A Perfect Place

on April 12, 2010
in All Posts

Catching up on weekend posts?

 

The sun is shining, the coffee is hot, the wienerschnitzel is snoring…  It’s a typical Monday morning in Central Florida.  

 

Breakfast:

IMG_0145

I can eat hot oatmeal all year round, but today I was craving a cold breakfast.  I am really enjoying the use of raw oatmeal instead of granola.  It’s cheaper and I’ve definitely do not miss the added sugar.

IMG_0146

My mix contained:

 

  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin
  • Drizzle maple syrup
  • Cinnamon
  • Banana
  • Flax
  • Pecans

IMG_0149

Brock Cassell

 

Want to help Brock Cassell, a 20-month old with leukemia?

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Head over to Emily’s blog to donate a minimum of $1 to her fun foodie raffle.  All proceeds will benefit Brock’s family during this difficult time.  :( 

 

Getting Our Move On…

 

As mentioned a few times on the blog, we are moving to Charlotte, North Carolina at the end of June.  We’re moving because Orlando is not the ideal place to launch the Husband’s acupuncture business and, although we like it here, we don’t see ourselves here forever.  My in-laws are also moving to Charlotte, and North Carolina is a lot closer to my mom and other relatives.

 

Suddenly, I cannot think of anything BUT moving.  It’s starting to become a weird obsession.  I’m focused mainly on finding the perfect apartment/townhome/house.  We’re going to continue renting because we’re not in the position to buy.

 

We have this LONG list of “wants” in a new place.    In order of importance:

 

  • Pet-friendly
  • Three bedrooms or two bedrooms with an office area
  • Within close proximity to the Husband’s clinic so he doesn’t have a long commute
  • Located in a mixed-use neighborhood so we can walk to shops, restaurants, and bars
  • A good running/biking neighborhood or near a large park
  • Good lighting for food photography 🙂
  • Off-street parking
  • A small backyard area (unless it’s an apartment)
  • Renovated and modern
  • Dishwasher
  • Air conditioning

 

Whew.  Does a place like that even exist?

 

If you were to move to another city, where would you go?  What kind of place would you want?

{ 107 comments }

 

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin April 12, 2010, 9:54 am

    Mmm your breakfast bowl looks delish! I love DC (where I live now) but if I could move anywhere else, it would probably be to NYC. I like to rent too because when something breaks, you can call your landlord to fix it! Except I do sometimes feel like I’m throwing a lot of money away with renting… I like a 2+ bedroom, good running/biking trails, public transportation and lots of good restaurants.

    • Liz April 12, 2010, 1:40 pm

      I live in NYC and would love to live in DC (moving there for the summer, but have to come back to NYC in Augsut). We should trade!!!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing April 12, 2010, 10:01 am

    Your breakfast does look awesome!! I’ve been kind of not wanting oats lately too and I wanted a yogurt bowl this morning. Sadly, I was all out 🙁 Not that you really wanted to know that haha

    If I could move anywhere, I actually think Charlotte would possibly be it. It’s more exciting and has TONS more to do than where I live but it’s also not super crowded and still has the feel of a small Southern town in some areas. I would also love to live in NYC (if money wasn’t an issue), somewhere on the beach, or in California.

  • Jocelyn April 12, 2010, 10:07 am

    That sounds like a wonderful place to me! I hope it exists 🙂
    I might be moving soon because of my boyfriends job… a pretty good location as it is only an hour away from my family. The apartment we would be living in is modern and renovated (classy but good price) security, dishwasher, 2 bedroom, walk in closets, ( i have neveer had a dishwasher OR walk in closets!), an office area, balcony, indoor and outdoor pool, tennis courts and large park nearby!

    I really hope it works out for you guys! And for me and my man as well! 🙂

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday April 12, 2010, 10:13 am

    Are you planning on buying a place or renting? It’ll be nice to be near your in-laws. Especially if you start a family.

