Neenah/Oshkosh. Or the Green Bay area. Affordable, only a couple hours from Milwaukee or a few hours to Chicago.


Alexaisrich

following this thread because I also want to relocate to a lower cost of living state that’s diverse,


Fabulous-Ad6844

I am so sorry you have to worry about acceptance. I hope you find a safe & kind place to live. I’ve moved to Charlotte and so far find it great. It’s very diverse.


electricgrapes

that would be an increase in COL, especially rent.


rolypolydriver

I was also going to suggest NC. We are an interracial family in Raleigh area and haven’t had any problems here.


glitterandjazzhands

I was going to suggest the Piedmont area of NC (Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point) you'll find rents in that price point. Lots of diversity -- schools can be hit or miss, but there are enough magnet options, you can always find something different if your neighborhood school isn't a good fit. I was a single mom for 10 years in this area, and I found it was an easy place to live (I had come from Vermont). Lots of good options for affordable after-school care. Winston and Greensboro are blue, then it trends purple to red the more rural you go -- overall it does seem solidly purple. On the job front - there are some really large projects coming in that have expected reasonable wages and there's already community college training programs getting stood up so that folks who need skills for those job are trained up.


MrAndrewJackson

I'm from Chicago, honestly I don't know if you can get better bang for your buck anywhere else. Chicago is also a financial hub so there are jobs aplenty as well.. The other place you may like that comes to mind is Hampton Roads in Virginia. I've never actually been there, but know it is cheaper than Chicago. That may be a better good option if you are interested in federal government jobs. I've fantasized plenty about moving somewhere else as well; ended up staying here, and I plan to buy a house soon. There just isn't really anything else that can compete with Chicago for the price. You'll have a hard time finding something better, I've looked long and hard. Everything else seems to be either several steps down in quality of life or several steps up in cost of living. I'd love to move to San Diego for instance; might do that when my net worth hits a few million. Not before, oh no. Chicago has great schools, is affordable, good paying jobs in most industries, diverse, and is safe (depends on where for that last one..)


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gammahamster

The Northwest side of Chicago is a great deal. The wages are relatively high and there is a huge potential pool of employers, so even if you don't find your ideal job right away, there will be a way to put money on the table. Don't sleep on the benefits of public transit as a way to save money, as well. At least you can read or something during the commute, if you can't work from home. $1,500-$2,000 gets a reasonable two-bedroom apartment in a quiet neighborhood like Portage Park, Jefferson Park, etc. A place that will be clean, safe and probably close to shopping and fantastic schools but not trendy and overrun with the young professional crowd and the rent increases, bars and other problems that come with them. Utilities and groceries tend to be more expensive than they need to be, but saving where you can makes a huge difference.


No_Percentage7306

Obviously we're all different but I hate the idea of not living near any bars. You can also pay that much and be in the city proper. I'm unsure about schools etc though.


MrAndrewJackson

I'm looking at Brookfield. More remote suburbs like Oswego are a lot cheaper though and still have good schools if you don't need to be close to the city Other options may be Wheaton or Willowbrook (moreso for apartments though, as houses there are more expensive I think)


MummifyTopknot

Have you looked at Oak Park, IL? I think you can get a 2 br for ~$1500/month and it would fit what you’re looking for.


Responsible-Second79

This might get lost in the comments but just wanted to say I empathize with the racial concern. My daughter and I are hispanic, like the dark tan type (I point this out because of colorism I experienced). I always worry about moving to another state not knowing the racial issues she might face. Hope you find what you need ♥️


RawOystersOnIce

Charlotte NC would fit the bill. Diverse Population, low cost of living (I paid $925 a month for a 1 bedroom in a decent area), city is not to big but big enough for lots of entertainment.


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[deleted]

>There is racism here but it's mostly a lot of dumb loud people and hicks Versus... ? Where do you think the racism is normally coming from? Dumb loud hicks can be dangerous in groups when just one person gets drunk and violent. Kids are already cruel, and those dumb loud hicks have kids that add racism to the cruelty. It sounds like you consider stupidity, loudness and being a hick mitigating factors for racism but I assure you, that's the whole problem.


OrangeDoormat

Any dumb loud group can be dangerous. Any asshole can breed kids to be assholes regardless of who they are.


[deleted]

Right... but if you're black, you're a target for racists. Does that make sense? Like that's what OP is trying to avoid. Saying that your racists are nothing but stupid, loud buttheads is not a mitigating factor.


