Reply #16: I work for a non-profit involved with higher education (I can PM you for more details)

[ihavenobias]

I here there are quite a few non-profits and government orgs down there. At an rate, while I mostly telecommute (and it's possible I could move and still continue with the same organization) it's not a lock that I'll stay with my current employer. While the pay is mediocre, the benefits are great. To give you an idea, my GF is covered under my insurance plan which is pretty rare. But that's one of the bonuses when working for a progressive organization.

She's in dental hygiene school, which is great because there's a shortage of hygienists so the demand and pay is high just about everywhere. And obviously there are dental offices all over the place.

The current plan (assuming we like it after our visit of course) is to move within 1.5-2 years or so and rent the first year. IMO, renting the first year makes a ton of sense, because it allows us to know just where we'll work, what parts of the area appeal to us based on our interests and situation and on and on.

The only downside is having to move again within a year, and the fact that we *might* miss out on a better housing market and or a better interest rate over that year. Still, I think it'd be pretty risky to move to an unfamiliar place and buy right away for a number of reasons.