  • Julia @ British Bride April 12, 2010, 10:13 am

    Morning Caitlin

    If I could move anywhere at all it would be to the USA – you are so lucky to live somewhere warm and sunny – will Charlotte be warm like Orlando? I have actually been to Orlando a few times and love it – but your reasons for moving are good ones.

    When do you move? Will you be renting or buying?

    Julia x

  • Matt April 12, 2010, 10:13 am

    I would want a place where there are things to do OUTSIDE!

  • Liz April 12, 2010, 10:13 am

    I would love to move to the west coast, especially Southern California for the warm weather! I would miss my family but everyone wants a change sometimes.

    Good luck with the apartment hunt. Your list seems completely reasonable/doable.

  • Rachel (Suburban Yogini) April 12, 2010, 10:13 am

    Ha ha, you remind me of me last summer. We moved from London to Cambridge and I spent the entire summer planning every detail of the move obsessively. The hardest part was trying to find a house that fitted all my obsessive planning AND would accept the cats. Poor kitties! It was worth all the stress though because our house is as perfect as you can get for a rental.

    Of course sometime in the next few years we hope to move to Australia (I used to live there) but I’m not thinking about that right now.

    In a perverse sort of way I love moving. I love the obsessive planning. I am a nerd. Clearly.

  • Diana April 12, 2010, 10:15 am

    Well, I’m not sure actually. I like apartments and the city but sometimes (well… lately, a lot actually) I crave the smaller places and living in a house with a backyard. I’ve lived in apartments and only get to experience living in a small town and in a house when my family and I go on vacation every year to my familys’ country house. It’s so peaceful there. 🙂 But I’ve never been there during the winter so I’m thinking it probably wouldn’t be as awesome during the summer!

  • Lauren April 12, 2010, 10:16 am

    I’m sure Kath’s told you about the Piper Glen area in Ballantyne, but I think it sounds perfect for what you are looking for. Although not too cheap 🙁 We live about a mile from Ballantyne Village and there are long sidewalks for running/biking, plenty of restaurants and shops within a mile’s distance, an Earth Fare less than a 4 minute drive away, 3 Targets & a mall within a few miles. It really is a great place to live. The houses in our neighborhood are 3 bedrooms avg. and range from the $160-190K range. Let me know if you want anymore info 🙂

    • Caitlin April 12, 2010, 10:17 am

      Is there stuff for rent there, too?

      • Lauren April 12, 2010, 10:18 am

        I know of two apartment complexes, one right across the street from our development and one pretty much right in the middle of the village area. I’ve also seen some houses and townhomes for rent around that area as well since a lot of people don’t want to sell in this market.

        • Lauren April 12, 2010, 10:19 am

          Oh and the greenway that Kath and Emily run on is just down the road.

        • Caitlin April 12, 2010, 10:20 am

          I will keep that place in mind! I think I would rather live in a neighborhood than an apartment complex. Bah. Basically I want the perfect place (hence the blog title).

        • Lauren April 12, 2010, 10:24 am

          Our zip code is 28134 and I think the zip codes around that area are 28277 if that helps when you are searching 🙂

    • Beth April 12, 2010, 2:06 pm

      DANG, that is so cheap for a house!! I want to move there!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) April 12, 2010, 10:19 am

    i’m SURE a place like that exists! i don’t know where in charlotte (never been) but i bet you guys find something mind-blowing. i’m excited to read about y’alls transition!

    if I could move anywhere it would be to San Luis Obispo, California. It’s a small town on the coast of CA, right in the middle between San Francisco and LA. probably one of the PRETTIEST places i’ve been in my life!

    • Sarah for Real April 12, 2010, 11:45 am

      I totally love SLO! My husband spent some summers there growing up and we just went back in March on vacation. It is SO beautiful. Love the wineries too.

      If only the state of California were doing better government and tax-wise, we’d be there in a heartbeat!

