Bob & Feyma are moving to the USA
Where will they live in the United States?
When Feyma and I finally reached our decision about moving back to the USA, we thought everything would be simple after that. It was not!
Unlike most people, I really don’t have a “hometown” in the United States. When I was growing up, my Dad worked in an industry where he was transferred from place to place a lot. He worked for a pulp and paper company, and he was kind of the “fix it” guy for the company. They had paper mills all over the world, and when they had a paper mill that was not doing well, it was my Dad that was often sent to put things right.
Usually, almost always, it took around 2 years to get things shaped up, and when the mill was working as it should, that meant it was time to pull up stakes and move somewhere else.
It was so bad that I don’t even know the extended family very well, people like cousins and such. My mother passed away earlier this year, and my father died many years ago. Because of this, there is no obvious place where Feyma and I should move.
Ridgefield, Washington?
When Feyma moved to the States after our marriage in 1990, we lived in Ridgefield, Washington. Ridgefield is near Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. My mom lived in Vancouver, WA (not Canada!), so we lived near to her.
Overall, we liked the Portland area, but the weather was not on that “we liked” list. So much rain in the Pacific Northwest. Looking at Cost of Living, as well, we find that the Portland Metro area is a bit expensive.
So, we ruled out Portland/Vancouver/Ridgefield, although these places are the closest places to what might be called “my hometown.”
Bozeman, Montana
My Dad was from Montana. Anaconda, Montana to be exact. We did spend a lot of vacation time in my childhood in Montana. I also when to college at Montana State University, in Bozeman, Montana. I have always loved Bozeman.
Additionally, I am an avid fisherman (something I miss badly here in the Philippines), and fishing is great in Montana.
Feyma and I originally decided that Bozeman (or perhaps somewhere else in Montana) would be our new home. I was happy that we settled on Montana. It would also give me an opportunity to establish more of a relationship with cousins in my extended family, people that I never got a chance to know well in my childhood.
As I thought about it for a few days, though, I realized that Montana is quite cold, lots of snow and such. I kind of felt excited for a complete change like that, but I also realized that making such an extreme change would be difficult on Feyma. I thought further and realized that I am fully acclimated to the Philippines. The hot weather here is quite comfortable for me, and transitioning to Montana weather would probably be as hard on me as it would be on Feyma.
So, I talked to Feyma about this, and we decided that we might be better to seek a different place as our new home.
My old Mentee
A great experience that I had here in the Philippines was being a mentor to a young lady starting back in 2001. Her name is Gladys.
We were living in General Santos City at the time, and Gladys was a student at a college just across the street from one of our businesses. One day, Gladys (whom I did not know at the time) came into our Internet Cafe there and applied to work for us as an OJT (On the Job Trainee – part of the college curriculum here). I did not have expectations that this would work out to be something special in my life, but I hired her for OJT.
At the end of the summer (when OJT is finished) I didn’t want Gladys to leave. She also wanted to keep working. So, I hired her as a regular employee, after school hours.
When we moved to Davao the next year, Gladys had graduated from College, and I convinced her to move to Davao with us. She went on to manage every business that I own, and she was great. My days were easy because Gladys took care of everything.
Today, Gladys lives in the United States (since 2008, I believe).
An idea popped into my mind
Feyma and I have stayed in touch with Gladys over the years, and it occurred to me that Gladys lives in the desert southwest, New Mexico, and I thought that New Mexico might be just right for us. So, I called Gladys and talked to her about the idea. She was very excited and offered a lot of help in terms of helping us adjust to the area, helping Feyma obtain great employment and such.
Feyma wants to have a job there in the USA. I will continue doing entrepreneurial things on the Internet, so I can just set up a computer when we arrive and I am back to work.
So, we are going to live in New Mexico?
Well, maybe. Likely. But we are also considering Las Vegas as well. Gladys lives in a rather small town in New Mexico. So, we are considering the town where Gladys lives, as well as Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Las Vegas, Nevada.
Our #1 choice right now is Albuquerque, Vegas being #2, and the smaller town being third on our list.
With Aaron living in Atlanta, and Jared living in Alaska, we will be somewhat far from each of our sons, but kind of between the two. It works for us. This would apply to any of our top 3 target destinations.
As time goes forward, we will make a final decision. ABQ is by far #1 right now, though, and I would say it is probably 80% that we will end up there.
Major Update: NM is out!
On Monday afternoon, after I had published my article announcing that we would be moving, I got a message from one of my closest LiP friends. We met through this site years ago, and have become very close friends. I am not going to say his name, because I am not sure if he wants me to do that.
