what you can expect to find in Charlotte. (Norman: appointed, apartment)

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by etacarinae

As there are Ingles locations in Albemarle , Lexington , Shelby and I believe , somewhere in Gaston County.

Shelby, Kings Mountain & Dallas have supermarkets. Shelby & Bessemer City have grocery stores

[eek]

as much as the OP thinks that we (those of us that don't buy into the hype surrounding charlotte...or rather those of us that don't agree with him/her on his/her positive outlook about the present and the future of charlotte) have "sour grapes," i think that the OP has a hidden agenda towards ppl from the north that express their opinion about the situation, particularly those of us from NYC.

you mention "the other side," meaning the opposition to your "positive" stance negatively several times in the first post of this thread. its ok, or rather is should be ok to disagree with ppl that feel like charlotte is the best thing in the world. we all have our opinions and there are certain observations and/or facts that can be said about both sides.

in summary: no, we cannot get our NY bagels and pizza without hassle. we cannot get them in charlotte at all, actually.

[CouponJack]

There will always be natives who don't like transplants, just like there are people who move here who will not bend at all and want everything there way.

There both wrong IMO and I have no use for either.

I still however have learned alot from people I disagree with. Bottom line is the c/d site is invaluable.

[chicagocubs]

Actually, the OPs post is really quite good. He is (arguably) the most pro-Charlotte, pro-southern person everon this forum, and, as such, has ruffled more than a few feathers, mine included. But, this post lays things out pretty well and is practical, pragmatic and overall accurate. Let's give credit where it is due.

[eek]

i agree. lets give credit where it's due:

Originally Posted by vindaloo

This message board has become somewhat of a sounding board for people that have optimistic views of the city of Charlotte and those that are pessimistic or have a grudge where sour grapes can often be detected.

so its either the side that has optimistic views or the side that has a chip on their shoulder; a grudge; sour grapes. wth?

its either good or its full of ____. garbage. stupid.
either positive opinions or ppl with their lips poked out. cry babies.

lol at the extremes. white/black. no grey area, huh?

Through my travels, I have learned that people are complainers by nature and are generally not happy with a place unless it is just like the place for which their childhood was spent or where momma resides.

again, extremes. you can't disagree with the OP about charlotte unless you're "generally unhappy" and have "sour grapes."

The reality is that Charlotte is a nice city that is going through economic hard times like every other American city. Our banking status is in a precarious status at the time as we don't really know what the near future holds. Nevertheless, there are cities will suit the needs of people more than Charlotte and visa versa. Charlotte is not NYC, Chicago, or L.A. But, it is more on line with Columbus, Indianapolis, and Cincinatti. It has some advantages over some cities and some disadvantages to others, so everyone won't be satisfied and that is to be expected. Many of the comments on this board can be taken with a grain of salt as they don't really reflect facts but tend to express anger from job loss, family breakup, intimacy problems, etc. Based on what I have read on the boards and with speaking to pople in the community, I would say that you have a good 80 percent chance of being extremely happy here. I will give you a general synopsis of what is offered:

how does the OP know this? there are many reasons as to why ppl dislike charlotte. there are many reasons as to why a person comes to charlotte in the first place, but to basically say that the ppl that don't agree with him/her on charlotte don't have facts to back up their opinion is crazy.

- The People- Charlotte is a city composed of people from other places mostly. Unfortunately, only 40 of the people here are from the state. That being said, it is sometimes found that it is not as friendly as expected. That is because of the influx of differing cultures and personalities. One in eight families are from another country. Nevertheless,

LOL @ this bull. the OP cannot be serious with this assumption...and this entire quote is crazy. unfortunately only 40% are from NC? wow.
that 40% is contributing to the state not being friendly? wow.
the influx of differing cultures is a negative? wow.
one in eight families being from another country is cause for an "unfortunately?" wow.

way to go for the big city of charlotte. way to get into modern times. way to go with the future of charlotte, with an opinion such as the above.

