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I've heard comments on this board and others about how some people say Charlotte is going to be the "next Detroit", obviously I don't believe that. But when you compare Charlotte to others cities, lets say Austin, Nashville, Raleigh, or even Atlanta, economically are we better off or worse off? Or are we still playing catch up? I think Charlotte is a great place to live. Uptown is probably one of the cleanest and most well kept downtowns I have ever been to. We have beautiful neighborhoods and some very nice suburban areas. One thing that worries me about Charlotte's future, is how backwards our state government can be. North Carolina teacher salaries are one of the lowest in the country. Putting ridiculous amendments, like prop one on our ballots during a time when people are becoming more accepting of same sex marriage. I fear, may end up eventually doing NC more harm than good in the long run. Still NC is probably on the more "liberal" of the southern states. I also hope that Charlotte continues to attract other businesses, other than banking. And I hope that Charlotte doesn't lose it's hub once the American Airlines merger is complete. I don't think we will, but if we did, it could definitely have some negative impacts on our economy in the future. Thoughts?
I always laugh when I hear someone say Charlotte will be the next Detroit - it's just a fear mongering statement.
I do think Charlotte is on the right track, but there is no smooth ride ahead. I am glad that the city of Charlotte (not speaking of the region) is becoming more urban needs focused including connectivity (roads, mass transit, and pedestrian) between the center city and most of its immediate surrounding areas.
I also think that the city is becoming more and more aggressive in attracting larger employers of diverse industries, while still building up the financial services backbone of the city.
What I think is a problem is that there is not enough venture capital in the city for smaller start-ups that can really bring an energy to the business environment.
As far as the Charlotte region and the State - it's hard to say. Despite battles here and there - I think Charlotte is fortunate to be the undisputed king of its region and most surrounding municipalities rely on Charlotte rather than compete with it which is good for us.
The State? Well - The State (dem or repub) is politics and I do think that as much damage or good either party does in Raleigh it is rarely of permanence to the future of Charlotte.
I agree with CLTMark.
Has anyone been to Detroit? Or Pittsburgh? Or any of these middle America cities? There is no comparison. Charlotte even looks loke a dream! New and clean. If we could just put more money into the schools.....
I agree with CLTMark.
Has anyone been to Detroit? Or Pittsburgh? Or any of these middle America cities? There is no comparison. Charlotte even looks loke a dream! New and clean. If we could just put more money into the schools.....
I'm originally from Pittsburgh and I'm in the city right now... headed back to Charlotte tonight. Pittsburgh is probably slightly ahead of Charlotte in terms of transpo, walkability and infastructure. Charlotte is more diverse and has it beat when it comes to climate.
Detroit... well, no need to touch that comparison. When someone says Detroit, I put them on the "no clue" list...lol.
I've actually heard that a lot of people say that Austin is way overrated. And that besides from the music scene it isn't all that people hype it up to be. Charlotte does light rail Austin does not. Not to mention, Charlotte has one of the busiest airports in the world. And Charlotre definitely has more beauty from a greenery standpoint. I've heard people describe Austin as almost being deserty. Although I'm sure some people prefer that. I however prefer lots of trees and lots of green.
I've actually heard that a lot of people say that Austin is way overrated. And that besides from the music scene it isn't all that people hype it up to be. Charlotte does light rail Austin does not. Not to mention, Charlotte has one of the busiest airports in the world. And Charlotre definitely has more beauty from a greenery standpoint. I've heard people describe Austin as almost being deserty. Although I'm sure some people prefer that. I however prefer lots of trees and lots of green.
Not having yet been to Austin, I'm sure Charlotte has more greenery since it is in the Piedmont, but to say that Austin is almost like a desert is highly inaccurate. It sits along the Colorado River with three lakes in the city, and the western part is in the hill country which resembles the Piedmont in terms of geography and vegetation.
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