  • Evan Thomas April 12, 2010, 10:19 am

    Since I couldn’t begin to think of a “real” answer, I can only dream of living somewhere in a suburb of Rome on the street with a lot of little bakeries. It would have to have a little terrace and a garden for fruit trees. There’d need to be a little drive way for my italian car to drive to the train station to get in to the city. This place exists, right? 😉

    Eating oats raw sounds… interesting. I think I’d miss the crispy crunch of them. I wonder how it’d turn out to bake them with a little oil but no sugar so they get hard but not sweet

  • Emmanuelle April 12, 2010, 10:20 am

    We are considering moving out of Belgium, maybe next year, but we’re not sure where to go. We are both French, our families are still in France, but we are not especially willing to move back there.
    I would loooove to live in the UK (every time I go there it feels like going home) and Lovely Boyfriend is for some reason attracted to Canada, but warm weather is also worth taking into account 😉 so we are still processing the question.
    The US, why not? 😀

  • Kate April 12, 2010, 10:22 am

    I am in Germany for work right now, and “Schnitzel” is on EVERY menu MULTIPLE times. My dog’s name is Schnitzel (although he’s not a weiner dog like yours — that would have been perfect!), so I have a hard time ordering it even though it’s the local specialty 🙂

    In terms of moving, come to Boston! Everything is rentable (even though we own… we rent out 1/2 of our two-family house). Not cheap, but an awesome place to live.

    • Caitlin April 12, 2010, 10:25 am

      Don’t eat the Schnitzel!!!

  • Jenny April 12, 2010, 10:23 am

    I have always dreamed of living in Seattle or Texas! I think as long as you have the basics and people you love with you, you’ll be good to go!

  • Jenny April 12, 2010, 10:23 am

    I have always dreamed of living in Seattle or Texas! I think as long as you have the basics and people you love with you, you’ll be good to go!

  • Carly @ carlysharec.com April 12, 2010, 10:24 am

    Well, I *am* moving to the Tallahassee area at the end of this week. I’m super excited. But if I could move ANYWHERE, it would be to New Orleans permanently, or England for a more temporary stay (like 1-3 years … I want to live in a cottage covered with ivy and write books and grow herbs.) 🙂

  • andrea April 12, 2010, 10:24 am

    so you can eat oats uncooked?? any stomach issues? will have to try 🙂

    • Caitlin April 12, 2010, 10:25 am

      yes and no 🙂

  • Julie @SavvyEats April 12, 2010, 10:25 am

    When we were looking for an Ithaca apartment, our priorities were (in order):

    1. Pet-friendly (Dan has birds, and I want a puppy!)
    2. Near the downtown area (so everything is within walking distance)
    3. Good, sizable kitchen
    4. Lots of natural light
    5. At least one bedroom and an office area
    6. A landlord we felt would do a good job (we have had some BAD landlord experiences in the past)

    We got an even better apartment than we expected! 🙂

  • Christie {Honoring Health} April 12, 2010, 10:25 am

    I have a dream of moving to the Outer Banks in NC into a nice, modern condo with lots of amenities and plenty of room for guests. The problem with my dream is that you have to be pretty much financially well off in order to live there full time as there are not a lot of “real” jobs there.

  • Katie April 12, 2010, 10:26 am

    How exciting for you that you get to start over in a new place! My husband and I are moving too and like you, it occupies my thoughts a lot of the time. We’re moving to Sacramento, CA (from Central Virginia) on August 1. Your “want” list for a home is really similar to mine except “must have a dishwasher” is at the top of my list instead of near the bottom! Haha (The place we’ve rented for the last almost 2 years doesn’t have one and I am *so* tired of washing everything by hand!!!) I hope that place exists for you and for me!!

  • BethT April 12, 2010, 10:26 am

    I tweeted you about this, but when I moved to SF I put a “housing wanted” ad on Craigslist and my landlord found ME that way. It turned out he had an awesome place to rent and didn’t want to go through the usual hassles of showing it to a million people. We sounded like good tenants, so he showed it to us and we rented it on the spot. It was our definition of a “perfect place.” I’m not sure if Charlotte-area rentals are listed on Craigslist as frequently as SF rentals, but I’d definitely suggest trying this to see what’s out there.