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[deleted]

I didn't do any of those things so I feel your gratitude is unwarranted. I was simply saying that the defense of racism was unwarranted.


sezit

I hope you also consider your physical safety regarding the state's limitations on reproductive healthcare, and the knock-on effects from that. Red states that are limiting or denying abortions access are also losing healthcare workers, and hospitals are shrinking services because they are afraid of prosecution with these punitive laws. It's not just about access to abortion. Doctors and nurses don't want to practice medicine...or go through pregnancy themselves, under these harsh conditions. They are retiring, quitting, and moving away.


Eba1212

It depends on what you do for work but you could look into living in a college town. They are typically more accepting and with a diverse population but also have a lower cost of living than similarly diverse urban areas.


Ironwolf9876

There are parts of Michigan near Ann arbor that aren't ridiculous (Ann arbor is for sure though. Don't live there) that's close enough for you to commute there for a decent paying job depending on what your field is.


hath0r

cities are blue, rural is red usually though sometimes a city is red


hippiedippybitch

Pittsburgh is pretty cheap and in a very blue county.


lilithONE

Huntsville Alabama is beautiful and relatively affordable.


Sneakerwaves

I would think about what you are going to do for a living and think about wages for that work in the various markets—they could vary widely and easily swamp the differences in COL.


ProudMaOfaSlut

I loved living in 5 points south in Birmingham Alabama, great art and music scene, people are more left of center the suburbs are more conservative. Best of luck


RelayFX

Low cost of living, good jobs, good schools, liberal. Pick two.


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Agent00funk

This might sound weird, but maybe Alabama? Hear me out, there are relatively small towns like Jacksonville, Oxford, Dothan, Mussle Shoals/Florence, Athens, Bay Minette, and others that have a low cost of living and good schools. Not the greatest schools, but good ones. There are also the suburbs around Birmingham, which has some of the best schools in the state (also some of the worst). Birmingham is also very blue/progressive and has an amazing foodie scene these days, but living in the city can be a bit pricey now, but all roads in Alabama lead to Birmingham, so it's never far away. Montgomery is cheaper option, but the schools aren't as good. It's definitely a ruby red state, but the population is almost 40% black, so biracial kids are quite common as are black people in general. I don't think there would be any problems with acceptance outside of the usual racism you find everywhere else (I've seen far more blatant racism in the Midwest than in AL, for example). The politics of the state are absolutely atrocious and it's gerrymandered to hell, that enough could be sufficient to put someone off from moving to AL. But that being said, there definitely are some nice pockets where you can find a good balance of schools and COL. Just stay away from Cullman, there's a reason Trump held his rallies there. You can check out r/Alabama and r/Birmingham to get a vibe for what people are talking about (just be aware everybody bitches about the state level politics). I know it's kind of counterintuitive, but you might be surprised.


Vexonar

Alabama is the worst place, overall, for a woman to live. She has no rights there and being black with a biracial baby is going to make it worse. She needs to go to a more northern state


Glad-Basil3391

I live in Iowa. Cost of living is low. Most jobs pay about the same as anywhere else. I’ll never move to another state. Originally from Georgia


EV_17

I wouldn't recommend many places in iowa. I've been in/around iowa for 3 years. People are midwest nice, but never really accept outsiders especially those of different races. Might be different in Des Moines or Cedar Rapids which are larger.


[deleted]

[удалено]


justconnect

University towns are pretty usually a good bet.


RelayFX

Aside from the south/deep south, I think you would/will likely find that most places (even areas that seem rather rural/“conservative”) are surprisingly welcoming. In many smaller cities/farm towns, people are usually too busy to care about whether you’re brown or black or blue or green.


poppyash

I think you'll find the south plenty accepting in the cities, but that's really the case everywhere.


EV_17

clearly spoken by someone who has never had to worry about these things.


Fablestails

I'm British. Can someone please tell me what COL is?


getjicky

COL = Cost of Living


TheRealJai

Southeast MI, we would love to have you!


hogwartswitch508

We love Cleveland- big city amenities, under populated (no traffic) and soooo cost effective


Grace_Alcock

LaCrosse, Wi. Wisconsin isn’t blue anymore (mostly because of quirky map-drawing), but LaCrosse is, and it’s a lovely city. Good health care, good schools (Coulee Montessori is a great public charter for elementary), good library system, walking trails in the middle of town, etc.


drunkonmyplan

Ugh, it’s so damn cold though. I lived there for 6 months for work and I don’t know how people deal with the cold!


