How does it compare? Hospitalist moving to Charlotte in a few months from Cleveland :) (Raleigh: houses, transfer)

[soooma]

Originally Posted by anifani821

I am a native here; DH is from St. Louis and spent most of his career in Kansas City. I am surprised you didn't consider Kansas City as it is somewhat comparable to Cleveland . . .only I much prefer KCMO's suburbs to Cleveland's . . . and St. Louis is a good family-oriented city w/ nice burbs, as well (and substantial healthcare). Cost of living is about the same as here.

Cleveland to Charlotte is a good move. I know San Antonio and I suppose it depends where you grew up as to how enamored one would be w/ SA. I love visiting there! Just don't know it would offer what I would want as far as living there year round. SA has a lot of areas that are rough around the edges . . . Dallas, however, is high on my list of places to live, especially Plano and Frisco.

Now, what is too bad about this conversation is . . . the burbs of Kansas City, St. Louis and Plano/Frisco remind me of CLT in many ways as far as quality of life, cost of living, amenities, etc. But you have not been to those areas!

The rest of the cities you mentioned are so much larger than Charlotte - I just can't make much of a comparison. There is no way to compare NYC, CHI, Las Vegas to CLT . . . and Pittsburgh and Philly - maybe the burbs . . . Detroit is dealing w/ so many economic problems - no way would I go there (sorry MI). And New Orleans - well - there is nowhere else in the USA that really compares to NOLA, IMHO.

As far as a medical career, have you actually accepted a position or are you simply considering the move here? When you asked about liability . . . that says to me you have not accepted a position or surely you would have covered all that b/f you signed a contract. I would suggest that you work out employment directly w/ a hospital and have them pay your liability for you as part of the terms of your employment contract.

You didn't mention the Raleigh Durham area, where some of the best healthcare in the region is found . . . so don't rule that out if you are not committed. That region is also a great place to raise a family as well as practice medicine.

Charlotte has wonderful neighborhoods, friendly people, good shopping and offers a lot of outdoor activity - w/ mountains and coast nearby and golf all over the place (if you are interested). Housing is reasonable here . . . but the cheaper costs come in w/ taxes as opposed to the areas you mentioned in your post. Weather here is better than that of most of the cities you mentioned, wh/ means more days to get outside . . . and less time dealing w/ snowstorms/ice.

You really need to spend some time here b/f committing to a long term contract. That being said - I personally feel Charlotte is one of the best places in the country to raise a family, get established in a community and live a good quality of life.

LET ME JUST repeat it again for the person who highlighted my "LOVE FOR AMERICA",
guys you just have a beautiful country " that I adore from the bottom of my heart and despite not American yet , my kids are though , I already feel American to the bone, not because I am disloyal to my Country which I adore as well "I am Coptic Christian Egyptian by the way if it helps ", but I can't help but feel like part of this huge Country, you are very hospitable people in general sense, "Disregard rednecks", and You know what "I achieved my American dream by coming here", and I never regretted coming here for a single second, and my wife wasn't interested in coming but now she loves it and I feel honored to be one of you guys, simply because this is THE WHOLE IDEA of America's human infrastructure "Unlike England for instance, hard to feel really one of them",, you WELCOME skilled and professional overseas people who were diappointed at their home countries "Once upon a time greatest nations on earth" current status quo "a long story" , not here just for financial reasons though, because my dad is a physician there in Egypt and we are well to do there,,,, but many other things,,, on top of which something I never tasted in my life till I set foot in this BLESSED land called FREEDOM with all what this word may ever mean,, the bad and the good.

So again before I forget the my purpose of this post ,,, I congratulate you again on this blessed beautiful country...


