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I'm only focusing on differences, either at the surface or at the core. I've seen posts here on CD, "I can't decide between Charlotte and Raleigh, help!" So, what differences do you notice between visiting the Charlotte area and the Research Triangle? I DON'T want this to turn into a huge debate, because I don't give a damn whether Charlotte is above Raleigh or whatever. Give it a shot, and it can be anything. The amount of transplants vs natives, percentage of Southern Baptists, universities, density vs suburbia, etc.
The Triangle is a multinodal area, whereas Charlotte is clearly THE primary city of its metro. The Triangle has a much more pronounced higher ed scene. The Triangle is all about college sports, whereas Charlotte is about pro sports. Charlotte is more corporate, whereas the Triangle is more "tech-y." Charlotte is the unofficial capital of the Carolinas and has more of a regional flair in that regard. The Triangle is more liberal and a little less "churchy."
Would it be an exaggeration to say Raleigh/Durham is more similar to metros further north (Richmond, DC, Baltimore) than south (Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston, Atlanta)? I can't help but think certain people in Raleigh hold this belief, while they look at Charlotte as a much more southern city.
Would it be an exaggeration to say Raleigh/Durham is more similar to metros further north (Richmond, DC, Baltimore) than south (Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston, Atlanta)? I can't help but think certain people in Raleigh hold this belief, while they look at Charlotte as a much more southern city.
Overall, I think it's more like metros to the south of it. The built environment of the mid-Atlantic cities is much different than the Triangle. Out of all those cities you listed, I think the Triangle is probably characteristically more like Atlanta once you adjust for the size difference.
I have chosen to move to Raleigh instead of Charlotte. I prefer more urban cities, so Charlotte is probably a better fit for me, but Raleigh does have lots of appeal as well.
I have heard that Raleigh has more of a Northern feel to it. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that's true.
I have chosen to move to Raleigh instead of Charlotte. I prefer more urban cities, so Charlotte is probably a better fit for me, but Raleigh does have lots of appeal as well.
I have heard that Raleigh has more of a Northern feel to it. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that's true.
I feel like most people only say that because of all the transplants. If you visit Raleigh and don't interact with too many people, I doubt you'd say, "Oh! This reminds me of New Jersey!" or anything along those lines. The Raleigh/Durham area doesn't look too different from Charlotte, Columbia, or Atlanta.
The main difference between the two is the Triangle multi-nodal and Charlotte is a principle city with three major satellite cities. Triangle main economic engine is high tech and higher Ed, Charlotte's is banking and transportation. Outside of that there is not much of a difference. And for the record, the Triangle is not similar to a Northern City. For pete's sake Smithfield is on the area! It has tobacco farms still.
The main difference between the two is the Triangle multi-nodal and Charlotte is a principle city with three major satellite cities. Triangle main economic engine is high tech and higher Ed, Charlotte's is banking and transportation. Outside of that there is not much of a difference. And for the record, the Triangle is not similar to a Northern City. For pete's sake Smithfield is on the area! It has tobacco farms still.
Smithfield is just outside the Triangle, but I definitely agree. Most people would say the immediate surroundings of RTP are the areas that feel the most "northern" due to all the transplants (Durham, Cary, Morrisville, etc). Drive just outside the metro to towns like Smithfield or Benson and it's a different story.
I feel like most people only say that because of all the transplants. If you visit Raleigh and don't interact with too many people, I doubt you'd say, "Oh! This reminds me of New Jersey!" or anything along those lines. The Raleigh/Durham area doesn't look too different from Charlotte, Columbia, or Atlanta.
I agree with that. I just figured due to transplants + being further East/North. Raleigh does have more in common with Southern cities, so. I'd actually be disappointed if the Triangle isn't Southern, because that's part of what I'm looking forward to. But I suppose I may be in the minority in that I could have moved to either Charlotte or Raleigh and I chose Raleigh.
I agree with that. I just figured due to transplants + being further East/North. Raleigh does have more in common with Southern cities, so. I'd actually be disappointed if the Triangle isn't Southern, because that's part of what I'm looking forward to. But I suppose I may be in the minority in that I could have moved to either Charlotte or Raleigh and I chose Raleigh.
Nah, not in the minority at all. Both metros are adding about the same amount of people.
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