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Husband and I are planning on leaving the Washington DC/Baltimore Area to move to Greenville NC. We have never been there but are thinking it's a small/big college town and that's one thing we are interested in. Anybody have any pros or cons or if anyone could suggest some good neighborhoods for us to check into. We are scheduled for a 3 day visit in April. Thanks
I lived there for four years while I was in college and the East Carolina University campus and atmosphere gets old really quick.
There is really nothing to do in that town other than hang out in a few bars/clubs downtown or go out to eat.
Here is my list of the Pros:
Generally most apartment rentals are cheap.
Two institutions of higher learning in the area-ECU and Pitt Community College
Large hospital in the town
Relatively close to the beach-1 hr 15 minute drive to the Morehead City area/Atlantic Beach
Cons:
Traffic is bad, especially during the fall and spring while school is in session.
Crime is high, especially for the size of the town
Lots of run down and ghetto looking areas in the town
Hot and humid during the summer.
No arts/music scene
My wife and I moved here from Annapolis. The traffic is nothing compared to MD. Yup. Just like anywhere else, there's crime. But just like Annapolis it's in it's area. Don't go walking around the hood after dark and you won't have a problem. Heat and humidity you're used to. It just lasts longer here.
There are tons of things to do but you have to actually get up off of the couch to do them. There are abundant public parks. They have a nice, very underutilized river front park north of the river. The town commons makes for a nice evening walk with your loved one in the evening. Restaurants are abundant but you'll have to look around to find the one's that you like. There are clubs aplenty. Taxes are cheaper. The air is cleaner. The only things I've found more expensive here is homeowners insurance. Since it is still towards the ocean they charge for it. Auto insurance is about 30% less. Electricity is about 20% less.
There are plenty of great things about Greenville.
I see Heeha has taken a break from bashing Wilmington to drop some love on Greenville. Actually, I agree with your post somewhat. I wish Greenville had more of a music scene...it was actually better when I first moved here and then Peasants and the Attic became dance clubs and the scene deteriorated.
I like it here, but don't come here expecting Chapel Hill. It ain't...this is a traditionally poor area of the State, but this area has made a lot of strides and has grown significantly. I see things improving and think the area has potential. I particularly like the Winterville area and Eastern Pines/Simpson area.
I lived in Greenville from 2005 to 2009...I would definitely check it out as you are planning. I do wish it had more big city attractions, but overall it was fine...wife found it too small of a town.
I currently live in Greenville as a student at ECU. I love ECU and the campus, but I don't really care for Greenville. There isn't much to do here and I can't see myself living here past my studies. On a positive note, my rent is only $400 and I have had no problems with crime on the Winterville side of town. Traffic can be bad around major intersections from 4pm to 6pm, but its a lot better in the summer when the students have gone home. The roads in this city can't handle all of the people.
A performing arts center and other amenities would go a long way in this town...stuff like that would keep young professionals around after graduating.
If you are into intramural sports, or sports in general, this is a good area.
Husband and I are planning on leaving the Washington DC/Baltimore Area to move to Greenville NC. We have never been there but are thinking it's a small/big college town and that's one thing we are interested in. Anybody have any pros or cons or if anyone could suggest some good neighborhoods for us to check into. We are scheduled for a 3 day visit in April. Thanks
Why did you pick Greenville if you have never been there. Weather? Housing costs? Job?
Igoette-
Of the comments so far, Richard Martin presents an accurate appraisal. I came to Greenville from PA, 17 years ago, expecting to stay 1 or 2. It's not paradise- when you find it, let me know. Many people from the DC area come here and really like it. Entertainment options are limited, but it's an easy 1.5 hr drive to the beach or Raleigh. Most parts of town are safe, crime is mostly confined to gang activity in problem neighborhoods. This is a conservative area. Church and family are the primary social circles. However, ECU and the hospital have brought surprising diversity to this little tobacco town, and all sorts of cultures call Greenville home.
If you are planning to buy a home, what price range would you be looking at?
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