I live in northern va now and moved here from Jacksonville, nc last year cause my dh is military. Wilmington was an hour away from us but honestly I like it here in va much better. Then again I'm originally from nj and its alot closer to home from here. I couldn't stand how everything was so far away in NC and the economy is horrible in that area. You will be around alot of military there since its the closest town with a real mall near the base. Rent and homes are cheaper there though.

@Mommarach I'm in Easton! About an hour north of phili:)

Thanks ladies! Hubby and I are going to talk about it more. My parents were thinking about moving soon too... But staying local. I nonchalantly asked my mom of she would consider moving there and she jumped at the opportunity! Yay! Maybe they will move there too! They would be the ones I would miss the most, my brothers I could live with only seeing on Holidays! :-D

I'd give it a whirl! Change is good sometimes. You can always move back if it doesn't work out.

I would suggest going for a week or so for a trip. Hubby can look at job opportunities and see where you may like to live. It may make it more real for both of you and push you to make a decision.

My husband and i have upped and moved hundreds of miles away several times but it has always been a

Move that has involved husbands work. If there is a good chance of getting work then its a great idea.

I would but he needs a job first and you need to seriously consider with each other how family get togethers and holidays will be. :)

Does anyone else live in Wilmington? Do you like it there?

@Kat - I'm from Bristow so just about 10 minutes west of manassas! I am glad other people k ow how terrible this place is! I want some land, I want some seclusion, I just want things to slow down a bit!

It's only 6 hours away. That drive can be done before noon. At least it's not across the country...

we are packing up and moving from las vegas, to a smaller town in texas!! i understand totally what you are feeling!! Our little family in a better environment makes us happier so thats why we are going! its a bit scary, but so worth it! Too much drama, everything is so fast paced here!! I just feel like i cant breath, and cost of living is way lower :) My advice GO FOR IT!!!

@brynleysmommy - DH said he would like to move out west (CO preferably) or Wilmington. He visited there often growing up and just loves it. We both really want to live somewhere that's slower-paced. Life is too fast in Nova, way too fast! We can't stand it anymore!

If it were up to me, I'd be in West Virginia living in a cabin on the Greenbrier River, but hubby won't have it. :-/

@my5babes - that's my biggest issue and honestly, the only thing keeping me here. I didn't grow up around family and I hated not being good friends with cousins, aunts and uncles. 3 of my grandparents passed before I was born and the only living grandfather I met maybe 2-3 times before he died in 2003.

I always said that I would raise my kids around their family and I really love being around everyone.

I'm just getting to the point where I'm miserable here and DH hates it to, especially his job! He could always look for a new one around here but that would mean a commute of 1-2 hours each way! Right now he's 10 minutes and we can't find anything else around here in his field.

I would! Id love to get out of the city im in. dont even get me started on getting out of texas

I live in the mountains of nc we moved from manassas virginia and that place was ridiculous too much traffic and right outside dc. so I liked it better here

my whole family lives in va. also some live 3 hours from.here in nc. but I love it here. better. do what you want.

Not to be a Debbie downer but think about how you'll not having grandparents or aunts or uncles etc around for the kids as they grow. The extended family ( and kids) will miss out on having family at games, school functions, etc. we moved away From friends and family and although we love where we live, but our 2 soon to be 3 youngest don't know any on their extended family members. My son hasn't meet anyone grandparents and his 18 months old. work, money, health, time makes it hard to visit they way we would love to. After 5 years of living in a different state we're moving home next year. Again I don't want to seem like a downer but there is some negatives to moving. Is there a smaller town outside of your area?

So crazy that I read this! We are from Md and are looking into moving to wilmington too!! My husband is wanting to transfer down there and I stay home so I can live anywhere lol. I want better schools and weather.

I love wilmington! If we could pack up our lives dh and I would move there its where we met :)

Cuzi, where in PA?? I'm about half hour north of Philadelphia :)

OP - what is it about the area in NC that made you two choose there? I completely understand. 6 hours really isn't that bad of a drive. I would love a fresh start somewhere beautiful with new things to find and do. I say, if there are things you like more about that area go for it! It will also give you an excuse for a vacation away. Family can visit you and you can go visit them.

Cost of living is much cheaper down there. It is soooo expensive to live here!y mortgage payment is more than $2,400!

its your life dont let your status as i say be a way for you.to do what makes you happy. i would love to move to a diff. area myself. but consider all the options and cost of living there. wish u well.

I'm also from northern va, stafford/Woodbridge area. We moved 5 hours away to pa about4 years ago. It was really hard but I knew the schools were better and it's a much better area to raise my 3 children. After a while I started making new friends, I opened up my own jazzercise center and I actually love my life here In pa now!! The kids have tons of friends, and I have a Walmart and jazzercise so I'm good!! Lol I think as long as you have your family with you and they are happy, then You will be happy too!

I would. I hate living in nova. its bs, I wanna move but Hubby doesn't :( you're lucky. get out while you can

I'm not in USA but if I had choice to up and leave I'd jump at it, the family and friends that care will make the effort, and would b worth u making the effort in return! Good luck x