Anyway, my friend lives in Indiana. Not a warm weather place, which was on the top of my list. But, he spoke about his area in Indiana, and it sounded really good. Furthermore, he had a very good lead on a job for Feyma there. Feyma wants to work, and one of the big concerns is health insurance. Since I will be self-employed, and I had a heart attack and other health problems in the past, health insurance would be hard to get if we can’t get a group plan. That would not be possible given my self-employment.
This job, though, which I am certain Feyma can get easily, would offer health benefits, and also is the kind of work that Feyma has been doing the past couple of years anyway. So.. it is perfect for us.
So, at this point, Indiana is looking really good to us! Yeah, cold weather, but we can adjust. Getting back to seeing changing seasons, some snow and such might be nice anyway.
Special thanks to my friend who brought this opportunity to my attention, and has provided some invaluable assistance and willingness to help us in any way we ask. What a great friend!
Hey, if any of you have suggestions on where we should settle, chime in and let me know! Nothing is decided yet!
Bob New York
If you are considering Vegas, do more research. Lots of robberies there as I have had friends that moved there many years ago.
Bob Martin
Hi Bob. We were previously considering Las Vegas, but no more. We have settled on Indiana now.
Mark G.
It’s not too far from my old stomping grounds (Ohio). I miss my friends there but not the weather. In my opinion, Fort Wayne or Indy might be ok. Most of the rest of the state is too rural for me and Gary shouldn’t even be considered. Feyma should be familiar with the cold by now. You’ll be the one who has to get re-acclimated, lol. Either way enjoy your new adventure.
Bob Martin
Hi Mark – I am surprised how many Ohioans I am hearing from! Yeah, I am a bit concerned about adjusting to both the weather and everything else in the USA. I have been away so long. It will certainly be an adventure for me! Feyma is, as you say, already adjusted!
Jane Dickens
May I respectfully submit an opinion? As a 60 something senior, I would like to suggest you live near your son in Atlanta if he is established there & not likely to move. As we age, it is important to have support systems in place. At least that way when your son from Alaska comes home he can see you all.
There are lots of suburbs near Atlanta with reasonable prices on housing. Weather is temperate. You will be within driving distance of mountains, beaches & Florida if you need warm weather. That’s just my humble opinion!
Bob Martin
Of course, happy to take your opinion. Our son in Atlanta just moved there 2 weeks ago… LoL.. so I can’t say he is stable there. But, thanks for your suggestion.
bigp
Consider getting a good used RV to start with, used ones are reasonably priced and well equipped, if you don’t like where you are just hook on and move to another area. You could even go to Alaska.
Bob Martin
Hi Loren. At this point, an RV is not in the cards for us. We would not be able to do any kind of extended travel, as we are still fairly young, we will both be working, etc. Also, because of my eye condition, I can’t drive anymore (hoping they can fix that, though). Feyma would not be crazy about driving an RV, I think. LoL.
Larry Saum
Pacita and I used to live in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We had a good Philippine-American Association there with many friends. We now live near Western Indianapolis, because our daughter and her children are here. We use an IU Health Medicare Advantage plan for our health insurance. Indianapolis is not as cold in the winter as Fort Wayne, bur still gets some snow. Tonight it will be about 22 degrees F, but no snow on the ground now.
Bob Martin
We really are not looking for a Philippine community, but we are not against it. We want to live near people that we like, but we don’t care about their nationality or heritage. Been there, done that… it is not a concern to us. Feyma has a good opportunity in Indiana (we are targeting Logansport, BTW). I want to support her on the goals that she has in mind, employment-wise.
Paul
Logansport is a good area though it will be difficult to find good pizza.
Bob Martin
Probably not more difficult than getting good pizza in the Philippines. LoL
Nadil
Logansport IN is very nice friendly people and more laid back, t’s not as cold as Chicago, I love the huge Wabash River and enjoy boating.
Bob Martin
I have heard many good things about Logansport, and very little (no?)_ bad. It is a good sign.
John Skibo
Good luck wherever you end up at Bob!
We just left North Cincinnati for North Kentucky earlier this year.
Bob Martin
Good luck on your move, John! Moving is always exciting for new things!
Luke Tynan
Bob, the only recommendation I can make is stay out of California. High cost of living, high tax, poor quality of life just to name a few reasons. I always enjoyed places like Tenn. when I had meetings there and West Virginia, beautiful to see, but never looked into living there. You will figure it out. And from what I hear companies are screaming for people to work for them. Labor shortage right now for those that want to work.
