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#1
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Advice Needed - Living in America
The time has come when our family started thinking seriously about leaving Lebanon for good and establishing our future somewhere else.
Don't want this thread to turn political, but with all the cr@p happening in the Middle East area, terrorists growing at an alarming rate, extremists going beyond extremism with their behavior and actions, bombs exploding randomly and in any area in Lebanon... my family (Dad, Mom, Sis, myself and my fiancee), and my uncle's (Him, Her, one married son +1, one single son) decided to chase a future either in the US or Australia. What we are thinking of at this stage, is a preliminary visit where I would go with my uncle and test waters. If everything turns well, we will liquidate all our assets in Lebanon and purchase property in either US or Aust whichever we decide. During our first visit, we are also planning to meet with immigration lawyers to discuss all the details of our move. Everything has to be legal. Hope my dad's old green card can be of use for my family. The business that we are looking to establish overseas is either a restaurant or gas station/garage. More likely the first. The question remains here since the US or Aust are not your typical Lebanon in terms of options. There are thousands of cities/states to live in, how someone like me should choose correctly? Key requirements: 1- Safe, clean and nice neighborhood. 2- Acceptable standards of living (housing, taxes, etc...) 3- Ability to establish a business without the government throwing much sticks in wheels for you.. 4- Normal weather conditions, preferably in the southern states. Appreciate your help guys.
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Danny 1994 Silver SVX in hybernation, awaiting for the monsterous awakening (Lebanon) 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL Euro Specs, Hard/Softtop, White/Red. Under Complete Restoration 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL350 Euro Specs, White/Red. Mint... Another step into SL Collection. |
#2
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Re: Advice Needed - Living in America
Good luck with which ever you chose, I think (and this is based on nothing but personal reading and conversations) Texas may be good for many if not all your requirements. I believe Texas is business friendly the wages buy more and if you pick which city to live you will have great weather and safe.
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#3
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Re: Advice Needed - Living in America
I am sorry to hear it has come to this Danny. I cannot imagine how you can replace your homeland. There is a rich history of Lebanese Christians in the U.S.A. I am sure you have done your Google searches. Actually, Jacksonville, Florida and Houston, Texas are two of the newest cities with a growing Lebanese population. I am sure this is partly because of lower property costs, favorable taxation and weather. Southern California has been a traditional location because of similar weather and terrain. Bottom line, look where you will find great support by fellow Lebanese to make the transition comfortable for your family.
Let me know if there is anything I can do to assist. Gene
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Gene and Ben 1992 SVX LS AWD 110K - Liquid Silver 1994 SVX LSi AWD 128K - White Pearl (daily driver) 1994 SVX LSi AWD 95K - Emerald Pearl (sold) 1992 SVX LS-L AWD 115K - Dark Teal 4.44 swap (sold) |
#4
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Re: Advice Needed - Living in America
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The only good thing that came out from those extremists is that they united all religions in Lebanon against that enemy. Religious discrimination is at its lowest now, we are all longing for peace, especially after a specific 16 year old young boy who was killed 2 days ago in the last bombing. He was Muslim Sunni, going to play Basketball with his friends. They took a picture of themselves like 3 minutes before the explosion, in that picture you can see the rigged Honda. Then another picture with him on the ground, hurt in the head and waist. It was heartbreaking Gene, I never knew that people live mainly over there according to roots. But it is nice to know that there exist two specific cities with Lebanese concentration. We sure do not really care about that as much as the points I noted above. But thank you for the info. Now we need an immigration lawyer to discuss with him the details of our move, after we do the initial recon visit to the cities in question. Any recommendations?
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Danny 1994 Silver SVX in hybernation, awaiting for the monsterous awakening (Lebanon) 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL Euro Specs, Hard/Softtop, White/Red. Under Complete Restoration 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL350 Euro Specs, White/Red. Mint... Another step into SL Collection. |
#5
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Re: Advice Needed - Living in America
Danny, I think this would be a very good thing for you and your family to do. I can only imaginable how awful it must be to live in such a turbulent part of the world, and it all seems so senseless. I feel very safe in America, there are good people here. (and the SVX are cheap!) I think you would be welcome wherever you went. If you want to avoid winters, I would recommend the Atlanta area or Florida.
That being said, I have never been to Australia but it looks like it great place too.
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1992 LSL ebony pearl 170k - Thank you Ron Mummert Reading Box of Wine Car ----------------------------------- 1992 SVX LSL 5-Speed Sold at 180K 2019 1995 SVX Lsi Polo Sold at 118K 2007 |
#6
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Re: Advice Needed - Living in America
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Anyways, now we have 3 cities to aim for. I thought to ask you guys since you know all the details better than I do. We are looking to purchase property but at the same time not be eaten by taxes and whatnot. I thought Florida was expensive. But I will do my research for Jacksonville, so as Houston and Atlanta. Any further info about those three would be highly appreciated. Do you guys recommend that I talk to an immigration lawyer who knows the rules of these cities or the immigration is the same for all states/country?