- Restaurants-There are people from 123 countries living in Charlotte. Naturally, there are plenty of ethnic restaurants. But, this is not NYC and there are some countries that are not represented at this time, but your typical Asian, South American, Central American, and European restaurants are here and some excellent. Seems like even the picky New Yorkers can get their NY pizzas and NY bagels without hassle.

now nyers are picky, huh? we can't, no, we are not allowed to have an opinion on anything unless it is in line with the OP's opinion.

with that said, i keep telling ppl from NYC (NYS is on its own here...) that you will not get NYC anything outside of NYC, period. its better if ppl from NYC move to a closer city...such as Jersey City, Boston, Philly, hell, if you must move to the south then try DC.

this isn't said with anger but with concern and caution. a lot of ppl from NYC end up regretting a move that they made based off of word of mouth from a person that heard from a person that saw something on tv or something.

anyway, credit given. proceed.

[newtoQC]

I was really impressed with the info in this summary that obviously took some time! thanks for the input, I think in whole its a pretty good snapshot of the QC!

[anifani821]

Vindaloo posted a very good overview of the city.

I think it depends on a lot of factors as to what people think about Charlotte, including 1. where they live 2. where they work 3. income bracket.

I have found that I can have a good life in almost any city/town/burg in this country - as long as I have the $$$ to access the things that I feel create a good life. And we all have our own criteria as to what that might mean. Someone straight out of college, single and looking for new friends is gonna see this region quite differently from someone who is making a salary over $150K, has a family and lives in an upscale burb. That is true in ANY city.

If things like mass transit are of no concern to a person, he/she will see that issue quite differently than someone who is from another area and eschews having to commute in a car while stuck in traffic. Someone who is retired and grateful for lower taxes on his/her home is gonna see things quite differently than someone who is disabled and using a Section 8 voucher and has found him/herself stuck in a high crime area. And so on . . .

Discussions about what restaurants/prepared food (i.e. bagels and pizza) are not here are downright silly, IMHO, b/c that is also true anywhere you move. Tell me where I could find pork BBQ in Kansas City. Or Chicago style pizza in San Francisco. It is what it is and different regions have different food. I couldn't find a decent bagel in KCMO, either . . . and I have found that these discussions usually come from folks who have never lived anywhere but one place their entire lives - and then moved to Charlotte. Just think how Europeans feel when they move here and can't find their favorite products/foods. We can share info on where to find the things we miss, but getting all bent out of shape cause Charlotte doesn't have NY style bagels is kinda absurd, cause few cities DO have NY style bagels. (Not that I am putting down the sentiment that one MISSES those favorites! It is the negativism about this somehow being a unique short-coming of immense proportions here in Charlotte is what I am objecting to). There are gonna be compromises on food wherever one moves, and the realistic thing to do about that is find what resources there are and/or learn to cook at home, lol.

As for crime . . . I gotta tell ya . . . I am impressed with Chief Monroe. However, I am very concerned about the roving bands of young thugs who are committing home invasions in the burbs. Again, I don't think this current trend is unique to Charlotte, but it is not the history of this region, and I am very concerned that it has become a trend. Whether this is gang related or not - I am not sure - but I am sure that it is part of a cultural phenomenon and I find it quite disturbing - these kids wielding guns and kicking in front doors knowing full well residents are home. Until this stops, I can promise you that I am gonna consider it a big negative about living in Charlotte. Whether anyone else agrees with me or not - that is a matter of individual perception. It has taken a lot of shine off the way I feel about this city, to be frank. Robberies have always occurred in every area of this country and will continue, but home invasions accompanied by violence. . . ??? As long as my fellow residents are continuing to be victimized by thugs while at home . . . I am NOT gonna care about crime statistics that show a decrease. Some crimes are simply more heinous than others. Take my car, take my electronics, take my watch - but don't pistol whip me and shoot my dog. Sorry. All crimes are NOT equal . . .