  • Sarah-Mae @ Eat, Run, Knit April 12, 2010, 10:27 am

    That breakfast does look quite good!
    In terms of moving, right now my partner and I are also looking to relocate. We’re looking for an old farm house on more than an acre of land, a fixer-upper, at least two bedrooms (for the future fam) and I would die for a wood fireplace, even if it’s just a wood stove, I miss the smell of wood burning in my parents house very much!

    Best of luck with your search!!!

  • Joanne April 12, 2010, 10:29 am

    You sound so happy today. Probably due to great achievements and goals.

    I would LOVE to move to California. Carmel by the beach would be perfect. My goal would be to open a Bed and Breakfast and have horses again.

    Aside: Thanks so much for the recommend. of the road bike over hybrid. I rode to work today and it’s a dream! Love it.

    • Caitlin April 12, 2010, 10:37 am

      oh im glad you liked it!

    • Dee April 12, 2010, 1:21 pm

      I would love be in Carmel too!

  • Neely April 12, 2010, 10:30 am

    If I could move anywhere I would love to live in either the mid/upper Florida Keys or New Smyrna Beach. I love Florida and I woud love a townhouse or 3/2 bungalow in either place. Near the water. With a new kitchen.

    Great now you have me daydreaming big time.

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance) April 12, 2010, 10:33 am

    that breakfast bowl is phenom! Great mix of flavors and textures!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter April 12, 2010, 10:34 am

    I would definitely move to somewhere warmer like California or Arizona. I’m such a warm weather girl. I would want ideally a place in the suburbs, but living in the city would be a cool, different experience too.

    • Sarah April 12, 2010, 11:49 am

      If it’s warm weather you’re looking for, make sure you move to Southern California — it’s freezing up here by SF!

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly April 12, 2010, 10:42 am

    I haven’t moved to a new city. I am lived in Austin my entire life. Sometimes I think it would be fun to just go somewhere else…my husband used to live in Arizona and I think he would move back there if we could.

  • Jen April 12, 2010, 10:45 am

    The perfect place is out there! My fiance and I had a list of “must-haves” and after looking and waiting a couple of months, the perfect place went on the market. We jumped on it and bought it! We’re closing this Friday and moving on Saturday! Make sure you get what you want!

  • Retta @ RunRettaRun April 12, 2010, 10:47 am

    I would move to a busier city, not so “country.” I loved NYC but The Lover would divorce me b/c he’s all about country living :).

  • Lizz (leadingthegoodlife) April 12, 2010, 10:49 am

    We bought a house last summer, and I made tons of ‘must have’, ‘nice to have’, and ‘my dream to have’ lists! I would purposefully run in different neighborhoods each day to get ideas of what I wanted/didn’t want and check out what was for sale. The hardest thing for me was that at the top of our list was something ‘with character’ which is such a subjective thing – and really hard to describe!

    My first instict is to say I’d move back to New York…but I also think I’d love to live in Colorado or the Pacific Northwest. Somewhere with a gorgeous view!

  • Catherine April 12, 2010, 10:53 am

    I’m sure a place like that exists! When I was moving apartments from one neighborhood of NYC to another I had VERY specific things I was looking for, and although it took a while and a few different brokers, I eventually found a total gem – and didn’t have to pay an arm & a leg for it either!!

    I love where I live, but I’d really like to move to San Francisco for a few years at least 🙂

  • emptynutjar April 12, 2010, 10:54 am

    I just wrote down your breakfast recipe. I think I would like to try it. I don’t run, bike or swim or do any of the physical pursuits you do…but I think its still a great breakfast for the non-athletes too!
    You must have to eat so so much to keep your body strong. Never neglect your self…u are so healthy and so vibrant.
    Adding nut butter to that dish would be great too. I hope to try out the infamous overnight oats sometime soon. Do you like those?

    • Caitlin April 12, 2010, 11:02 am

      overnight oats taste exactly like AM oats 🙂 lol seriously.