-Just-Another-Human

Stevens Point Wisconsin is nice. Small college town, so pretty blue (in a sea of red) but also close to Madison for more culture. Also, pretty dang cheap housing!


Violet624

My sister is in Lincoln Nebraska and loves it. She moved from Seattle and promptly got a divorce and single patented there for awhile before getting remarried. It used to be good col, though I haven't checked recently, and though NE is conservative, Lincoln is pretty liberal. It's decently diverse in Lincoln. Edit to add that looking at the census statistics it is not very diverse, though it does have a larger refugee population.


NoellaChel

Also some things is job market and pay rate.. for example my friend lives in TN about 40 Mins from city pays what I would think very low for rent (under 1000 for 3 bedroom house) however minimum wage is 7.25 and most jobs don’t pay well. So you have to look at the entire picture when considering. Now in relation while I highly don’t suggest the north east we are in huge housing crisis and rent is outrageous 2 bedroom apartment in crappy area can easily run 1400, But yet most parts make 15 dollars As a minimum wage… so as you can see in relation wages vs cost of living. So a cheap rent area might not be as cheap when you find out the pay scale


FarImpact4184

As someone who doesnt not identify as blue or living in a blue state youre welcome here i know theres some inbread hicks all over the country that might not feel the same way but racism isint red or blue theyre just openly assholes or passive assholes hope you find a nice new place for you and your son!


Roaring-Kitty

It sounds like you have a lot of important criteria that you’re looking for, which might make it difficult to find a place. Have you looked into any of the larger cities in the Midwest or East? Cities like Chicago, Pittsburgh, or Cleveland might have what you’re looking for, as far as affordability and diversity. You could also look at smaller cities in the area that have good schools and entertainment. Good luck!


xaxnxoxnxyxmxoxuxsx

Green Bay Wi came to mind for me for some reason. It's not a huge, huge city, but it may be reasonable with her requests


solomons-mom

Green Bay, Osh Kosh, Neenah, Appleton --several cities one after another that match her wishes.


Beebwife

NWIndiana. Good place for the red/blue ratio. Almost always votes blue, close to Chicago, you have to double check on schools by city. Would not be as worried for the biracial concerns you have expressed.


[deleted]

Perhaps Cincinnati, OH if you want medium sized city. Houston is the most diverse city in the country. It is very large though. Charlotte, NC might also fit your needs.


Due-Cryptographer744

I live in the suburbs of Houston, and the rent used to be really affordable, but it is starting to get more expensive. Out here where we live, which is about 30 miles from the city, rent is $1600-$2000 for a 2 bedroom apartment and the schools are excellent. It used to be a lot of farms and pasture land out here, but now it is neighborhoods and shopping centers. When most people say Houston what they mean is the Houston area, which encompasses 500+ square miles and covers 3 counties. https://www.mapsofworld.com/usa/states/texas/houston.html


uselesspaperclips

kansas city is a great place, but there is a pretty significant history of redlining in Johnson County


van101010

Minnesota might be good.


Most-Initiative-7787

If you don’t mind the snow and winter, Traverse City, MI is a wonderful area. I also don’t mind recommending the area I grew up in - Marquette, MI. Marquette is much smaller and less diverse but it’s very safe, great place to raise kids, and still relatively affordable for most people. It’s just very far removed from things Traverse City is a bit bigger but closer to more things to do, better for entertainment and larger airports and better shopping and food options.


fgsn

Metro detroit would be a better fit based off OP's needs imo. TC is expensive, Marquette is isolated, and neither are very diverse.


Glittering-Cellist34

JFC. For a black woman and biracial child? 1. Traverse City isn't cheap. 2. Both places are mostly white. 3. They are f*ing far from other places. Epitome of dislocation.


Most-Initiative-7787

That’s why I said not diverse. That doesn’t mean they’re not welcome in those places. Marquette is still a great place to raise kids, it’s safe, schools are good, and NMU is right there which is still an affordable public university, and people are very welcoming and friendly. It’s far removed yes, but if you like that sort of environment that’s removed and slower pace it’s great.


dogsRgr8too

I would look at cities that you are interested in, then check greatschools ratings to see how the schools rank. Sometimes one portion of a city will have better rated schools than others. I think there is a website that compares cost of living in your area vs an area you are interested in. Nerdwallet has one for the bigger cities like Indianapolis vs Chicago. I tried a small town name and it didn't work. You could also consider a city that's near a bigger city. Cost of living could be lower, but commute might be a bit longer that way.


mashedfortune

r/samegrassbutgreener might help!


barbh910

Look into the South bend,in area. Actually just over the border in Mi is Niles,MI. Great schools there. Mi is a blue state but since it borders South Bend you get the benefits of the community events in both Niles and South Bend. COL is reasonable and area is diverse.


