Moving Back East -- Need Info!

[Laura]

We are going to be relocating back east (from Washington State) next summer and need to identify 10-15 areas we would like to live in so we can begin job searches, etc. I used to live in New York City years ago but would like something a little quieter and slower paced. If anyone lives back east and could comment a little about a nice place to live we'd appreciate it. We are vegan and have a 9 year old son. The move will be hardest on him, so it would be great to go someplace where there are other vegans and one or two good grocery stores with vegan items. He's been in an alternative school in the school district which he enjoys so if anyone knows about good school districts with good programs that would also be good to know. We would like a medium size place that's not overrun with traffic jams, and like to live on a nice tree lined street with sidewalks and kids in an area that has a low crime rate and reasonably priced housing. We are particularly looking at New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Maine or Massachusetts or Vermont. Please, if anyone has any information I'd be most grateful!

Thanks,

[acrazy]

First of all, good luck with this transition! It sounds exciting.

I live in NYC and grew up in the suburbs. I know you said that you didn't want to move back to NYC but here's my two cents anyway! :)

While the city may not be the quiet place you're looking for, you can't beat it for organic markets, veg. restaurants and most importantly a diversity of people which makes it possible for vegans (or anyone else slightly off the main stream) to find a community. There really are a some quieter parts of nyc. Parts of Brooklyn are quiet and beautiful and even parts of Manhattan. You should go to the message boards at www.urbanbaby.com. It's not an alternative or vegan site by any means but people often post asking about veg. play groups, schools where there are a lot of veggies, etc.

I won't say it doesn't exist in the suburbs but I certainly don't know of a place that your son will feel comfortable. My (and most people I know) experience in the suburbs is that conforming is key. And the values tend to be pretty materialistic. I certainly wouldn't want to be a vegan there.

A little further upstate, however there are some great communties. Near Oneonta, Woodstock and places like that.

Anyway, good luck. Post again if you have any specific questions about neighborhoods, stores and schools.

[Ckflew]

There was a thread going about the vegan-friendly places near Syracuse, NY recently. Of course, you'd have to like snow. :D

And I'm afraid the "no traffice jams" takes Pittsburgh off your list (though this is not the most vegan-friendly place). The three rivers makes it difficult to get most places - even when it's not rush hour.

I've noticed that Philadelphia has a lot of vegetarian restaurants listed on vegdining.com. Maybe you can get some data from that site, too.

[xmysticprincessx]

Syracuse is pretty veg-friendly. (The info about the restaurants is in something about my 1st protest.)
The job market isnt so hot from what I've been hearing, so I guess it all depends on your field. You can check out www.syracuse.com for more info on the city and stuff. There's also local classifieds that you can search.
Check out www.cnyhomes.com or www.cnyrealtor.com to get an idea of home prices and stuff in the area.
PM me if you have any questions or anything like that. (I just moved to Syracuse.)