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I am a student in Erie, Pa and I will be graduating in June of 2007. I really want to move to NC due to its climate but I can't decide between Raleigh or Charlotte since I've never been to either. So I'm hoping if I tell you all a little about myself you can give me some tips. It's hard to sort through all the info because you can't tell what type of person is giving some of these recommendations.
- I want to live in a big city, I've been to places like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and DC and like the size of these cities.
- I want to live downtown in an apt close to the nightlife and maybe eventually move to just outside the city and buy a house.
- My income will be in the range of 100K-120k
- I like sports, pro and college.
- I'd like to be close to the beach and mountains.
- I'd like some snow, not as much as Pennslyvania though!
OK, now this is what I know about Charlotte and Raleigh...
Raleigh is driving distance to the mountains and beach, has TONS of college basketball, is a young and educated area.
Charlotte is bigger which probably means more to do, close to the mountains, and from what I've heard has cheaper housing.
What I don't know much about is other aspects of cost-of-living. Also, the FUN LEVEL in these cities. I know they are both great, but which one would suit me better (in your opinion) as a young guy (I like going out and being able to walk from bar to bar, not dance clubs though, and see lots of people)?
Also, focusing on Raleigh, how close are Durham and Cary? Would it be reasonable to get a job in Durham and live in Raleigh? Also, how is housing in the Raleigh area??
WEll in Charlotte we have the Bobcats,Panthers,and a ECL Hockey team the Checkers. Down the road we have a minor league baseball team the Knights. I believe the powers that be are chasing a MLB team.
Night life is getting better. It is nowhere compared to PA but better. On $100K a year you will be in good shape here.
Mountains are about 3 hours away and the beach is around 4 hours. Charelston is 3,5. Depending on your speed.
They did just open a whitewater park here with mountain bike trails. There are alot of young prof. here. We really do not get snow. Maybe a good ICE storm that shuts us down for a day or two.
They are really focusing on the spirit of Uptown/Downtown Charlotte's night llife with restraunts etc. Its no NYC by any means but getting there.
Hope this helps a little. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
Have any of you been to Pittsburgh or Cleveland or even Raleigh, and if so how do they compare to Charlotte when it comes to big city "feel" and nightlife?
I have been to Philly? But thats not a fair either as that was 7 years ago and Charlotte was/is still just getting going.
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