  • Mary April 12, 2010, 10:56 am

    Dilworth area is also really cute – lots of small houses, very cute and neighborhood-y. 🙂

  • Angharad April 12, 2010, 10:56 am

    I’d go big-city for sure: New York or Chicago. Although you could also convince me to move to somewhere like Seattle or Portland, no problem.
    And have hope: when we were apartment hunting we had quite the list of wants and we ended up with all but one of them and a place far more amazing than we’d ever dreamed!! It can happen!

  • Jessica April 12, 2010, 10:56 am

    The main thing that I want in an apartment is a washer and dryer. I am so sick of going to the laundrymat!

  • Sarah (GF vegan) April 12, 2010, 11:03 am

    Good luck with finding your place 🙂 I’m sure you will. It’s difficult being in limbo; I’d obsess about the next thing if I was just waiting to arrive and I knew when it was too. x

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman April 12, 2010, 11:09 am

    Actually, my husband and I talk about North Carolina all the time. I have little tolerance for cold, so my goal is to get further south. (But, being a New Englander, I don’t think I’m cut out for The South.) Whenever I move (yearly, boo) my requirements are a dishwasher, washer/dryer in unit, and plenty of storage space. An onsite gym doesn’t hurt, either.

  • Lisa April 12, 2010, 11:09 am

    If money wasn’t an issue, I’d totally want to move to a beach town in California but a more practical place would be somewhere in Colorado. I love the mountains and it looks like a great place to live for outdoorsy-types!

    • Jess April 12, 2010, 1:26 pm

      I live in Colorado and I honestly can’t think of another place that I’d want to live. My hubby and I discussed North Carolina or Boston because he would have some good job opportunities, but we just can’t bear to leave CO.

      • Lisa April 12, 2010, 2:14 pm

        I KNEW Colorado would be good place to live! 🙂 Maybe someday….

  • Nicci April 12, 2010, 11:10 am

    Oh, I hope you do find the perfect place in Charlotte. I’m just moving in 4 months to a different apartment complex. I have similar wants;hoping I can find something. I know I’m very picky. 🙂

  • Whit April 12, 2010, 11:24 am

    Really, I don’t think you will have a HUGE problem finding something like that in Charlotte. If you had an unlimited budget. 😉

    The main thing, I think would be the walking friendly neighborhood. Charlotte is not overly walking friendly. 🙁

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) April 12, 2010, 11:30 am

    What an exciting time! Let’s see…my requirements for our new place would be…not in Illinois!Actually looking around the San Diego area for our next house.
    Other than that, the basics – washer dryer (which we’d probably bring ours..)air conditioner, good neighborhood, around restuarants and shops, etc.

  • eliza April 12, 2010, 11:33 am

    Move to Portland, MAINE ,thats where I am moving!

  • Sarah April 12, 2010, 11:47 am

    I know how you feel – my husband and I are moving to DC from California this month and I’ve been stalking craigslist postings since February! Uuugh. For a while it felt like we would never find something that met all our needs, but have faith – we found a condo last week that is perfect for us and our dog. Good luck on the move and I look forward to reading about how it all goes!

  • Sarah April 12, 2010, 11:47 am

    I know how you feel – my husband and I are moving to DC from California this month and I’ve been stalking craigslist postings since February! Uuugh. For a while it felt like we would never find something that met all our needs, but have faith – we found a condo last week that is perfect for us and our dog. Good luck on the move and I look forward to reading about how it all goes!

  • Lauren @ Eater not a runner April 12, 2010, 11:47 am

    Moving is SO exciting! We are moving to a one-bedroom apt next week, a studio is getting too small for two 🙂

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! April 12, 2010, 11:51 am

    It can be hard to find everything you want at the price you want but it can be done…..I am currently doing the same for a June move as well! Sort of getting a bit frustrated but tring to get through it.

  • cara April 12, 2010, 11:56 am

    if I ever have to leave Austin, Charlotte sounds like the place I would move to. Sounds awesome. Good luck with the move!

  • Megan @ Eat.Scrap.Run April 12, 2010, 12:03 pm

    When I lived in Charlotte 10 years ago, people actually lived and hung out in the downtown area (actually called uptown I think). Most cities seem to have deserted downtown areas on the nights and weekends, but Charlotte wasn’t like that. Right before I moved due to a job change, I was going to get an apartment on the edge of downtown in one of the “wards”, but I can’t remember which one.