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Danny 1994 Silver SVX in hybernation, awaiting for the monsterous awakening (Lebanon) 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL Euro Specs, Hard/Softtop, White/Red. Under Complete Restoration 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL350 Euro Specs, White/Red. Mint... Another step into SL Collection. |
#7
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Re: Advice Needed - Living in America
Tough to compare the USA with "down under", as the USA has 14 times the population of Australia, & may as well be Europe in terms of diversity, & climate.
As far as business taxes, & opportunity go, look at Florida, & Nevada, which are climate friendly (Hot & hotter), & are tourist destinations, thus exceptionally restaurant friendly. Both offer relatively cheap housing. If you like the ocean, humidity, & flat boring roads; it's Florida. If you prefer mountains, "dry" heat, & SVX challenging roads, it's Nevada. Good neighborhoods (& bad) are everywhere. You have a lot of research to do, & the info can be overwhelming. When you get to the point of narrowing down an approximate location, the SVX community will gladly chime in. Best 'o luck with the project, & the red tape that lies ahead. Ron.
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Good s**t happened. 69 was worth the wait. '92 stock semi-pristine ebony - 160K '96 Grand Caravan - 240K '01 Miata SE - 79K '07 Chrysler Pacifica - 60k - future money pit. |
#8
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Re: Advice Needed - Living in America
I am in Jacksonville Florida, I did not recommend it because I dont own my house, nor a business so I don't know the property tax problems, I can tell you though its a great place to live, the cost of living is reasonable its along the coast and so a little bit more moderate in temperature and the humidity is livable, though A/C is very preferred in the house. I get in the car though and windows down is fine.
The "winter" months, Jan and Feb the over night temps can be as low as the 20's but daytime highs will usually exceed 55F July and aug seem to have the most humidity. Temps in the 90'sF And if you move into Jacksonville the Southside is the more desired location. Avoid the Northside that is where you hear about shootings/robberies and other crimes. Crimes happen everywhere but the closer to the beach the more affluent and less crime. I have lived in this subdivision since sept 2011 and I have left my car unlocked, my house unlocked and bikes sitting in the driveway and never had any problems. This is a map image of my neighborhood Last edited by 92 SVX; 12-30-2013 at 12:23 PM. |
#9
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Re: Advice Needed - Living in America
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Lebanon has 4 distinct weathers during the year. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. We have the beach side as well as the mountain side. The atmosphere is generally humid all year long (unlike Qatar which is very dry). In Winter snow starts at 0.8 mile above sea level. From coast to 1 mile above sea level can be always achieved in 25 minutes by car. All of Lebanon is naturally green without any deserts. I think if you join Nevada and Florida you will get what I described above, lol. But we definitely can manage with Florida. Quote:
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Danny 1994 Silver SVX in hybernation, awaiting for the monsterous awakening (Lebanon) 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL Euro Specs, Hard/Softtop, White/Red. Under Complete Restoration 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL350 Euro Specs, White/Red. Mint... Another step into SL Collection. Last edited by SilverSpear; 12-30-2013 at 02:37 PM. |
#10
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Re: Advice Needed - Living in America
I can't imagine how difficult your decision to leave must be.
I have heard and read of immigrants finding great comfort living within communities of people from their home country, at least for a bit. That said, communities aren't always based on nationality. (Like this forum.) I wonder if any of the online Lebanese groups can help you with your decisions. Best wishes to you! |
#11
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Re: Advice Needed - Living in America
Hi SilverSpear,
Best wishes and luck New Zealand sounds a bit like Lebanon! A range of climates depending on latitude. Also distinct seasons, more so as you move south. Govt friendly -democracy that mainly works, little corruption -taxes manageable.Good education system regards DonMac45 |
#12
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Re: Advice Needed - Living in America
Oh and Danny that email I gave will also find me on facebook, Gene is my name.
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#13
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Re: Advice Needed - Living in America
I think it's a very personal thing, getting up and moving like that, so I can't help with exact destination. However I can say that I have several Lebanese friends here in Australia, and they're generally very happy here.
There's a massive Lebanese community here, and already lots of well established Lebanese restaurants. But strangely, I also know some that can't quite fit 100% here, and therefore travel back to Lebanon regularly. But don't know how that works out financially. Must be a killer! Do you have friends of family here in Aus? |
#14
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Re: Advice Needed - Living in America
I would tell you where NOT to go,
Detroit, Chicago, New York City, Washington DC, ANYWHERE in Maryland, New Orleans. What kind of weather are you looking for as far as Summer high temperatures and Winter low temperatures? What % of humidity do you like? How many days of Sun per year do you like? Tom
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www.svxfiles.com The first SuperCharged SVX, the first 4.44 gears, the first equal length headers, the first phenolic spacers, the first Class Glass fiberglass hood, the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway Fiberglass Hood thread My locker 4.44 Swap link |
#15
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Re: Advice Needed - Living in America
Or anywhere in Wiley Ford, WVA!!!! Actually, Danny might like Annapolis. Four seasons, lots of water, lots of crabs, lots of wealth to spend in trendy restaurants, lots of taxes to support Baltimore.
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Good s**t happened. 69 was worth the wait. '92 stock semi-pristine ebony - 160K '96 Grand Caravan - 240K '01 Miata SE - 79K '07 Chrysler Pacifica - 60k - future money pit. |
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