[Jimrob1]

Originally Posted by vindaloo

This message board has become somewhat of a sounding board for people that have optimistic views of the city of Charlotte and those that are pessimistic or have a grudge where sour grapes can often be detected. Through my travels, I have learned that people are complainers by nature and are generally not happy with a place unless it is just like the place for which their childhood was spent or where momma resides. The reality is that Charlotte is a nice city that is going through economic hard times like every other American city. Our banking status is in a precarious status at the time as we don't really know what the near future holds. Nevertheless, there are cities will suit the needs of people more than Charlotte and visa versa. Charlotte is not NYC, Chicago, or L.A. But, it is more on line with Columbus, Indianapolis, and Cincinatti. It has some advantages over some cities and some disadvantages to others, so everyone won't be satisfied and that is to be expected. Many of the comments on this board can be taken with a grain of salt as they don't really reflect facts but tend to express anger from job loss, family breakup, intimacy problems, etc. Based on what I have read on the boards and with speaking to pople in the community, I would say that you have a good 80 percent chance of being extremely happy here. I will give you a general synopsis of what is offered:

- Traffic- Charlotte's population (metro) is approximately 2 million. The highway system is relatively good and rush hours are not bad unless there is an accident. Traffic, in that case, can be backed up for miles. A person can generally get anywhere in the county from the center of town withing 30 minutes during heavy traffic.

- Taxes- The cost of living is cheaper than most northeastern states and Florida. My utilities went down significantly as did my property taxes.

- Schools- Schools are like schools in any other larger city. They vary from very bad to excellent. There are several colleges in the area ranging from a large Community College to a full fledged state University offering several Phd programs.

- Medical- There are outstand medical facilities abound. The two major ones are Carolina's Medical and Presbyterian. They have major hospitals strategically located in areas of Mecklenburg.

- Religion- There are centers for most religious dominations where assistance in relocating can be found. The Chamber of Commerce can provide phone numbers.

- Crime- Crime is typical of other cities the size of Charlotte. There are safe areas and unsafe areas. Drugs and gangs are plentiful, but again, they are in the neighborhoods mostly. One should feel no more threatened in Charlotte than in any other city. I can't think of anyone in recent years that has been a victim.

- Restaurants-There are people from 123 countries living in Charlotte. Naturally, there are plenty of ethnic restaurants. But, this is not NYC and there are some countries that are not represented at this time, but your typical Asian, South American, Central American, and European restaurants are here and some excellent. Seems like even the picky New Yorkers can get their NY pizzas and NY bagels without hassle.

- Employment- Jobs are on a major slowdown at the present time as in other places. Unless you have a skill that is in demand, hold off on relocating without a job. But, banking is not the only business here. Although Charlotte is a white collar city, manufacturing of high tech. equipment is huge in Charlotte as well as you normal professions. It is highly suggested that one secure a job before coming.

-Communities- There are many wonderful communities in Mecklenburg County that have all the amenities, ie. shopping, retail, dining, parks, pubs, schools, libraries, and grocery stores. Some of these communities are Mooresville, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Pineville, Matthews, Indian trail, Waxau, Denver, and Concord (Cabarrus County). They have good schools and are safe places to live. By the way, the Charlotte area is know as a wonderful place to raise children.
I am happy to see that communities are really looking out for bikers and walkers and making it possible to transit towns on bikes safely and to ensure that sidewalks are in place. Again, there are some great parks to enjoy.

- In town living-If you like city living, there are places very close in. The up and coming places for the mostly young and 30 somethings are Southend, Elizabeth, uptown, and Plaza/Midwood. Dilworth is close in and is more family oriented than the others. All these areas are walkable to uptown and cater to the cool crowd. For the more Bohemian type, NoDa is the in place. It is about two miles from uptown.

- Entertainment- Entertainment is very good in the area. Downtown is thrieving. There are several performing arts venues, dozens of pubs and restaurants, museums (three are in the final stages of construction) and sports arenas. Downtown (Uptown) becomes very busy late in the evenings. It is pretty nice to see such a huge crowd of nationalities, races, and gay and straight people uptown at night enjoying the entertainment and getting alone so wonderfully.The major entertainment center is called the Epicentre. It has restaurants, bars, movie theaters, and a bowling alley. The North Carolina Music Factory is the latest huge venue uptown. It consists of several clubs and an outdoor band performance facitlity that sits a couple of thousand. It is in an obscure part of uptown.

- Suburbs- Suburban neighborhoods are going up everywhere. Prices are at a premium at this time and vary depending on your price limitations, etc. The most desired part of the city is east and least is west (and I am a former westsider).

