New Jersey Transplants, How is NC living? (Charlotte, Waxhaw: day care, house) - Page 5 - City-Data Forum

southbound_295 · 06-04-2010, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicagocubs

Actually guys, I (personally) know of three families that have made the move BACK to Jersey and one that desperately wishes they could. Also know of a senior citizen (lady) that is trying to get back there. things here aren't always for everyone.

I'm not from Jersey, but, many of my friends are. Most desperately miss it there and had they not sold everything to move down here, they would be back in a city minute.

Only (personally) know a couple that are happy here.

just another perspective...

To each his own, but I wouldn't. Most of my friends & my sister & brother-in-law are making plans to escape.

If something came up to draw me back to Philly, I would stop in Delaware. I doubt that I will go back north, though. I can always go back to visit.

saralee · 06-04-2010, 08:31 PM

Born and raised in Newark (Essex County). Left husband #1 in Bergen County. Lived in Somerset County for years before moving to Union County (NC) late 2006.

I suspect my husband (the one I kept

) would go back to Jersey, if we could do so. But he left behind more than I did. I don't know how we'd ever pull it off financially. We have a much better quality of life here. We are very adaptable people too. I am former military - moving is what I've always done.

Overall, we are very happy here. I only miss family, but that would be true regardless of where we lived. As for friends, we've met some spectacular people here whom have truly enriched our lives.

Life is what you make of it. Seriously.

saralee · 06-04-2010, 08:36 PM

I have a very difficult time envisioning living in Jersey again. I'm part of my community here. I think it would be a helluva an adjustment to go back.

Now that the kids are older and starting families (we have one 4-year-old grandson in NJ), where we want to be may shift to where they begin to land as they get settled in their adult lives.

southbound_295 · 06-04-2010, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saralee

I have a very difficult time envisioning living in Jersey again. I'm part of my community here. I think it would be a helluva an adjustment to go back.

Now that the kids are older and starting families (we have one 4-year-old grandson in NJ), where we want to be may shift to where they begin to land as they get settled in their adult lives.

sara, with the mess going on up there right now, don't be surprised to see them knocking on your door any day now.

saralee · 06-04-2010, 10:01 PM

Two of the kids are in NJ and one of them is in AZ.

Our son in NJ has already asked but since he and the mrs. are going through a divorce, our grandson wouldn't be coming with him. I think we'd be way more open to him joining us with his family, as opposed to without.

We bought a home big enough for the three children we have, without thought that the olders might need to come back some day. There's no room for anyone else!

We've also tried in vein to explain to him that there is "no starting over" here. We live out in the county. He doesn't have a car. No work, no transportation, sleeping on the floor ... not a pretty picture. He'd be in for a culture shock.

Our younger kids easily adjusted due to their ages at the time of the move. Heck, I suppose me and DH adjusted because of our (advanced) ages too! Besides, we came here to work and a home and we were fulfilling a dream and made some impulsive moves. But it's worked out for us.

My husband has survived three massive layoffs. He was seriously injured on a job site our first year here (finger got caught in machinery and detached), I never found adequate employment, we've taken pay cuts, my husband consistently works three jobs to make ends meet. We are tired. A lot. But we are content. Still grateful to provide for the kids. Main goal is to always hold onto our home - and that has been difficult at times. But we're still standing.

Faith got us here, and keeps us sustained. And I am not a religious person nor do I attend church.

-PlagueasForm- · 06-05-2010, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saralee

Two of the kids are in NJ and one of them is in AZ.

Our son in NJ has already asked but since he and the mrs. are going through a divorce, our grandson wouldn't be coming with him. I think we'd be way more open to him joining us with his family, as opposed to without.

We bought a home big enough for the three children we have, without thought that the olders might need to come back some day. There's no room for anyone else!

We've also tried in vein to explain to him that there is "no starting over" here. We live out in the county. He doesn't have a car. No work, no transportation, sleeping on the floor ... not a pretty picture. He'd be in for a culture shock.

Our younger kids easily adjusted due to their ages at the time of the move. Heck, I suppose me and DH adjusted because of our (advanced) ages too! Besides, we came here to work and a home and we were fulfilling a dream and made some impulsive moves. But it's worked out for us.

My husband has survived three massive layoffs. He was seriously injured on a job site our first year here (finger got caught in machinery and detached), I never found adequate employment, we've taken pay cuts, my husband consistently works three jobs to make ends meet. We are tired. A lot. But we are content. Still grateful to provide for the kids. Main goal is to always hold onto our home - and that has been difficult at times. But we're still standing.

Faith got us here, and keeps us sustained. And I am not a religious person nor do I attend church.

Don't sell yourself short. It sounds like hard work and determination keep you sustained.

moxiefox · 06-05-2010, 10:23 AM

Currently living in Hunterdon County, NJ (Western border, Central).

By moving to NC (possibly Lake Norman Region) I will miss a few things about NJ -- is there anything that might replace the following?

- Proximity to New Hope, PA (really cool, artsy, bohemium type town with great bar scene)

- Proximity to Philadelphia, PA. (Great history, old city feel, markets)

- Proximity to NYC (hard to replace -- a plane ride will have to do it)...

Thanks...

hooligan · 06-05-2010, 10:47 AM

Cool, artsy and bohemian sounds like Asheville to me (not to mention all of the great art deco architecture!).

History and old city feel sound like Charleston and Savannah.

NYC - you already answered that one...

southbound_295 · 06-05-2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moxiefox

Currently living in Hunterdon County, NJ (Western border, Central).

By moving to NC (possibly Lake Norman Region) I will miss a few things about NJ -- is there anything that might replace the following?

- Proximity to New Hope, PA (really cool, artsy, bohemium type town with great bar scene)

- Proximity to Philadelphia, PA. (Great history, old city feel, markets)

- Proximity to NYC (hard to replace -- a plane ride will have to do it)...

Thanks...

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I haven't done much travelling. however, I think some of the towns in the mountains are similar to New Hope. From what I hear Charleston is the place to go for that really old city feel, like Philly. The only places, that I've actually been to, that really give you that feel are in Europe.

OMGosh Josh · 06-06-2010, 02:14 PM

I'm from Asheville, so I can't speak about Charlotte directly, but I've got a buddy who's from South Jersey/Philly, and he loves it here in Asheville. He still loves his hometown, but I'm not sure he'd want to move back.

And to those of y'all talking about the food not being good here, you need to find yourself a good barbecue place. Eastern style is best! Also, there's a great pizza place here in Asheville called Marco's. It's owned by NYC natives. So I'm thinking there's gotta be something comparable or better in Charlotte.

Something my buddy still hasn't taken to is sweet tea, which I guess only native Southerners like myself can appreciate???

Anyway, that's my little blurb.