    I don’t know which part of town your husband is working, but this was a nice little area too that would be fun to walk to if you didn’t want to live near uptown.
    http://www.phillipsplace.info/Home/

    I am sure a lot has changed there in 10 years, but I think you will find that you really like it there. I remember people used to go into South Carolina to go hiking a lot. I wish now that I would have done it while I was there.

    • Caitlin April 12, 2010, 12:11 pm

      ooo thank you!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs April 12, 2010, 12:13 pm

    Good woman – I love that pet friendly is top of your list!
    I’d want to be in a city, with a nice open plan apartment, near to lots of entertainment…I’ve lived in the sticks too long!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople April 12, 2010, 12:16 pm

    I hope that place does exist for your, because it sounds fantastic!

    I absolutely love the town I’ve grown up in, I’ve only moved within this same city except for a few years as a teen when my family moved JUST outside the city. I’ve traveled to Europe and around the states near mine, and yet, I am just drawn to where I am.

  • sarah (the SHU box) April 12, 2010, 12:27 pm

    kath’s looking to sell in charlotte, you’re looking to buy . . . and we know her place has excellent lighting 🙂 hmmm . . .

  • Katharine April 12, 2010, 12:29 pm

    Good luck with the house hunting! It sounds like you have some time so I’m sure you’ll be able to find the house that completes the list! 🙂

  • Cat April 12, 2010, 12:30 pm

    I am lucky that I love where I live! Smack dab in the middle of San Francisco.

    I’m also really, really lucky in that I had the opportunity to become an onsite building manager for an apartment building about 4 years ago through a family connection. Seriously, the luckiest thing that has ever happened to me! So I don’t technically pay rent — I work for it! It can be a pain, but I LOVE my apartment. Every time I leave the Bay Area, I miss it terribly and I LOVE to travel! This tells me that I found the right spot for me. Once I’m ready to settle down, I want to stay in Nor Cal — ideally Marin County, if I can afford it! I really want to have a yard, garden and have space to do all the kitchen projects I can’t do in my wee little apartment now.

    Good luck on finding the perfect apartment!

  • runnerforever April 12, 2010, 12:46 pm

    Super cool breakfast! Good luck with your new home search, should be exciting!

  • Jen April 12, 2010, 12:50 pm

    I live south of Charlotte in Fort Mill, SC. There is a super-cute community called Baxter Village that has most of your pre-requisites. It’s houses and townhomes but I’m sure some are for rent. I don’t know where your hubby will be working though. My husband works in the Southpark area right in Charlotte and he has about a 20 min commute.

    • Cindi April 12, 2010, 9:22 pm

      Hey I live in Baxter! I’m seeing a “Welcome to Charlotte, Caitlin” party in the near future! My front porch, or yours? 😉

  • eatingRD April 12, 2010, 12:51 pm

    your breakfast looks like fun to eat! Good luck on your house hunt. My mom lives just outside Charlotte in Mooresville and it’s a beautiful place. It may be hard to find something near bike paths, it seems like all the streets are two lane and really scary to bike on, but I’m not all that familiar with the area still, especially in the city. Have to have good lighting, I didn’t take that into consideration with the purchase of our townhouse and now I’m regretting it!

  • Ashley @ Good Taste. Healthy Me April 12, 2010, 12:54 pm

    I would definitely move south. I’m up in NH and it’s too cold! I could definitely see myself in the Carolina’s.

  • Kalli@fitandfortysomething April 12, 2010, 1:09 pm

    love your placemat! oh three years ago we did move to where we wanted to be-a small beach town in co cal. love it! i can walk everywhere and i am never too far from the ocean. you are gonna love your new move and do hold out and get the place you want 🙂

  • Erin April 12, 2010, 1:15 pm

    When we were looking for a place to rent in Chicago we essentially had the same list as you! Minus the food photography thing, though. We found almost all of that for a decent price by compromising on the commute time. I have a 35 minute commute each way but it’s all on public transportation. Better for the environment, I guess! I have faith you’ll find a great place! We found ours last minute and I was so stressed out. Just don’t give up!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet April 12, 2010, 1:17 pm

    I’d love to go to NYC, but I think the grass is always greener! I actually really like Pittsburgh and love where we live now.

