Have you always lived in the same town?
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (38564)
September 9, 2023 10:43pm CST
I don't think I ever realized how many people have never moved from the town they were born and raised in.
Growing up, my Dad was somewhat of a rolling stone for a time. After finishing college and his stint in the Korean War, he returned to the states, and I was born in Chicago. Both of my parents had lived elsewhere, my mother was born in Canada, but they met in high school and then settled in the Chicago area for a time. My Dad was trained as an engineer, but he was more at home actually working on things. He got into fixing engines on big fishing boats (think, Deadliest Catch here) and that eventually landed us on the Texas coast for a while, and in New Orleans as well. He followed that line of work by rebuilding some boat engines in Alaska while I was still small. We moved back to the Chicago area for awhile, then back to the coast...he loved being on the go and getting to live in different places.
When I started school, he thought it best to try to stay in one place. That worked for a time, but he liked to build, remodel, fix up houses, and so forth. When my parents eventually split up, we didn't move as much. We lived with my grandparents for a time, and then close to them, which was good as they were a constant in our lives. After I got married, we moved a lot, attended 2 different colleges, then moved out west, then back to the midwest. All in all, I became a very good packer!
The last time I moved was exactly 10 years ago. By this point, all of my children had grown, attended college, and branched out on their own. I moved as they wanted me closer, and they knew I wanted to move from the area I was in. One night I was packing up my kitchen, and I sat down at the table and wrote down every single place I could remember we lived, from my birth until then. I know I no doubt missed a few places, but I was really young then. Anyway, I counted up 33 different homes, most were houses, some were apartments, but 33 is a lot to me!
I've enjoyed living in different towns and cities, and having that opportunity to travel when I did. I have a few friends who have never, ever left their hometown--they didn't want to. I was talking to one of these friends earlier, and she made the comment she wished she would have branched out a bit when she was younger, and lived a few other places. She is envious of me getting to live in other places.
Do you live in the same city or town where you were born? Do you wish you could live elsewhere?
28 people like this
27 responses
@MarieCoyle (38564)
•
10 Sep 23
You have been fortunate to get to see a lot of the world, that's wonderful, Judy.
Your cousin has never been anywhere but Oregon?
3 people like this
@jstory07 (139782)
• Roseburg, Oregon
10 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle She has went to different states on vacation. She just retired and they just got back from Disneyland.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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10 Sep 23
@jstory07
Well, it's good to know she got to travel and see other places.
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (93739)
• United States
10 Sep 23
I’ve lived six different places, and I’m happy with where I am now. Not happy with my apartment, but happy with the city I live in. I don’t like moving around, but I might move when my dad, God forbid, passes away. My friends are here, but the rest of my family is about two and a half hours away. Plus, I miss my nieces and nephew.
You were a good sport to have to move so much, and have a good attitude about it.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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10 Sep 23
It would make sense to live near family, I know you are in no hurry to do that while your Dad is still so close by. I didn't have any close family left where I lived previously, some great friends though, and many of what we call in our family, shirt-tail cousins, mostly 2nd cousins.
I realize more as I grow older that I was fortunate to get to live in so many different places.
2 people like this
@flapiz (23151)
• United Kingdom
11 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle It is an expensive place to live in but in my 10 months here, I still feel like a tourist and that should be good.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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11 Sep 23
@flapiz
There are just not many places in the world that are not expensive to live anymore, unfortunately.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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11 Sep 23
It's good that you like where you are. Some people never do at all. There are good and bad in pretty much all locations, but if you love it there, I hope you get to stay there
2 people like this
@rebelann (112959)
• El Paso, Texas
10 Sep 23
Wow, that's a lotta movin. Sure beats what I thought was bad but dad was in the Army and we moved to germany twice, to Killeen, tx once and then El Paso. I was 10 when we moved here and I did move once when I was about 24 or so but came back after 3 years.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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10 Sep 23
Army people move a lot, I know. I've been to El Paso, but it's been years now.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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11 Sep 23
@rebelann
One thing about moving a lot growing up that could get difficult, is so many new schools to get used to.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (471969)
• Switzerland
11 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle - This is exactly where we wanted to live. Since we were still dating and we came here every Friday afternoon for business meetings, our dream was to move here one day.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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11 Sep 23
@LadyDuck
I love hearing about dreams that came true!!
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137460)
• United States
10 Sep 23
I grew up on a farm and then moved into the city I now live in but my first wife and I built some houses in neighboring cities. Some we lived in and some we rented out. When she and I got divorced, we sold everything we jointly owned and I've preferred to rent ever since.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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10 Sep 23
Well, it does sound as if you branched out from the farm and did live other places. Were all of those places in the state you are currently in?
