Rat Race Break

A really unexpected response to the economic "crisis" (or whatever you want to call the turmoil of the past 5 weeks) have been a number of calls from folks in high pressure jobs in the city thinking about taking a break from it all and moving to the country with their families for a year or two. I've talked with 4 or 5 different people who've outlined very similar scenarios. None have lost their jobs, but they're thinking that in the next year they might. Instead of being a downer to dread, they're looking at it almost as a release and a chance to realign their lives and priorities. All of them have young children, and a common refrain is wanting to watch their children grow.

Now, these are all people who are fairly well off, and have a financial cushion that's large enough to allow them to consider a year or two without much income. None want to be too far from New York City, because in their professions, NYC is still the mothership — even if that ship may have lost some of its get up and go. They just don't see their long term future in Charlotte.

Another big difference from previous waves of 'organic farming, back-to-the-landers' and artists who have moved here full-time is that these folks seem to share a short-to-mid term time frame for living here full time. They plan to move back to the city when the kids are older (and the job and economic situation may have improved).

What they're looking for are houses with more second home features, indicating that they're thinking about this long term as a second home. But they're asking primary home questions as well about the communities, shopping and schools. 

Keep in mind I haven't had a hundred conversations like this; I've had less than half a dozen. But there's been a noticeable similarity. I'm not putting myself out here as the Faith Popcorn of Sullivan real estate. But I always find it interesting when there seems to be a new sprout, to see if it actually evolves into a trend.

Comments

[Bix]

Nor surprising at all. When I drive in from the city I feel this feeling of liberation, escaping, as if I am leaving hell behind me -- which I am.

[David Knudsen]

Just got an email from a Realtor in Seattle, Leanne Finlay, who got to this blog post via the NY Times article. She wrote she's seeing the same thing in her market, and decided to write about it on her blog as well. Here's the link if you want to check out the take on the other coast:
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/realestate/archives/153140.asp