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So I have grown up in western New York basically my whole life, and I've always wanted to venture down to the south and make the transition. But life happens and I've found myself still in NY for some reason suffering through the long unbearable winters. Now I am finally taking the initiative and actively looking for a job in the south (in the quality engineering field).
I have been looking mostly in Charleston, some in Columbia, and will probably start looking in Charlotte also. Here are some of my wants/needs in a city:
- A number of young professionals (20s, 30s)
- Active music scene (I am a musician, so plan on joining a local band)
- Access to water (lakes, rivers, etc.)
- Parks and trails to view nature/wildlife
- Festivals, fairs, activities throughout the year
- Preferably within 3 hours of the coast (not necessity)
- A future wife!
CLT's got all that, except for the vibrant music scene, though only from the perspective of someone trying to make it professionally...
I know many musicians that live here, and the general consensus is that, while it might be btter in 10-15 years, right now it is a hardscrabble life if you're trying to make it. But if you're a musician for fun, you'll have a ton of fun! You'll just have to hang out in the right neighborhoods.
I'm familiar with the north east's various music scenes. People are super passionate up there. It's not quite that level here.
So I have grown up in western New York basically my whole life, and I've always wanted to venture down to the south and make the transition. But life happens and I've found myself still in NY for some reason suffering through the long unbearable winters. Now I am finally taking the initiative and actively looking for a job in the south (in the quality engineering field).
I have been looking mostly in Charleston, some in Columbia, and will probably start looking in Charlotte also. Here are some of my wants/needs in a city:
- A number of young professionals (20s, 30s)
- Active music scene (I am a musician, so plan on joining a local band)
- Access to water (lakes, rivers, etc.)
- Parks and trails to view nature/wildlife
- Festivals, fairs, activities throughout the year
- Preferably within 3 hours of the coast (not necessity)
- A future wife!
Thoughts of a good city for me?
Ok, if you end your list with "a future wife", then you better make a new list with item #1 being "Great place to raise kids"!!!!! Don't plan for next weekend, plan for 10 years down the road when you may have the needs of a forty-something dad. Charlotte in fact is a great place to raise kids, to the aggravation of the hipster uptown crowd.
I was going to mention it as well. I wasn't sure it would be big enough for the OP by the other cities he is comparing. As I look at his list though, it checks off many things. That being said, the OP might want to consider it The young professionals will be in downtown. We have live music outside on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings along with plenty of festivals and bars with music. We have Falls Park and many other parks and lakes around. We are an hour or less from the mountains as well. We are 3 hours from the beach. There are plenty young ladies as well There you have it!
As someone that's spent a lifetime in the south (in different towns/cities) i can tell you that charlotte is not a southern city. if you're looking for a "warmer north east" charlotte will meet your needs. if you're looking for a southern city, move on from charlotte.
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The young professionals will be in downtown. We have live music outside on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings along with plenty of festivals and bars with music. We have Falls Park and many other parks and lakes around. We are an hour or less from the mountains as well. We are 3 hours from the beach. There are plenty young ladies as well 
There you have it!