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137460)
• United States
10 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle No, I lived in Arkansas for two years but the rest of the time, I've been in Missouri.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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10 Sep 23
@DaddyEvil
You're a heartland, Midwest fellow, for sure!
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (181948)
• United States
10 Sep 23
No, I haven't, but I have only lived in two states. Which was your favorite place to live? I always ask people that who have lived in a lot of different places. Lots of times they seem to have no strong feelings, finding things to like and dislike about every place.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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10 Sep 23
I loved living in Galveston years ago, mostly I think I loved island living. I have been back there several times over the years, and it's just not the same. In my head, it's a quiet little place with a lot of fishermen and little fishing boats, etc. Now, it's a port for cruise ships, and the shoreline is mostly lined with high rises/condos, etc. Sometimes, progress spoils things I also loved Savannah and Charleston years ago, but everytime I go now, I realize that while I enjoy my time there very much, it's not my place to be permenently.
I do really like where I live.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (181948)
• United States
10 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle I think they places are probably lovely, but too much heat and humidity to think about living there year round at least for me.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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11 Sep 23
@snowy22315
Yes, heat and humidity are just hard on everyone. And for the record, I have never in my life seen mosquitoes as big as the ones in Texas and Louisiana!
2 people like this
@mayka123 (16604)
• India
11 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle Its convenient because I have a lot of family members and friends here.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
•
11 Sep 23
It works for you, and that's what matters the most.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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11 Sep 23
@mayka123
It means a lot to me to have family and friends around, too.
1 person likes this
@much2say (55901)
• Los Angeles, California
10 Sep 23
I was born in the city of Los Angeles, then moved here to the San Fernando Valley when I was 2. I lived in the general area ever since - same with Hubby! Both of us grew up never moving. Every apartment he and I lived in was pretty much smack dab in the middle between our parents' houses (5 minutes this way, 5 minutes that way). And now our house is a bit further at 10 minutes away .
Even though a part of us kinda wishes we did branch out to other places, a big part of us is glad we were able to be near our parents and spend a good deal of time with them. It certainly helped during my dad's final days.
1 person likes this
@much2say (55901)
• Los Angeles, California
12 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle My mom is still at the house and we're close enough that I can go visit her all the time. She is alone now and doesn't care to cook much, so I cook and bring it over to her. It's very convenient!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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10 Sep 23
That was nice that you were able to be close to all the parents for that time. I'm sure they were glad, too.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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13 Sep 23
@much2say
While my kids were all home and growing up still, their great grandparents lived next door to us. They bought the house there when the other grandmother who lived there passed away. It worked out well, they ate with us usually every evening, and if they needed anything it worked out well to have them close by. It was very convenient just to walk next door!
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (37369)
• Toccoa, Georgia
10 Sep 23
This is the third city/town I have lived in. The town I live in now is the longest place I've ever lived in.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (37369)
• Toccoa, Georgia
11 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle That is a beautiful Water Fall. When did you visit?
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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11 Sep 23
I have actually been to the town you live in, we were traveling and wanted to see Toccoa Falls. It was beautiful..
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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12 Sep 23
@LeaPea2417
Oh, gosh...I haven't been through that area in maybe 9 years? That's a guess.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41686)
• United States
10 Sep 23
You really lived an exciting life. I grew up as a US Coast Guard brat.We lived in Virginia, Jersey City, NJ, California, and Hawaii. Since then my husband and I with our kids and grands have lived in NC and SC.
I've lived in a total of 14 homes in my life and went to 7 schools. You've got me beat, Marie!
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41686)
• United States
10 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle Our daughter and family live in Mt Pleasant next to Charleston and I love going into the city. I wish we lived closer.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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10 Sep 23
@1creekgirl
My daughter went to MUSC for her medical training. For a time, she and her husband lived in Mt. Pleasant, it was a great place to live.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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10 Sep 23
That's a lot of places to get to live and experience, and to get to always live by water is rather nice when you're a kid. Lots of things to do.
I love the Carolinas. I've been to Charleston many times, and I would gladly go again.
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23404)
• United Kingdom
10 Sep 23
Gosh that is a lot of moving ariound. I have only lived in three towns. Our last move l did say that is the last time as it was the most stressful move ever. That was 25 years ago but l want to downsize to a smaller property as this place is far to large for the two of us.
