Advice on move to Charlotte (Shelby, Boiling Springs: fit in, home, safe neighborhoods)

[Oldsmobile]

Even with the recent slowdown, Charlotte is nowhere near as bad as Michigan, so come on down! It's only natural during leaner times that locals don't want to see newcomers who will compete for jobs. My advice is to find the cheapest house that would fit your needs, hopefully in the high 100s, and keep the difference as a reserve while you establish yourselves here.

And while we're on the topic of edumacation, it appears we only have anecdotal evidence eh? I have a lowly BA, but many years experience. After a sabbatical, it took me about two months to land a good job in December.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by NancyKor

We are looking to make a move from Michigan. My husband will need a Finance job as an MBA. Also, having to take much loss in housing price and may only be able to afford mid 200,000 for home. Have children that are teens and would be interested in affiliation with Jewish community. Any advice is much appreciated.

Where in Michigan?

[ZnGuy]

Originally Posted by lovesMountains

Interesting...a religious temple (or church) recommending a particular neighborhood?? Never heard of that before.

Many neighborhoods in south Charlotte are much more convenient than that one to the Jewish Community Center. In general, you can live in many nice neighborhoods within an easy drive to it

NancyKor was looking for affiliation with Jewish community. The reason why JCC refers many to Brookhaven is because there are dozens of Jewish families living in that neighborhood. The only concern is if there are houses in NancyKor's price range...possibly not.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by ZnGuy

NancyKor was looking for affiliation with Jewish community. The reason why JCC refers many to Brookhaven is because there are dozens of Jewish families living in that neighborhood. The only concern is if there are houses in NancyKor's price range...possibly not.

But really, there are Jewish families scattered all over south Charlotte, so if Brookhaven doesn't fit her budget she'll still have lots to choose from . I am puzzled by the suggestion one should look for a neighborhood based on their religion anyway. It just wouldn't occur to me to base my decision on where to live on where other Catholics are living.

[chicagocubs]

Originally Posted by lovesMountains

But really, there are Jewish families scattered all over south Charlotte, so if Brookhaven doesn't fit her budget she'll still have lots to choose from . I am puzzled by the suggestion one should look for a neighborhood based on their religion anyway. It just wouldn't occur to me to base my decision on where to live on where other Catholics are living.

There is little anti-Catholic sentiment in this country, however.

Many times, there is a strong anti-semitic sentiment in places which is why Jewish people sometimes prefer to live where their temple recommends. (especially when moving to a new area) The Jewish community is often far stronger than our Christian communities and they watch out for one another much better.

[Doorway]

We need an "I'm biting my tongue" smiley on here.

[Comfort Food]

Originally Posted by chicagocubs

There is little anti-Catholic sentiment in this country, however.

It's not that hard to find out in the rural areas around Charlotte. When we moved to Boiling Springs (outside Shelby), we were shocked that my kids were told that they were "going to hell" because they were Catholic. Not just once, either.

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by Oldsmobile

Even with the recent slowdown, Charlotte is nowhere near as bad as Michigan, so come on down! It's only natural during leaner times that locals don't want to see newcomers who will compete for jobs. My advice is to find the cheapest house that would fit your needs, hopefully in the high 100s, and keep the difference as a reserve while you establish yourselves here.

And while we're on the topic of edumacation, it appears we only have anecdotal evidence eh? I have a lowly BA, but many years experience. After a sabbatical, it took me about two months to land a good job in December.

Are you kidding me or were you just looking for an opportunity to be disparaging to "the locals?"

For one thing, the locals are not the majority in Charlotte. The demographics are now 2/3 people who have moved here from some place else. The locals are not the people losing their jobs. Think about that. The locals lost jobs in textiles and furniture manufacturing in years past. The high paying jobs that are laying off are jobs that were typically staffed by newcomers, not natives (finance).

And secondly, the figures do not show the actual unemployment here. Those job figures do not include contract employees and those jobs have been slashed here. The actual unemployment is over 9 % and very likely will be over 10% by the end of the first quarter.

I am going to start responding to every inquiry by newcomers with - Hey, come on down! And quickly buy a house! The jobs are plentiful, especially in your field! Don't worry about finding employment! At least maybe that way, people will be foolish enuff to "come on down" w/o a job - and buy a home out of the inventory sitting here. That would help one sector here (real estate) - at least for a while.

I believe if you check back over this thread, every single person who warned that the job market was very tough here is someone who moved here. Not one is a native. They are offering this advice b/c of what they have experienced and what their friends and neighbors (mostly newcomers!!!) are experiencing.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by chicagocubs

There is little anti-Catholic sentiment in this country, however.

Many times, there is a strong anti-semitic sentiment in places which is why Jewish people sometimes prefer to live where their temple recommends. (especially when moving to a new area) The Jewish community is often far stronger than our Christian communities and they watch out for one another much better.

Well, when we moved here 20+ years ago the entire state had only 2% Catholic population. I was coming from predominantly, overwhelmingly Catholic south Louisiana, so suddenly I was in a minority. BUT IT STILL NEVER OCCURED TO ME TO LOOK FOR OTHER CATHOLIC NEIGHBORS.

Yes, there was prejudice shown to us - you better believe there were/probably still are your ignornant folks who believe foolishness like Catholics aren't Christians. But that was only a handful of folks.

Charlotte has had a strong Jewish community for over 100 years - the general mood of this city has pretty much been one of acceptance and neighborhorliness for Jews, AND Catholics.

So my whole point is, in THIS city you don't have to feel like you must live in a certain area or with certain neighbors only to find religious tolerance. This is not the case for Jews in all places I know, but in Charlotte you will feel pretty comfortable and most likely right at home - no need to segregate yourself.

[jordysmama]

Originally Posted by lovesMountains

Interesting...a religious temple (or church) recommending a particular neighborhood?? Never heard of that before.

Many neighborhoods in south Charlotte are much more convenient than that one to the Jewish Community Center. In general, you can live in many nice neighborhoods within an easy drive to it

Some observant Jews cannot drive on Shabbot, therefore must live within walking distance of the temple so they can still observe and be within the limits of their observance level. Not everyone can just get in the car for that easy drive. Hence, the JCC may have some suggestions on neighborhoods close enough to the temple to walk....