I’ve been researching and house shopping in different cities/states for over a year now. Realistically, I can’t afford to buy a home in my current city/state, which really sucks since I worked so hard to move here &amp; to make it work, but financially I can’t do it anymore. I pay $1,000 a month for a super small 300 square ft. apartment (with no laundry.) I have a feeling at some point my rent could go up. 


Having a mortgage on a home in a LCOL area with minimal down payment would be smarter both short-term and long-term, and take the burden of paying high rent off of my back, all while having a nice investment and all amenities I’d need.


I plan on visiting this one particular city/state within the upcoming weeks. I was initially excited and confident, since doing this move would set me financially free, and I’d probably make friends/connections easier in said area, while having my own actual home. This would also release me from my main cause of anxiety/stress (money &amp; cost of living.) 


I recently looked at the live crime map/statistics for the area in question, and although it’s not nearly as bad crime wise like in places such as Chicago, it’s still pretty bad for being a lower population city. Lots of shootings &amp; murder.


There’s shootings and robberies in my current city, and it’s gotten progressively worse over the pandemic, but they happen in small pockets &amp; typically occur in/around homeless camps.


Another thing I’m worried about is going back to college. Where I live right now, they have a 4 year accelerated associates/bachelors degree program, so instead of 4 years, I could get my bachelors in 2 years on top of my associates.


The area I’m looking in doesn’t appear to have that option, which is a bummer. But again, *financial freedom.* it also seems like a lot of people in my age demographic are beginning to relocate to this area, so that’s refreshing. 


Another factor is, the locals where I live take pride in being “passive aggressive” and “fake friendly,” both IRL and on Internet forums. Within the almost 3 years ive lived here, I haven’t made one single true friend. All attempts have been fruitless. I don’t get that vibe or impression from where I’m looking to relocate.


I’m hoping to see if anyone has had any experiences similar to the anxiety/doubts I’m experiencing currently. It also doesn’t help that I’d be making the trek all alone, but it could turn out rewarding.