re: What would it take for you to move to the north?

I can see that half of those that are commenting have no knowledge of the North other than when a major weather event takes place and the news gives vivid details of people shoveling out of 5 feet of snow. This is not the case for the most part.

I grew up in LA, and moved away after graduating (TN, MO, AR), and now in Cincinnati for the past 7 years. I enjoy my trips back to LA to see family and LSU games, but I enjoy the more stable economy, much better schools, abundance of outdoor activities (despite what most think), and 4 seasons of weather. Cincinnati and for the most part Dayton get between 10-30 inches of snow per year spread out over 6-7 events normally. For the most part there is not snow on the ground throughout the entire winter like in the Northeast, or extreme North. From Sept-Dec and March-May it is really very comfortable with highs in the 60-80's. And the summer is much better with short spikes of heat, but not the constant 90 degree weather with 90+% humidity. For example, the temps tomorrow will be 79/58 with 30% humidity. It will spike up to 87/70 by Tuesday, but I'll take that range for summer anyday.

My kids go to a top 100 ranked public high school in the Nation (school district I live has been in top 5 of state for past 30 years, Wyoming, OH), with 60% of kids getting full rides in college, and 95% going to college.

As for the economy, I really don't see much in terms of day to day living expenses costing much more than LA. If you live in the suburbs of Cinci/Dayton you can get the typical 4br/3ba house with 1/2 acre, pool, etc. for less than $300K. Obviously the closer you move to the city it gets expensive, but you'll find that all over the country.

And as for outdoor life, there are about 6 crystal clear lakes within 2 hours of where I live and many rivers, plus I can get to the mountains in less than 4 hours. As much hunting and fishing as there is in LA albeit without having to deal with a swamp (personally I enjoy the swamp, but it does turn off some).

I'll get off my high horse and leave you with my observations. If I were you, I would make the move and I would put money on you not regretting your decision.

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I lived in Kansas for 1.5 yrs. at the behest of Uncle Sam many yrs. ago. Nice place and people but too far north.

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My dad lived in Independence, KS for 5 years and absolutely loved it. He said everything was cheap and it reminded him of the US in the 50s-60s era. Granted he's a small town country boy.

I love Wisconsin and am eternally grateful I was raised there but no way/no how I would ever live in cold weather again. I've turned down promotions from my company that would have necessitated moving to Minneapolis or NJ- it ain't ever going to happen.

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Do you live in the burbs? There's plenty of culcha in Cincinnati

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I live in the pseudo burbs of Cinci in a town called Wyoming. It's inside the loop, but far enough away from the rough areas. There are some crappy areas near us, but luckily we are taxed just enough to keep the trouble out without being "excessive" taxes.

I look at it this way. The difference I pay in taxes vs. other places I have lived is far less than any private school tuition I would be forced send my kids to due to subpar schools. When I lived in AR, my daughters tuition was $10K/yr. I might have higher taxes here, but when you take into account no need for private schools, I am saving $4-5K per year, even with a comparable house and higher salaries for both me and my wife.

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There are some crappy areas near us, but luckily we are taxed just enough to keep the trouble out without being "excessive" taxes.

I look at it this way. The difference I pay in taxes vs. other places I have lived is far less than any private school tuition I would be forced send my kids to due to subpar schools. When I lived in AR, my daughters tuition was $10K/yr. I might have higher taxes here, but when you take into account no need for private schools, I am saving $4-5K per year, even with a comparable house and higher salaries for both me and my wife.

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the good thing about Ohio is the local income taxes/schools

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What in the

So not true

It's seriously just as humid in the north during the summer

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It might be just as humid (67% currently, not sure what it averages there) but it's 68 degrees where I am right now with an expected high of 79 so it's not really a problem. I'm not in the northeast though.

It would take not living in fricking Ohio.

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Because it's such an ugly place

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Those pictures, especially the last one, aren't really helping your case.