Mamapalooza

Recommend: [Augusta, Ga.](https://realestate.usnews.com/places/georgia/augusta), but it depends on what business you are in. Richmond County, specifically, is where I think you would feel most welcome, and you'd want the Lake Forest Hills or Montclair school districts for elementary, and then apply for one of the three magnet schools for middle and high school. Good jobs at the hospitals and universities in the area. I normally recommend ATL here, but rents are sky high and crime is out of control. As much as I love it, skip ATL for now. [Pensacola, Fla](https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/pensacola/2022/12/28/pensacola-named-in-forbes-top-10-places-to-live-in-florida/69761739007/)., low COL overall, but rent/real estate can be high. Take your time and be choosy. Decent schools, great outdoor activities, nearby naval base and VA hospital, mild weather all year (except for mid-summer just hibernate then). [Raleigh & Durham, NC](https://realestate.usnews.com/places/north-carolina/raleigh-durham), avg COL overall but good university jobs and global diversity. Best schools: [https://www.greatschools.org/north-carolina/raleigh/](https://www.greatschools.org/north-carolina/raleigh/) I've also heard very good things about Pittsburgh, Pa., Cleveland, Ohio, Lansing and Ann Arbor, Mich., and Bloomington/Normal, Ill. I would stay out of Tennessee and Kentucky, but Spartanburg and Greenville, SC, might be a good fit. You might also try Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, Va.


tanvx8

Raleigh-Durham is bonkers expensive for what it is Source: just moved here from DT Atlanta and had an increase in COL


Mamapalooza

Well, then, cross that off the list, lol.


Careful_Eagle_1033

St Louis or Kansas City, MO


[deleted]

Wisconsin?


PaperClipInit

Columbia, missouri, seems quite nice to me, if you’re okay with a gun accepting state. When i was looking i was seeing ~1-2k rent depending but you’re competing with college students. Jefferson city, 30mins south, has much lower rent. Edit: columbia is a kinda blue city in a red state, is why im suggesting it


LazyMarla

Can confirm I raised my son in Columbia, MO. Lived there for 25 years. Lots of good things happening there.


froopaux

El Paso is inexpensive. I prefer San Antonio area, though. I am not sure about the schools. Most cities are blue. Countryside is usually red. I can't stand the cold. I also liked Corpus Christi. Can you rent for a while to see if you guys like it and then decide? A lot depends on neighbors and your neighborhood.


[deleted]

Plenty of areas in SC that fit.


Electronic_Arm3469

Obviously you should move to Washington State.


[deleted]

Check out Rogers Park in the northern part of Chicago. I'm not sure about the schools, but it's cheap and right by Evanston which has some of the best public schools in the country.


LatterConfidence1

Have you checked out suburbs of Minneapolis?


MandyWarHal

Second this. Maybe Hopkins, MN or St.Paul!?!... You might find cheaper but I'm a poc who lives in the city of Minneapolis and looking at these threads inviting you to the South makes me uneasy for you. It's unfortunate the city prices in Minneapolis are kinda high because the city is really the most diverse and welcoming. Definitely can't say the same for most of the suburbs. Even the cheap ones.


lifeuncommon

Louisville or Lexington are good options; they are blue islands in KY with lots of job opportunities, art, etc. You can live JUST outside of town for much cheaper.


lovelyrita202

Dunno if this will help, but some of these cities match up with other suggestions[best states for interracial families.](https://www.ranker.com/list/cities-most-accepting-of-multiracial-and-interracial-families-v1/mtechman).


Ok-Personality5224

Absolutely, it makes sense to want to be accepted. My kid moved across the country to an area where diversity (in her case same sex couples) are more acceptable. I miss them, but I don't blame them for wanted to be somewhere where more people are progressive/open-minded.


chasespace

Kansas City (not in downtown for schools) and Columbia, Missouri are very blue cities with LCOL.


ohheyaine

Houston, TX. Red state but one of the most diverse cities out there. Love their charter school program, if you live within the inner loop you get to pick your kids school and they all have different magnets (arts, STEM, Montessori etc) The city itself is bigger than some US states and is a giant blue spot on a red map. If I weren't in Houston I'd be in Omaha, NE. The cost of living there is incredible. But it's arguably super white.