  • Ashley L April 12, 2010, 1:26 pm

    My SO and I almost moved to the Rockhill SC/Charlotte NC area. Techincally if we were able to sell our house we would be there right now.

    Oh well.

    Anyways moving has been on my brain like crazy too! I hate our south Chi area. I need to be close to work! I’d rather be further south too. Once he’s done with school we are hightailing it to Arizona! That’s where our hearts are!

    So if you ever need a free place to stay close to Chicago, holler!

  • Jess April 12, 2010, 1:38 pm

    I am hoping to move back to Pittsburgh soon but my NEXT choice would be Charlotte (Ballantyne area) ironically. It reminds me of a cleaner, newer South Hills of Pittsburgh 🙂

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit April 12, 2010, 1:45 pm

    I want to move to either San Fransisco (or the Bay Area at least) or Seattle. I want FRESH food, I need to be near the ocean (grew up in NH), and I want more bike/runner trails and lanes!

  • Nicole, RD April 12, 2010, 1:46 pm

    I could never do an apartment with dogs, but that’s just me! I told my husband that we’d rent a house before we were carting Lily up 3 flights of stairs every time she needs to go, or just wants to go. I bet she goes in and out 15 times in the evening and I know she loves it. ANYWAYS! I do think a place exists! Be picky, it’s an important choice!

  • Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble) April 12, 2010, 1:48 pm

    I love the city I am in now, but I am itching to get a new apartment. I want it to be bigger- hopefully 3 bedrooms so we can have an offic and guest room, or at LEAST 2 bedrooms. I’d like a good sizedm kitchen with a big fridge and lots of counter space, a dining room with nice lighting, and a really great location =D

    xo
    K

  • Kate April 12, 2010, 1:58 pm

    Were planning on moving in a year or so and I really have my heart set on Wisconsin. I do think that I would love NC though, but the boyfriend is an anti-heat kind of guy!

  • Carrie @ I See Monsters April 12, 2010, 2:33 pm

    I moved to Nashville two years ago and my apartment “need” list was just as long as yours! What I did find was that once I found my perfect place, a few of my supposed “needs” (like a patio or some sort of outdoor living area) went right out the window. I adore my apartment! Although I do miss being able to sit outside easily on a nice day, now I just go to a park or coffee shop instead. 😉

    Best of luck with your apartment search…I know it can be such a pain. Definitely try craigslist. There are tons of turkeys on there but a few gems as well. I found my place (and my nearly perfect landlord – seriously, he gave me wine for a Christmas present!) there.

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat April 12, 2010, 2:35 pm

    I would like to move somewhere that is warmer year round and about the same requirements you have 😉

    Good luck with the search, I’m sure it does exist!

  • Leslie Moore April 12, 2010, 2:52 pm

    Savannah, Georgia. It is so diverse, so intergrated and great walking city. It just seems more sophisticated the ORL and the cooler winters would be nice. Plus, Tybee Island and the whole beach thing is 15 minutes away. Alas, I will never sell my house here so I could never move…

  • Emily @ The Front Burner Blog April 12, 2010, 3:13 pm

    Hi Caitlin! Kath and I can’t wait for you to come to Charlotte! 🙂 We moved here in August and had the same priorities you did – particularly the pet friendly part. We ended up renting in an area that we don’t like, and have learned the hard way that where you live is a huge deal. Definitely live on the southeast side of town – no question. I am hoping when you come here you will discover some sort of wonderful biking path/route because as far as I can tell, Charlotte is completely biker UN-friendly. 🙁 The roads are so busy and crowded! You should look in the Myers Park/Dilworth/Southpark areas – definitely the best for walking and running!