Well,
1. I signed a contract in CLT long time ago, about 3 months ago, in south Charlotte hospital.
2. I will be covered liability, but asking about litigative attitudes,,, because Cleveland and Pittsburgh are known to be really bad places for physician to practice medicine at.
3. I have no one that I really know in CLT but hoping to know some nice people there.
4. Very important reason for Relocation is WEATHER, I am freezing to death in Clevealnd... Though I love the people here they are really nice and classy people and friendly,, but can't enjoy life with that bad winter! sorry Cleveland I have to say that ,,, though I know that it can be worse in MN and MI,,, but all in all not for me
5. Comparing San Antonio came from some friends of mine who are starting their career their, and they are describing it as heaven on earth, the best weather in America, and rivers under the malls !! and sounded to me a whole lot better, and I felt a little what if I signed a contract there instead? Especially knowing that cost of living is way lower and the city is really nicer.
6. I spent 3 days in CLT,,, One of the cleanest cities I ever visited and really the roads are manicured ,,, but my question here,,, for those who really travelled around,,, and to PHYSICIANS practicing in CLT,,, and UP ABOVE all to those who left Cleveland and Detroit for CLT,,, what is the move like?
7. Did you ever regret coming here?
8. I wasn't very happy to know that you got 4" of snow recently,,, but my worries are do you have a lot of ice since I noticed that you tend to be around 25-35 degrees most of the winter?
9. Are there a lot of nice places like Southpark? which I liked, what a fancy place, and a fancy MALL
10. I really was shocked with the EAST Mall that was really in a bad shape, we were scared to death!
11. I was never told about the DROUGHT issue by any of my interviewers, is it that serious? I understand getting a little better this year with above average rainfall? Am I really not gonna find places to wash my car?
12. I read about CLT probably more than the size of the BIBLE but I still need some real living experience.
13. To be honest I wasn't impressed much with the Uptown but I might be biased then, because I just had a week in Chicago in the summer before visiting CLT, and that was unfair to the queen city.
14. Future wise what are the expectations for CLT, and when is it expected to make it to 1.000.000 people there, and is the city really losing its identity? beause of people like us? and can this be good in any way?
15. I can't think of something else right now?,,, just kidding,,,,


I really would appreciate everysingle word you might have to say about Charlotte, especially for foreigners like myself and also for a Hospitalist Physician...

[soooma]

Originally Posted by BrianH1970

I just feel soooo compelled to highlight this part of the post. For all the bad rap I keep hearing that we're supposedly getting from overseas, it warms the heart to see someone like you say this. I'll leave the details to someone better suited to answer.

LET ME JUST repeat it again for the person who highlighted my "LOVE FOR AMERICA",
guys you just have a beautiful country " that I adore from the bottom of my heart and despite not American yet , my kids are though , I already feel American to the bone, not because I am disloyal to my Country which I adore as well "I am Coptic Christian Egyptian by the way if it helps ", but I can't help but feel like part of this huge Country, you are very hospitable people in general sense, "Disregard rednecks", and You know what "I achieved my American dream by coming here", and I never regretted coming here for a single second, and my wife wasn't interested in coming but now she loves it and I feel honored to be one of you guys, simply because this is THE WHOLE IDEA of America's human infrastructure "Unlike England for instance, hard to feel really one of them",, you WELCOME skilled and professional overseas people who were diappointed at their home countries "Once upon a time greatest nations on earth" current status quo "a long story" , not here just for financial reasons though, because my dad is a physician there in Egypt and we are well to do there,,,, but many other things,,, on top of which something I never tasted in my life till I set foot in this BLESSED land called FREEDOM with all what this word may ever mean,, the bad and the good.

So again before I forget the my purpose of this post ,,, I congratulate you again on this blessed beautiful country...


Well,
1. I signed a contract in CLT long time ago, about 3 months ago, in south Charlotte hospital.
2. I will be covered liability, but asking about litigative attitudes,,, because Cleveland and Pittsburgh are known to be really bad places for physician to practice medicine at.
3. I have no one that I really know in CLT but hoping to know some nice people there.
4. Very important reason for Relocation is WEATHER, I am freezing to death in Clevealnd... Though I love the people here they are really nice and classy people and friendly,, but can't enjoy life with that bad winter! sorry Cleveland I have to say that ,,, though I know that it can be worse in MN and MI,,, but all in all not for me
5. Comparing San Antonio came from some friends of mine who are starting their career their, and they are describing it as heaven on earth, the best weather in America, and rivers under the malls !! and sounded to me a whole lot better, and I felt a little what if I signed a contract there instead? Especially knowing that cost of living is way lower and the city is really nicer.
6. I spent 3 days in CLT,,, One of the cleanest cities I ever visited and really the roads are manicured ,,, but my question here,,, for those who really travelled around,,, and to PHYSICIANS practicing in CLT,,, and UP ABOVE all to those who left Cleveland and Detroit for CLT,,, what is the move like?
7. Did you ever regret coming here?
8. I wasn't very happy to know that you got 4" of snow recently,,, but my worries are do you have a lot of ice since I noticed that you tend to be around 25-35 degrees most of the winter?
9. Are there a lot of nice places like Southpark? which I liked, what a fancy place, and a fancy MALL
10. I really was shocked with the EAST Mall that was really in a bad shape, we were scared to death!
11. I was never told about the DROUGHT issue by any of my interviewers, is it that serious? I understand getting a little better this year with above average rainfall? Am I really not gonna find places to wash my car?
12. I read about CLT probably more than the size of the BIBLE but I still need some real living experience.
13. To be honest I wasn't impressed much with the Uptown but I might be biased then, because I just had a week in Chicago in the summer before visiting CLT, and that was unfair to the queen city.
14. Future wise what are the expectations for CLT, and when is it expected to make it to 1.000.000 people there, and is the city really losing its identity? beause of people like us? and can this be good in any way?
15. I can't think of something else right now?,,, just kidding,,,,