- Transportation- Bus service is good and reaches to the extreme parts of the county. Express service is offered in many areas and light rail service is offered in the southern part of the city. It runs from near Pineville to downtown. There are tentative plans to start rail service to other parts of the city in the near future. The International airport is excellent. It is the eighth busiest passenger airport in the U.S. surpassing Boston, Washington and other major points. The U.S. Air major hub is in Charlotte. Overseas destinations are -Canadian airports, Mexico City, most major Carribean cities, Rio, Sao Paulo (near future), Honolulu, London, Paris, Munich, Frankfort with several more planned in the near future. Charlotte offers Amtrac as well.

Lake Norman/Lake Wylie- These are our two lake communities that compose of very nice towns that I have mentioned before. I didn't mention Ft. Mill, S.C. previously. It is a great little place just 20 minutes from center Charlotte. It is a Lake Wylie community. Taxes in S.C. are better than N.C.s In Ft. Mill is the community of Tega Quay, a place worth visiting and the home to the late famous Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker. But not everyone out there is weird. I live in the town of Cornelius on Lake Norman. It is a great place where I can walk to the lake, parks, bars, restaurants, doctors, grocery stores, my health spa or anything else I want. It is typical of the other towns that I mentioned (Mooresville, Davidson, parts of Huntersville) that are lake communities as well.

NASCAR- NASCAR does not run our lives around Charlotte. It is big, but it seems like most of the big supporters are from other cities and other states like Ohio, Michigan, Maryland, Florida, and others. It is not a bad thing and we are not eaten up with NASCAR like many anti-southern people like to think. We are glad to have it as it is a Fortune 500 company and Charlotte is a big place for Fortune 500 companies.

Drivers- Local drivers drive like they do any other place in the U.S., poorly. It is likely that drivers may be a bit more courteous here as being courteous is a southern trait, generally speaking. But tailgating, driving too slow in the fast lane, going all over the place while text messaging or EMailing, and not signaling is status quo like everywhere else.

- The People- Charlotte is a city composed of people from other places mostly. Unfortunately, only 40 of the people here are from the state. That being said, it is sometimes found that it is not as friendly as expected. That is because of the influx of differing cultures and personalities. One in eight families are from another country. Nevertheless, it is almost a concensus that it is a friendly city. If someone invites you to their church, don't get mad or take it as an insult. They are being friendly and trying to be hospitable. If you politely say no, the topic will never again be discussed. This only happened to me once. A very old lady walking her dog invited my wife and me to her church and I politely told her that I wasn't interested and she changed the subject. You'll probably never experience that, but it isn't a bad thing. Suburbs are mostly black, white, Hispanic or Asian. The most mixed area is University City which is close to the UNCC campus. Race relations in the city seem to be pretty good.


Good luck in any choice to move. Welcome to Charlotte if you decide to come here. Just check out everything you can before. We love to have you but please believe me when I tell you how annoying it is to listen to people complain and start talking about the way things are done up north. We like the way we do things. If that is your personality, I beg you to stay where your are. Take care.

Excellent thread. You obviously put alot of effort into it. Very good.

[anifani821]

EEK: you are entitled to your opinion, but I have to agree with Vindaloo. Some of the biggest whiners in this city are New Yorkers. We didn't vote to become the Sixth Burough but anyone who has had to endure the shrill complaints of New Yorkers about everything from the ignorant hicks their children are subjected to (and yes, I have heard that first hand) to the awful food here to how lacking the region is in entertainment, etc. is not gonna be impressed with your debate that many NYers come here and WHINE. THEY DO. And I have been told it is CULTURAL - that NYers whine about stuff in NY, too. But it is NOT Southern.

And obviously, this is a cultural clash that continues here, b/c we Southerners are gonna always see that type of behavior as rude and ill-mannered and New Yorkers are gonna forever find it impossible to believe that we "don't get it" here. We DO get it. New Yorkers feel it is their God Given Right to complain! We just don't LIKE IT and feel it disturbs our universe. And yes, this was OUR universe b/f the mass migration to the region. It has nothing to do with being unwelcoming. It has everything to do with finding such behavior declasse and rude.

[ilovethemountains2]

amen, ani!!!!!!!