Hi, all.
I identify mostly with a voluntaryist position at this point of my life but I can see the allure of minarchism and the Constitution of the United States. I wish to immerse myself in and support voluntaryism in whatever ways I can. That's why I'm on freekeene.com. I found this through my friend suggesting I check out FTL. Then I saw the Ridley Report and the rest is history. Moving to Keene seems like a great, if not the best way to me but I have some reservations. I'm reluctant because of the job market there. What's the income requirement to make ends meet and have a little money/time left over for personal enjoyment/activism, human rights? Why would it be better there than rather than trying to do outreach in NY?
Sometimes I wish I was a lawyer so I can help get activists out of jail, for example, but I'm not. I don't have that kind of power. Currently, I make about $38,000 (including however many overtime hours) as a customer service supervisor for an online furniture company. I've been working there for about 6 years. I get 10 vacation days, 5 sick days, and have health and dental insurance. I'm totally fine with doing different work so long as it's financially viable.
Also, I'm wondering about the median age in Keene. Will I be out of place? I know there are some older people with children but, is this mostly geared to younger folks as it seems from the videos I've seen and the 2008 Porcfest I attended? I'm 35 years of age, single woman (would not be bringing any kids). I pay $830 all inclusive (heat, electric, internet) for my studio apartment here in LI NY. I have a car which I pay around $180 in insurance per month. I'd hate to sell my car but if I were to move to Keene, wouldn't it be an unnecessary, extra expense?
Feel free to address one topic or all, privately or publicly. All feedback would be tremendously appreciated. Thanks!
You can get a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment for $830 a month around here. With off-street parking.
Good questions. Welcome.
It's better here because it's more free than NY, and likely to get moreso with more movers getting active. It's better because there is a community of liberty-loving people here. There are 101 reasons to move to NH at http://freestateproject.org/101Reasons
According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keene,_New_Hampshire , the median age is 35. Most activists here are in their 20s and 30s.
You don't have to have a car if you live in downtown Keene, but it's nice to have for grocery runs and traveling across the state. Odds are good you will get a better insurance rate in NH. Mine dropped when I moved from FL.
Ah A fellow traveler from the Isle of Long. Hello.
Welcome from a south-shore clamdigger ;) You'll find the cost of living for EVERYTHING is more sensible here!
[quote author=behindthescenes link=topic=5186.msg52962#msg52962 date=1307743467]
Hi, all.
I identify mostly with a voluntaryist position at this point of my life but I can see the allure of minarchism and the Constitution of the United States. I wish to immerse myself in and support voluntaryism in whatever ways I can. That's why I'm on freekeene.com. I found this through my friend suggesting I check out FTL. Then I saw the Ridley Report and the rest is history. Moving to Keene seems like a great, if not the best way to me but I have some reservations. I'm reluctant because of the job market there. What's the income requirement to make ends meet and have a little money/time left over for personal enjoyment/activism, human rights? Why would it be better there than rather than trying to do outreach in NY?
Sometimes I wish I was a lawyer so I can help get activists out of jail, for example, but I'm not. I don't have that kind of power. Currently, I make about $38,000 (including however many overtime hours) as a customer service supervisor for an online furniture company. I've been working there for about 6 years. I get 10 vacation days, 5 sick days, and have health and dental insurance. I'm totally fine with doing different work so long as it's financially viable.
Also, I'm wondering about the median age in Keene. Will I be out of place? I know there are some older people with children but, is this mostly geared to younger folks as it seems from the videos I've seen and the 2008 Porcfest I attended? I'm 35 years of age, single woman (would not be bringing any kids). I pay $830 all inclusive (heat, electric, internet) for my studio apartment here in LI NY. I have a car which I pay around $180 in insurance per month. I'd hate to sell my car but if I were to move to Keene, wouldn't it be an unnecessary, extra expense?
Feel free to address one topic or all, privately or publicly. All feedback would be tremendously appreciated. Thanks!
[/quote]
Hello.
A studio like you described costs around $650 in Keene. I like having a car in Keene, though you can live without one.
If you are willing to look at roommates, costs can be reduced. Check the Housing section here for such an opportunity.
Welcome!
I am a 29-year-old female, living on Long Island and dating a guy who lives in Keene.
I have considered moving to Keene, though I'm not sure if/when it's going to work out for me. I do visit Keene about once a month. If you'd like to visit Keene and check out the area, I should be able to give you a ride and introduce you to some people. (And/or if you'd like to make a new liberty-minded friend on Long Island, I'm around.)
If you were to move to Keene and live/work/play close to downtown, you might not need a car. Kind of like living in Queens or Brooklyn, except without the subway - just, everything is closer together. You don't need a car there, though many people have them. NH gets cold in the winter (more so than LI), so it might be nice to not have to walk or bike, even if it's a relatively short trip, to get where you're going in inclement weather.
Hope this helps, and feel free to contact me. 
- Carolyn