I really would appreciate everysingle word you might have to say about Charlotte, especially for foreigners like myself and also for a Hospitalist Physician...

[soooma]

Originally Posted by heatwomg

From a former Clevelander's perspective: I moved from Chagrin Falls in May 2007. I currently live in South Charlotte. Downtown Charlotte is very different from downtown Cleveland. Cleveland is much more spread out compared to Charlotte. But Charlotte is much easier to navigate ( at least in the immediate uptown area). I do not know much about N,W or E Charlotte but South Charlotte reminds me of the Hudson/Shaker Heights cities where it's just beautiful homes and is really taken care of. I do not own a home but from a renter's standpoint the cost of living is cheaper down here. Gas is still a little bit more expensive but with it having gone down so much $.05 isn't too big of a deal. People seem happier in Charlotte. Everyone is friendly and so many people have moved from somewhere else so everyone is just happy to be here. And there is no comparison to the weather either. We are forecasted to see 70 degrees here tomorrow... probably sleeting ice up there. So enough of me rambling. I hope that helped even a little. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions. Good luck!!

I just wanted to thank you for your post,,,
Thank you heatwomg ,,,, Can you just elaborate about details,, what do you do for fun in Charlotte vs. put in bay ?

[soooma]

Originally Posted by BrianH1970

I just feel soooo compelled to highlight this part of the post. For all the bad rap I keep hearing that we're supposedly getting from overseas, it warms the heart to see someone like you say this. I'll leave the details to someone better suited to answer.

A way of thanking you is uploading some nice photos I have for Charlotte,,

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

I spent 4 days in San Antonio in 2007, for a conference. I like Charlotte better. San Antonio is not so green and the humidity/heat in October was a killer! The river runs through one mall in the old section of town. The airport is not as big as Charlotte's so I conclude the city is not as big.

I am planning to move to Charlotte (clinical psychologist) as soon as I can sell my huse. I have a friend, also psych., in practice in Charlotte and he loves the city.

[ZnGuy]

I moved from Cleveland (Chagrin Falls) about 4-1/2 years ago with kids 8 and 10yrs old. We have never regretted it. I could have moved anywhere east of Mississippi River with my job and never put a foot in NC prior to considering move. I researched Raleigh and Charlotte and could have ended up in eather town but somehow locked in on CLT. We built in Weddington and back then there housing was probably 15% or so cheaper here than in Chagrin which is a costly area. My house up there had property taxes of $12k, comprable house here is $4-4.5k in taxes. Housing seemed to be a little more expensive in nice areas in Raleigh. Some things I noticed down here is the sun shines many more days, the weather is very pleasant, people look at you when you walk by and say hello, and people seem very happy in general here. Most people are transplants from the North and in neighborhoods most seem motivated to meet and make new friends. The area seems to be young and I know in Union County the K or 1st grade level is the largest class. There are many beautiful neighborhoods and most have great ammenities (pool, tennis, etc) which is great for kids. I do run into other ex-Clevelanders and many just love it here.

[soooma]

Originally Posted by SouthernBelleInUtah

I spent 4 days in San Antonio in 2007, for a conference. I like Charlotte better. San Antonio is not so green and the humidity/heat in October was a killer! The river runs through one mall in the old section of town. The airport is not as big as Charlotte's so I conclude the city is not as big.

I am planning to move to Charlotte (clinical psychologist) as soon as I can sell my huse. I have a friend, also psych., in practice in Charlotte and he loves the city.

My understanding that San Antonio is 2-3 times bigger than Charlotte,
And cost of living is 21% less than CLT, and a shocking info is that houses are way cheaper in San Antonio.

Another question, if Dallas and SA , and Austin are really than bigger and cheaper and nicer than CLT, why most people relocate still To NC either CLT or Raleigh areas?