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23404)
• United Kingdom
10 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle Yes l was fortunate l worked in hospitals so I did not havve to move around like some professions do.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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11 Sep 23
@garymarsh6
I have a friend who is a traveling nurse. She finally just bought a camper to live in and drive, and loves what she does. She decided to do that for a year, and says it was fun but she is ready to settle down and stop traveling now.
@MarieCoyle (38564)
•
10 Sep 23
Sometimes, people have to move because of their jobs. That was pretty much the case for my family. And some military families move a lot over the years.
Moving itself is stressful and exhausting. Not really fun until a person gets settled.
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (10104)
• United States
11 Sep 23
I don't. After I was born, my dad transferred to another city for his job. I've moved I believe 17 times leaving my last house in March. I'm not counting the RV traveling and hosting. I have hosting jobs set up for 2024 in nice parks.
Right now, I go into safe nice RV parks with an occasional nice state park for camping. When I settle in a house again, I don't plan to ever move again. My plan for camp hosting is for two years with all next year every month. Then after that, occasional.
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (10104)
• United States
18 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle It can be but has it's stresses. The park I'm going into March of next year is one with all the hosts saying I'll love it.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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19 Sep 23
@noni1959
Well, I hope they are right, and you do love it.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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11 Sep 23
You have a good plan, and it sounds like a good adventure. I think what you're doing would be fun!
1 person likes this
@Gilljane (2902)
• Sutton, England
11 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle In Carshalton, Surrey. Btw did you have a nice birthday
1 person likes this
@moirai (2853)
• Philippines
10 Sep 23
I was born somewhere in the capital, then shortly after we moved here, to a town (now also a city) in a province just outside the city.
I remember the story was that I was baptized earlier than usual because it should be done before I traveled...
Anyway, since then, I've lived here all my life. Except for when I was in college and I lived in a dorm near school in the city. But still, I went home every weekend.
1 person likes this
@moirai (2853)
• Philippines
10 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle I guess, on one hand, it is nice to be able to live in different places throughout your life. Good to have those different experiences, meet different people, etc.
And on the other hand, it is also nice to have one place you can really call home, and maybe even have that same 'group' of people (the community) be sort of like your very extended family...
I suppose, which one is 'better' depends on the individual. Or at least, whether you are happy or not with whichever situation you ended up with in your life (whether staying in one place or moving from place to place), is your choice.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
•
10 Sep 23
A lot of people are happy with being in the same vicinity, and that's OK. I only know my own experience, and I am not trying to be judgmental, only curious. I think your country sounds so interesting to visit!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
•
11 Sep 23
@moirai
I think my Dad loved it, he liked new places. I think when I was very young, I just thought that most people moved around all the time, because we did.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (61563)
• Centralia, Washington
11 Sep 23
I would not mind moving back to when I was a teen on our little Farm but that is fantasy. I also lived in a big midwestern city for a while when I was growing up. Hubby and I moved to many places when daughter was young due to economic issues. And on we went. I think I finally am settled to my last house.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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11 Sep 23
It sounds like you are where you are supposed to be. I think many people have fantasies about living in a certain place for either a period of time, or forever.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle It's actually a cool town. Both of my parents went to both Northwestern and University of Chicago.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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11 Sep 23
@TheHorse
That's one college none of my family attended. Most went to U of I, Eastern IL. U, ISU, or SIU. One attended Loyola.
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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10 Sep 23
Been to Evanston many times. I knew that you were from that area. I have a cousin in Evanston.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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12 Sep 23
I can understand that not having tap water to drink could make life very hard.
@just4him (317250)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
11 Sep 23
Yes, I live in the same city I was born in. However, I've lived in many places. I think you have me beat with 33 homes. I'm close.
I was five when we moved from Green Bay to another city in Wisconsin. I was seven when we moved again to the city where I graduated from high school. We moved once more during my grade school years in the same city. Then I lived in San Diego when I joined the Navy. We moved around for a few years, then lived on Guam for a year before returning to San Diego. When my husband got out of the Navy, we lived in Illinois. We moved around a few times there too before moving to Wisconsin. I moved five times before I moved where I am now. So, I've had many different residences.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
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12 Sep 23
Yes, you have lived in a lot of places, for sure. It's nice to look back on it all and remember.
1 person likes this
@florelway (23286)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
10 Sep 23
I am now living in the home where I was raised. When I went to college and stated working I stayed in the city away from home and parents. I went back living in our ancestral home when I was in my 40's and also settled to work in my.hometown.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
•
11 Sep 23
It sounds as if you like where you are, and are happy there. That's all that matters in the end.