Bob Martin
For sure, Luke.. I will NEVER live in CA. Too much tax trouble there, and crazy politics too! LoL
Jamie
I was going to suggest Antelope Valley (Palmdale/Lancaster), but if you are not keen on California so be it.
Kuya Mike
I grew up in NM and will tell you that you made a good choice not moving there. As for me in the states I am big on staying in Texas and can recommend several decent areas where the whole family can get what they need, at the same time your kids can visit easily or vice versa living close to a major airport
Bob Martin
After deciding to look further, I started hearing some bad things about NM. Thanks, Mike.
Murray
Hi Bob & Feyma
Although originally from New Zealand, I spent some time in ABQ and I thought it was a great place. Good luck to yourself and family. Live well.
Bob Martin
Thank you, Murray!
Roger
We chose Florida for a variety of reasons warm weather good medical and dental care. Many Philippines lower cost of living. I would suggest you stay away from the highly populated areas due to traffic and crime. Good luck in your search.
Bob Martin
Hi Roger. The place we have chosen, Logansport, Indiana, has a population of under 20,000. Low cost of living. Feyma works there will offer medical, dental and vision insurance as well as other great benefits like 401k and such. I have a good friend there. Seems like a very welcoming community. Close enough to large cities so that all of the amenities are available that we need. The most important thing for me, because of my work, is good internet, and that is also available there. It seems like a good fit for us. Yeah, cold weather, but we are kind of looking forward to that change too!
Jose
Mr. Bob Martin, I really do not have a suggestion where you can move here in the states but to minimize the agonizing, permit me to steal quotes from Dr. Seuss: ” You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go…” Good luck to you and Mrs. Martin. Stay healthy…stay happy.
Jose
Bob Martin
Ha ha, nice to hear from you Jose. Haven’t seen you for so long!
We have decided to settle in Logansport, Indiana.
Jose
I think you made a good choice.. I just Google Logansport and it gave me this (partial) info: ” Logansport ranks as one of the 10 safest cities in Indiana according to BackgroundCheck.org.” I am sure you’ve checked it out yourself.
Bob Martin
Yep! We did extensive research, and also have a close friend who is a long time resident there. It is a blessing to have such great resources who helped guide us to a place that would have never even been on our radar. The power of LiP came through again!
Paul
Kingman, AZ.
I’ve lived in Indiana and like it and if I ever go back it would be in consideration but Kingman covers all the bases for me. Do some research, it might cover your bases as well.
Bob Martin
We have settled now on Logansport. I think it is a good choice for our needs! 🙂
Paul
Having a job with benefits lined up is a complete score so I totally understand though when you both are able to retire don’t forget about Kingman. I never lived there but the location is great and taxes are low.
Bob Martin
Ha ha.. yep, I’ll keep that in mind, Paul! You are a good supporter of Kingman!
Paul
True and yet I’ve never been. What I like about it is the weather is fantastic. Large lots, houses at low prices and low property taxes. Plus it is near Vegas so friends and family can very easily fly in.
Bob Martin
Family flying in could be a plus or a minus! LoL
Gezel
Good luck Bob M. and Family, I too miss the changing of season and the smell of christmas, crisp morning biting wind and the smell of pine trees. I would go back in a heartbeat but my husband likes it here and is settled. Safe journey home.
Bob Martin
Thank you, Gezel. I like it here and am settled too, but after Feyma convinced me, I am not ready to jump on the plane. Excited! Maybe we’ll see you there!
Paul
Logansport, Indiana, just “up the road” from Indianapolis. The “big employer” in the area is Tyson Foods – in Indiana, Tyson deals in pork, not chicken. ? Not too awfully distant from our “vacation location” in the Dayton, Ohio area, either. Not a bad place to live, by any means. Here’s wishing Feyma and you all the happiness you can possibly handle.
Bob Martin
Yes, almost certain Feyma will work at Tyson, it lines right up with her Alaska work experience. Thanks, Paul, we are excited to change the scenery out the kitchen window. 🙂
RANDY WEIS
Bob,
I think you guys made a good choice of moving to Indiana. You will enjoy the good Midwest values. People in the Midwest are Americans first before any allegiance to any party. You should adjust well to the colder weather and probably come to love it. Nothing like the smell of burning leaves in the fall. Anne’s first trip to the States was in the middle of winter. A very cold winter that year. She actually enjoyed shoveling snow. So she is looking forward to getting back to Ohio. Good luck on your move and maybe someday we could meet up since we are really not that far away.