    Let me know if you see places you want us to scout out for you – I know how hard it is to find a place long distance!

    • Caitlin April 12, 2010, 3:14 pm

      Thank you so much Emily! I totally might take you up on that offer! I can’t wait to be friends!

  • Julie April 12, 2010, 3:26 pm

    I’m soooo excited! I currently live in Baltimore but am moving to Boston (yay!!) in August to start a doctorate program. My family is all from MA, so I’m so happy to be able to move back to my home state. I really love Baltimore but I think I’m ready to leave. I will miss all the cops I work with 🙁 I’ll never find a job like I have now, that’s for sure!

  • My Life As I Live It April 12, 2010, 3:31 pm

    I’m a realtor three hours from Charlotte and sent out a email to my office to see if anyone knows of anything, you never know, someone may be moving here and have something they need to rent out b/c it won’t sell!

    • Caitlin April 12, 2010, 3:35 pm

      thank you!

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing April 12, 2010, 4:05 pm

    If I were single I would probably move to DC. I love their public transportation!

  • Amanda (The Beautiful Army) April 12, 2010, 4:07 pm

    Yum.unch was pasta and Chobani yogurt, among others. Brock is so cute! and no, I don’t want to move..

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) April 12, 2010, 6:12 pm

    I would definitely move some place closer to a real city. Everything is almost and hour from us and I don’t like driving 30 minutes just to Target.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) April 12, 2010, 6:56 pm

    I would move to NYC!!! I would want a place within walking distance of stores/ restaurants/ grocery store etc..

  • Kath April 12, 2010, 8:46 pm

    Send me places you are looking!!

  • Rachel April 12, 2010, 10:08 pm

    I have actually always wanted to move to NC! I am looking at grad schools out in that area and if all goes well (I get accepted) I would move out there in the Summer of 2011! I will keep my fingers crossed that you find your ideal place. I don’t envy the house/apt hunting.

  • Ash Bear April 12, 2010, 10:10 pm

    Hi pretty lady! I’m sure Kath is helping you but I would suggest Ballantyne. This area seems like it would have almost everything you’re looking for in a home!

  • maria April 13, 2010, 1:55 am

    A dishwasher and clothes dryer are on the top of my list for a new place!

  • Emily Eats April 13, 2010, 5:52 am

    I love your list! When we moved back to London I had a list too, and the best thing is we got even better than I hoped! I wish the same for you 🙂
    If I could move anywhere…. Paris, Marseille, Barcelona, Madrid, Tucson perhaps… You name it!

  • Susan April 13, 2010, 9:31 am

    Well, I AM moving to another place in June too, Toronto! My list includes having utilities included in the rent, on-site laundry, walking distance to food stores, on transit route, and if possible free parking so I can bring my car! Oh yes, and enough room for three people and four bikes 😉 I’m already planning on moving to Edinburgh, Scotland in June 2011! (shhh)

  • Courtney @ Pancakes & Postcards April 13, 2010, 1:58 pm

    Good luck with your move! That’s scary, but so exciting. When I saw your blog title, I started thinking about the “perfect place” and while I definitely have a list of things I am looking for in a place to live, for me the perfect place is just somewhere where I have loved ones! I am living in Africa now but if I could move anywhere… I am just really excited to go back to the state I call home, California! With all its amazing outdoors, amazing food, and wonderful people who are important to me. 🙂

  • Kelsie April 14, 2010, 8:07 pm

    Hey Caitlin! I am so excited to hear you are moving to Charlotte! I am 22 and graduating college in May. I decided I wanted to take a year off before possibly going to law school. I actually just went to Charlotte this past weekend to look at places, and I ended up finding a really great apartment. It is in South Charlotte and is close to shopping centers and restaurants and has plenty of sidewalks to go for a bike ride or a run! Here is the website: http://reafieldvillageapts.com/ Hope this helps! If you have any questions or want to plan a get-together when you move, just let me know!

    • caitlin April 14, 2010, 8:14 pm

      yay we can be friends 🙂 i saved this to my charlotte folder.

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