What about the drought in CLT? Is it far from over?

Nice to hear about southern charm is still there in Charlotte.

I am thinking Matthiews for a house, because of closeness to work, how does it compare to Other regions price and safety as well as schools? Looking for a house 350.000 range may be 400.000k

[anifani821]

Comparing SA to any place else is nearly impossible. Texas is a universe unto itself, first of all. Don't get me wrong - I really like many regions in Texas. Really fond of the Dallas burbs. You have to understand - if you live in Texas, especially SA, you have a very different history there. The region is heavily influenced by all things Spanish/Mexican. Plus, the climate and weather are very different than here.

I have spent time in SA and really love visiting there. Love the vitality along the River Walk. However, it is not some place I would choose to live fulltime. But that is a very individual decision. You may love it there! But comparing any of NC to SA . . . I don't know how to even do that. To me, it is like two different worlds in many ways. It would be like trying to compare Interlaken, Switzerland to Dubai. You see what I mean?

[soooma]

Originally Posted by anifani821

I am a native here; DH is from St. Louis and spent most of his career in Kansas City. I am surprised you didn't consider Kansas City as it is somewhat comparable to Cleveland . . .only I much prefer KCMO's suburbs to Cleveland's . . . and St. Louis is a good family-oriented city w/ nice burbs, as well (and substantial healthcare). Cost of living is about the same as here.

Cleveland to Charlotte is a good move. I know San Antonio and I suppose it depends where you grew up as to how enamored one would be w/ SA. I love visiting there! Just don't know it would offer what I would want as far as living there year round. SA has a lot of areas that are rough around the edges . . . Dallas, however, is high on my list of places to live, especially Plano and Frisco.

Now, what is too bad about this conversation is . . . the burbs of Kansas City, St. Louis and Plano/Frisco remind me of CLT in many ways as far as quality of life, cost of living, amenities, etc. But you have not been to those areas!

The rest of the cities you mentioned are so much larger than Charlotte - I just can't make much of a comparison. There is no way to compare NYC, CHI, Las Vegas to CLT . . . and Pittsburgh and Philly - maybe the burbs . . . Detroit is dealing w/ so many economic problems - no way would I go there (sorry MI). And New Orleans - well - there is nowhere else in the USA that really compares to NOLA, IMHO.

As far as a medical career, have you actually accepted a position or are you simply considering the move here? When you asked about liability . . . that says to me you have not accepted a position or surely you would have covered all that b/f you signed a contract. I would suggest that you work out employment directly w/ a hospital and have them pay your liability for you as part of the terms of your employment contract.

You didn't mention the Raleigh Durham area, where some of the best healthcare in the region is found . . . so don't rule that out if you are not committed. That region is also a great place to raise a family as well as practice medicine.

Charlotte has wonderful neighborhoods, friendly people, good shopping and offers a lot of outdoor activity - w/ mountains and coast nearby and golf all over the place (if you are interested). Housing is reasonable here . . . but the cheaper costs come in w/ taxes as opposed to the areas you mentioned in your post. Weather here is better than that of most of the cities you mentioned, wh/ means more days to get outside . . . and less time dealing w/ snowstorms/ice.

You really need to spend some time here b/f committing to a long term contract. That being said - I personally feel Charlotte is one of the best places in the country to raise a family, get established in a community and live a good quality of life.

Thank you so much for your elaborated, and detailed message, I appreciate your time spent typing all this about it, you must be really a fan of CLT.

And compared to Clevelan how does it compare?
What about the schools? does it have to be private?
If you live in Matthiews and your commute is to Monroe daily, is that a bad commute?
There is tax on food I heard, there, which we don't have in Cleveland.
Compared to Pittsburgh how does Charlotte compare? because I spent a lot of time in Pittsburgh, but didn't wanna go there because the weather is not that much different from ours in Cleveland? besides the very high liability on physicians known in PA.

soooma

[soooma]

Originally Posted by nacmd70

Which hospital? Huntersville is an easy commute for some in the Charlotte area plus the Lake Norman Medical Center. Originally from the NE Ohio western Pa area. The notorious rust belt. Much nicer and newer here. But you will have to miss out on the cold and the "lake effect" snowfalls.

CMC- Union hospital is the one I am gonna be working at,,, do you know much about it guys?

And Is it true that Matthews would be the best place to have an apartment or house there to be close to the hospital? what about Ballantyne? becaue I heard it is much nicer than Matthiews?

thank you so much, for your help?