Portland, OR to Charleston? (York: transplants, real estate, school)

[tangerinepuddle]

Hi all,
I would like some honest input from anyone who has perhaps relocted from the NE or the West coast. I am a native upstate New Yorker, who has lived on the west coast for almost two years.

I am thinking of relocating to Charleston, SC. I want to be closer to family, who are all on the east coast, would like a lower cost of living, and would like to be able to drive to the beach in less than two hours, and actually swim in the ocean. I am also in the middle of deciding to change careers, completely - from banking/real estate to medicine (physicians assistant). (going back to school at College of Charleston if I do re-locate)

My questions are these - will I be "culture shocked"? I do tend to be quite liberal, am not religious (unless you count zen, nature as spiritual), and I click with the vibe out here. Will I feel lost and out of place down south? Will I be making a lot less money, so it won't seem like the col is cheaper? Is it really true that you have to "know someone" to get a job? Is the "good ol boy" vibe alive and well?



Thanks for all your responses!!!!!

[OleTomCat]

As a D@$mn Yankee (South Jersey) myself i can tell you that it is a culture shock to move south.

You will find a niche in the downtown area of Charleston.

The medical field down here is wide open and does not require a Southern Drawl.

I am slightly to the right of Gingus Cahn but there are enough liberals around here to give me heart burn. Some of them are even my friends.

Good luck with the Relocation.

[DJShymansky]

You'll find more transplants down here than natives, honestly. Your life in Charleston is always going to be what you make of it. Your outlook on life and attitude will pre-determine how people treat you, more often than not.

Having transplanted down here from Maryland myself, I think you'll be fine. Being able to hit the beaches within 15 minutes and actually swim in the ocean is an amazing feeling. I've always loved being that close to water. You'll love it here, and the medical field is wide-open, if that's your career plan. If you're using College of Charleston or MUSC to further yourself along, you'll make PLENTY of professional contacts.

[Jim3310]

Waters too cold for you there huh? That's reason enough to move here. You can swim from May through October, no problem.

No culture shock at all if you stay on the pavement.
You will make less money, and the cost of living is not that much cheaper here.
You can get a job with out them asking "Whose your Daddy?" and they really want to actually know who your daddy is. But it does happen, just like everyplace else.
It is worth coming here.
jim

[Geechie North]

Originally Posted by tangerinepuddle

Hi all,
I would like some honest input from anyone who has perhaps relocted from the NE or the West coast. I am a native upstate New Yorker, who has lived on the west coast for almost two years.

I am thinking of relocating to Charleston, SC. I want to be closer to family, who are all on the east coast, would like a lower cost of living, and would like to be able to drive to the beach in less than two hours, and actually swim in the ocean. I am also in the middle of deciding to change careers, completely - from banking/real estate to medicine (physicians assistant). (going back to school at College of Charleston if I do re-locate)

My questions are these - will I be "culture shocked"? I do tend to be quite liberal, am not religious (unless you count zen, nature as spiritual), and I click with the vibe out here. Will I feel lost and out of place down south? Will I be making a lot less money, so it won't seem like the col is cheaper? Is it really true that you have to "know someone" to get a job? Is the "good ol boy" vibe alive and well?



Thanks for all your responses!!!!!

.

My input based on PNW and Charleston experience:

If you are a typical liberal Oregonian, and unless you are content with a small niche community that tunes the majority out, you will feel like you are in Afghanistan and the Taliban is right outside your door.

Also, unless you very lucky, you will probably not notice any cost savings vis-a-vis Portland.

My honest opinion.

[Theresejenkins]

I relocated from upstate NY and the metro-nyc area 5 years ago and have had no problems adjusting! I've met a million "northerners" and I have acclamated very well with all my southern friends! You will love being able to go to the beach whenever you want without it being a huge ordeal, and the cost of living is great here IMO - so come on down!

[Cyndy Keyes]

I am also a transplant from Long Island, NY. Been here 17 years and really enjoy it. Personally, I miss the seasons, but how great it is to go to the beach on a quick decision and not have a huge crowd! There are many beaches to choose also, as well as resorts.
It is a different pace at first, but you get used to it. Like anything, be yourself and you will get out of it what you want. Being closer to family is always a good reason to move. Come East "Y'all."