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We are ex-Toronto residents living in "anemic" Greensboro, NC for almost 10 years.
We are looking at relocating to Charlotte or Raleigh (or their surrounding areas). Jobs for us are not a concern although we are in the financial sector and in real estate brokerage.
We know Raleigh is statistically more educated and the downtown nightlife is more quiet compared to Charlotte. We also know Charlotte is more like a big city with higher crime and lower quality public education. We have visited both cities over the past 10 years and like both of them for different reasons.
Our question is: given the current state of the economy and the performance of both cities in the 'good times' along with future growth plans,
which city do you think has the biggest growth potential in the next 5, 10, 20 years?
My spouse thinks Charlotte because of its infrastructure, while I think Raleigh because of its universities, high tech and medical fields.
Our goals are real estate investment, and a place for our 20 something kids to develop careers. One kid is at UNC and the other at UNCC right now so we are equally divided. (Our kid at UNC thinks Chapel Hill is boring; our kid in Charlotte loves the faster beat of Charlotte and all it has to offer)
As 'young' empty nesters now, we have not really enjoyed living in Greensboro the last 10 years because of the limited growth, small town atmosphere, and 'older' population. We also did not like the public school system our kids had to endure.
Any suggestions for Charlotte or Raleigh future or potential? We would appreciate input from both sides.
Sorry if we offended any Greensboro natives, but Greensboro is a tough place to adjust to when you come from a highly progressive, multicultural, liberal, big, and prosperous city like Toronto. We are committed to staying in NC but need a change.
Raleigh...Hands down....Charlotte has been hit hard by the economic recession. Raleigh unlike CLT. has many more work related industries...Charlotte needs to work on recruiting more companies to the area for it to be prosperous for years to come. That is why Charlotte is struggling now...We put all of our "egg's in one industry, the "financial" industry. Charlotte needs to be more diversified if it wants to progress in years to come.
Charlotte offers a more urban, "big city" experience because Charlotte's downtown is way ahead of anything in The Triangle and it gets better every year. However, while "progressive" on some issues (such as transit and downtown development), the Charlotte area has more "blue-collar" areas and tends to be moderate to very conservative where as The Triange as a whole is more educated and tends to be moderate to liberal.
I think they both have good growth potential. Percantage wise, The Triangle is growing faster but the Charlotte area actually adds more people. It's all how you interpret the statistics, but for the most part, their growth is about the same.
Raleigh...Hands down....Charlotte has been hit hard by the economic recession. Raleigh unlike CLT. has many more work related industries...Charlotte needs to work on recruiting more companies to the area for it to be prosperous for years to come. That is why Charlotte is struggling now...We put all of our "egg's in one industry, the "financial" industry. Charlotte needs to be more diversified if it wants to progress in years to come.
Oh no,not the diversity thing again. Are you aware of the headquarters and major corporations in Charlotte and metro? Obviously you aren't. We are number 7 for Fortune 500 companies. We have Lowes, NASCAR, Nucor, Family Dollar, Lance, Coca Cola,over 100 foreign industies represented. We are number one in the country in manufacturing dental equipment and other high tech products, we have a huge medical center and U.S. Air has its major hub here. We have the 9th busiest airport in the U.S. and Duke Engergy which is one of the hugest nuclear energy producing corporations in the U.S. and operates internationally. Additionally, we are one of the top six trucking (distribution) centers in the U.S. So, all the eggs are in one basket?? Give me a break! Charlotte has been one of the top three large cities for growth throughout the last decade. It will continue. All fast growing cities are in a slowdown and indicate high unemployment due to high migration here.
Raleigh is a great, growing city. It has more educational facilities and technology. It is growing at a rate faster than Charlotte but is about half the size. Downtown Raleigh is pretty quiet compared to Charlotte which is a huge entertainment center. For a really nice, quieter city, Raleigh would be the choice. It all depends on what one likes and/or dislikes.
Raleigh...Hands down....Charlotte has been hit hard by the economic recession. Raleigh unlike CLT. has many more work related industries...Charlotte needs to work on recruiting more companies to the area for it to be prosperous for years to come. That is why Charlotte is struggling now...We put all of our "egg's in one industry, the "financial" industry. Charlotte needs to be more diversified if it wants to progress in years to come.
This, the advice of a native Charlottean that has been here all of her life (nearly 40 years). Do as I say (not as I do) huh westcoastbabe?
They both will. I could see down the road Charlotte resembling Dallas or Houston with a strong energy and financial base and the triangle more like Boston, with a strong education and health care background.
Raleigh-Durham is more culturally/socially progressive, Charlotte is much more conversative and rightwing religious.
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Sorry if we offended any Greensboro natives, but Greensboro is a tough place to adjust to when you come from a highly progressive, multicultural, liberal, big, and prosperous city like Toronto. We are committed to staying in NC but need a change.
Exactly why are you bored in Charlotte? It may not be NYC, but to be bored takes a special person.
