I am considering moving to the North Carolina area (Charlotte: real estate market, crime)
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I am 31yo and currently living in Miami, FL and I am considering moving to the North Carolina area. I am a guidance counselor and would be looking for employment with the public school system. The cost of living in S. Florida is awful along with the crime rate. I really enjoy shopping, eating out, concerts/plays, and the ability to take a quick trip on long weekends. The real estate market in S. Florida is very super high for young professionals that are just starting out. I really want to live in a more laid back environment with some of the perks of a city for the reasons I just gave. I've never visited Raleigh and would like to know what are the major differences btwn. the two? Please help
Raleigh - state capitol so center for government. Also, NC State University . . . and lots of pharma, bio, research, etc in the region.
Charlotte - more business oriented. I like the burbs better in CLT than RDU, but that is just me.
Both cities are family friendly.
I suggest you apply for jobs in both cities and see what openings you might find . . . and then take it from there. I am not sure that there is a shortage of guidance counselors in either RDU or CLT.
But really - there is no way any of us can tell you whether you would like either CLT or RDU - you really need to come spend some time here. It would be a HUGE change from Miami. The differences might be things you would find an improvement - or they might be things you would miss.
All counties through out the state need great school staff, from Ashville to the Outer Banks (this area is super expensive). Take your time, visit some areas and see what fits you best.
The other piece of advice is to apply for your NC License early so that you don't get stuck waiting on job offers for not having your license in NC. Go to the North carolina department of public instruction and they will tell you what you need to submit and the salary for the job.
Charlotte and it's amenities are easier to afford on dual incomes, just from my families experience. Good Luck and Welcome!!
Ivy, I think you would enjoy Asheville OR Hendersonville.
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