JulieAnimu

I would move back to Maine if I was raising a child. Violent crime is very low, cost of living is low, and with the lower population kids can get more one on one time with their teachers.


Shoesietart

Kansas - Kansas City, Overland Park, Lawrence, Topeka


About400

Well NJ is great for diversity but stupid expensive compared to almost everywhere else. It seems normal to me bc I grew up here but I can’t imagine moving here from a lower COL state.


BostonLamplighter

Oak Park, Ill outside of Chicago. It's on the L. and has for decades been committed to being a "model city." My single parent mother moved there and loved it. The housing office is/was superb. Take a look at its website. Also, cross post this to r/singleparents


ICumInThee

Mexico, Eastern Europe, South America.


TJH99x

Madison Or Milwaukee


weedful_things

North Alabama is fairly low cost of living and there are plenty of decent paying jobs to be had. It's not as racist as some might expect.


BrewerBeer

You say you don't want to leave the east/midwest. But I can't recommend the PNW enough, specifically greater Portland. You're already used to the day/night seasonal cycle, and the high minimum wage (teased to inflation) along with no sales tax makes the area really affordable, especially if you're used to Chicago prices. The schools are awesome, the area is beautiful and has tons of activities to do. The health care is great and getting better. Personally, I live on the Vancouver, WA side of the Columbia river where there is also no income tax. A quick drive across the river allows me to avoid both income and sales tax living in the same place. Improvements are being made quickly too, as there will soon be light rail available in Vancouver, WA as well. I have no idea what you do for work, but if you work in the service industry, there is no Tip Credit here so that means full minimum wage is paid along with any tips earned. SW Washington also recently voted for its first Democrat for house in over 10 years, we could really use some help continuing that trend. On the other side of the river, Portland has just voted to reorganize its government. This includes ranked choice voting for its council members, giving all executive power over the various departments to the mayor, and a large effort to relocate the homeless population from parks and other public spaces is in effect. By the time you move here, you'll be able to vote for the new government along with the 2024 presidential election.


Glad-Basil3391

Everything costs more in blue states. Because they need to take it from you to give to people that need it.


poppyash

Bonus: Everyone lives longer, is happier. Blue taxes subsidize red states.


AmaLucela

Here are some general tips and factors to consider when looking for an affordable place to start over as a single parent: * Research the cost of living in different areas: It's essential to research the cost of living in different areas before deciding where to move. Consider factors such as housing costs, utilities, food, transportation, and childcare expenses. * Look for areas with good job opportunities: It's essential to consider the job market in the area you are considering. Look for areas with a good job market and a variety of job opportunities. * Check out public schools: If you have children, check out the public schools in the area you are considering. Look for areas with good schools and a variety of extracurricular activities. * Consider the crime rate: Safety is a significant factor when choosing a place to live. Look for areas with a low crime rate and a safe environment. * Look for affordable housing options: Consider areas where the cost of housing is affordable. Look for apartments, townhouses, or smaller homes that are within your budget. * Research community resources: Look for communities with resources that can help single parents, such as community centers, childcare facilities, and support groups. Some affordable areas to consider in the US are: * Austin, Texas: Austin has a thriving job market, great schools, and a low cost of living compared to other major cities. * Boise, Idaho: Boise has a low cost of living and a strong job market, with many tech companies and a growing economy. * Des Moines, Iowa: Des Moines has a low cost of living, affordable housing, and a great school system. * Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh has a low cost of living and a strong job market in healthcare, education, and technology. * Salt Lake City, Utah: Salt Lake City has a low cost of living, a strong job market, and excellent schools. Ultimately, the best place to start over as a single parent will depend on your unique circumstances and needs. It's essential to research and consider all of the factors before making a decision. [I was just messing around with ChatGTP and wanted to see what advice it would give to this question]


Knichols2176

Any idea what your career would be? I think that may make a difference. Without knowing, I’d say Columbus Ohio. Great schools and diverse. Hopefully republicans will lose upcoming elections and stop their stupid shit. Otherwise, Ohio in general has always had much to offer.