Bob Martin
Thanks, Randy. I have never lived in the Mid-west and looking forward to giving it a try. We really want something new, and Indiana will be new for both Feyma and I. yeah, I’ll look forward to seeing you and Anne.
Nathan Watts
Hi Bob best of luck on your move. Since you enjoy fishing. Louisiana would have been a good move. We have some of the best fishing. But it also your decision not mine. When I am looking for more Radios I like to go meet the Ham I purchase the radio from. I was up in Indiana last year it was a fast trip but worth it. Best of luck I have known you for almost 20 years now first on asialink.
Bob Martin
I have lived in Louisiana before and looking for something totally new, new adventures. We feel that Indiana fits that bill! 🙂
Thanks, Nathan.
Pete Kutheis
I live near and like Austin…..however I have visited Albuquerque the past two years now for 4 or 5 days at a time and really, really enjoyed it. Very nice weather. Santa Fe up toward Taos OTOH—meh. Don’t discount looking into semi-nice weather states such as Oklahoma and Arkansas too,…which might provide more fishing!
Bob Martin
I think Austin would be a pretty cool place to live.
We have decided already, and Logansport, Indiana will be our new home. 🙂
Steve W
Bob, please consider the impact of Obamacare (affordable care act) when making this important decision. Sometimes it makes more sense to work part time instead of full time. People who work part time are typically not offered health care thru work, which in many cases makes a person eligible for a sizable health care insurance subsidy. The size of the subsidy can vary by state and by county within the state. You can experiment with different scenarios (income / location) on healthcare.gov. It’s actually pretty easy to use. The last time I was in Vegas, the temp was 110. The job situation in the U.S. is very good. (If you don’t believe me… just ask Trump.) Seriously, there are many ‘now hiring’ signs in store windows.
Bob Martin
We are covered on health insurance. That is part of our Indiana decision. Feyma’s future employer offers full family coverage for medical, vision, and dental for $25 per week. Low deductible and lots of other benefits too. I think we are good.
Tom Seilheimer
Indiana, oh yeah. We might be moving there in June / July next year! Less taxes, friendly people and still midwest! How cool would it be that I could drive and see you guys! No matter where you go a quick plane ride away! Excited!
Bob Martin
I have been thinking the same thing, Tommy! Looking forward to establishing some face to face communication with the Seilheimer family!
lgbalfa
Best of luck with your move Bob. I hope you get the opportunity to spend some time fishing there as if memory serves me correct, that is something that you missed when you lived in Washington State. Indiana is a beautiful state. How did your son end up in Atlanta? Was that work also? A little sad to hear that you are leaving Davao but like you said, you are young and healthy enough to start a new adventure. What will happen to your two “adopted” daughters? I know they were a very important part of your life as well. Best of luck.
Bob Martin
Hi lgfalfa – Thanks for your message.
As far as daily activities/hobbies, fishing is probably the thing that I miss most from the USA. I love fishing, and can’t wait to dip my line in the water again!
Over several years, Aaron established online friendships with some people in Atlanta. So, after working in Alaska, he knew he wanted to live in the USA, and Atlanta was his choice because of the relationships he already had there. One of his friends works for a bank and told Aaron that she could help him get a job at the bank too. He just got the word today.. they hired him. It is likely he will be placed in the IT department, which is perfect for him. He starts working there in about 2 weeks (not sure why they are waiting so long).
Two adopted daughters.. I have been quiet about this for about a year, but I will open up about it now…
Jean, the older of the two pulled a huge surprise on us almost exactly a year ago. Feyma got home from her first trip to Alaska on Nov 19, 2017. On the morning of Nov 20, Jean came to us and said she was leaving and walked out the door. Since then we have never seen her or heard from her. We have no idea why she did it. She has two older sisters that also lived with us for several years and they each did the exact same thing when they felt they wanted to go out on their own (although now they have apologized and reestablished communication with us). There is something in their genes, I guess.
Nicole, the younger of the two is still with us. She can’t go, though, because these two were not “officially adopted” and are not US citizens. There have been times over the years when Nicole has said she wanted to go back and live with her parents, just a natural pull, I think. So, she will return to them after school ends this year.
lgbalfa
First, I would like to say that I am sorry to hear about Jean. I am sure that hurt your family considering all the good that you did in her life by taking her in. Thanks for disclosing what happened. Obviously it being a personal issue you kept it quiet for a reason.
Second, congratulations to your son for securing a job in Atlanta. Atlanta is a great city especially for someone his age. I lived in Atlanta for about 8 years when I was in my 20’s and it was a great experience.
Did you ever fish in the Philippines? Is your preference fresh water over salt water? From what I have read, fishing in the Philippines could be a lot of fun! I would not be surprised if you responded the heat / humidity as being a reason why you did not do it regularly if you did at all.
I know that you are a big sports fan, especially with LSU. I think you will appreciate it a lot more now that you will be back in America. Hopefully you can even get to catch some live sporting events from time to time.
I hope that you and Feyma get the opportunity to travel around America and even to other parts of the world that you have not seen (Europe, Caribbean, South America, Etc.).
I am assuming that Feyma still has a lot of family in General Santos, so every few years you will be back to visit them.
You got your health, children are working, your wife has an opportunity to work again in America. This is an exciting time in your life. Much success for health and happiness. I am sure you will adjust fine.
Bob Martin
You are right. The deal with Jean is very hurtful to me on a personal basis. I would like to reconcile with her before we leave, but the ball is kind of in her court right now (I have made overtures), and I won’t force her. We will see what happens, but I am not hopeful, to be honest.
In regards to fishing, I enjoy both fresh and saltwater. Probably I lean toward saltwater, but that is also due to where I was living before coming here.
I have never fished in the Philippines, it is just not a real “sport” thing here, more of a sustinance thing. Fish are generally small, water is polluted in many cases.
Yes, we are also very excited about Aaron’s success in landing the job, he just found out about 2 hours before your comment. I am looking forward to him getting to work!
Jared, our youngest, got a very good promotion this year in Alaska. He is just 18 years old. His future is secure with the company where he is, I think, but I am sure at some point he will take that experience and move on to something int he “lower 48”.
Chris, our oldest, who is developmentally disabled also has a bright future ahead. We moved to the Philippines partly because of Chris, because there was more extended family here to help take care of him, give him others to interact with and such. Now he is an adult (27) and in the place where we will move he will be able to have a job that is specially designed for his abilities. He can also live in a group home if he chooses (and he is very interested), giving him some extra independence. We are very excited for him to move on to a new part of life himself.
So, as you can see, and as you suggested, things for our family are really coming together, moving on to new aspects, and our life feels good right now. Feyma and I were just talking about that this morning! It feels really good.
You are right, I am an LSU football fan (I went college there). I am not really a pro football fan (although I was at one time). For basketball, I like the pro game, not so much college. Feyma and I are Portland Trailblazer fans, and when the Blazers are playing in Indianapolis against the Pacers, I am 100% certain we will attend some games!
Your expectations about coming back to visit family, though, are not necessarily correct. Our feeling now is that we won’t come back much, if ever, because we did that in the 90s when Feyma was in the States. Now, we want to travel to some of the places that you mentioned. I have been to most of those places myself, but Feyma never has. We may come back to the Philippines from time to time, but it is not a priority at this time. Our kids, basically, have been wanting to move back Stateside for some time, they say they will never be back, but one should never say “never”, you just don’t know.
lgbalfa
I appreciate you taking the time to reply to my comments.
I look forward to reading about your next adventure.
Bob Martin
Thanks!
Jamie
As for healthcare in the U.S. No problem. Think Obamacare. Indiana? My buddy from Ohio would go back to Ohio every year during the summer. When his sister’s husband passed he went back to Ohio during the Winter to help her move. He was seriously talking about moving back there. When he came back to California he said he remembered why he left Ohio. Too Cold. California may have high taxes, but we are still getting all sorts of people coming here from all over the country. Again, for you Bob, I would suggest the Antelope Valley, Palmdale or Lancaster. I think it would be a good fit for you. However, I always say a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. And if your wife has a good job prospect, well that is a bird in the hand. Good luck to you. We are planning to move to the Philippines (Davao) in a couple of years. Your website has been a tremendous help in assisting us with planning our move. You will find great people anywhere you decide to move, including us in California. God bless you and Feyma and the rest of your family.
Bob Martin
Jamie,
On the Obamacare, of course, I have no experience, but I always hear about high costs and high deductibles. But, what I have heard may be just people sensationalizing, who knows. But, with the company plan that will be available, it seems that everything is good!
I won’t live in CA, sorry… but yeah, the job thing was the deciding factor for us.
Good luck on your move to Davao! I love Davao and would say it is a great place to live. We are just ready for a change, nothing against this place at all!
Cy
Bob, more people are currently moving out of Indiana than are moving in. When compared to some other states, it’s just not very competitive.
https://cbs4indy.com/2017/01/04/study-shows-more-people-are-moving-out-of-indiana-than-moving-in/
Bob Martin
I really have no problem with what others are doing, but thanks for the heads up. There are good reasons for our choice.