We moved here in 2008, as the bust had started "busting." Luckily, things worked out well, and while our stocks plummeting didn't allow us to provide the down payment for a home the way we had hoped, we did buy in 2009.
What I like about Greensboro!
* The people are nice. Really, really nice. I LOVE that when I am in line anywhere, like CVS, or the supermarket, I can have a conversation with anyone.
Nine times out of ten, or better, you wave to someone, they wave back with a smile.
* More often than not, when someone hesitates at the start of the green light, no one honks. I have sat through more than one light, because folks are polite. The driver is often apologetic. I love these good people. (Take note DC'ers, the horn is not a form of friggin' morse code, okay?)
* GREEN. The trees are green, old and tall and they're everywhere!
* The Driving/Traffic. "Rush Hour" is nothing like in the major metro areas. Commute time for both my husband and myself is about 15 minutes each.
* The cost of living. WOW, just WOW WOW. We bought a 1600sf one-level home on a half acre, in a good school district for 142k in 2009. I still love my home! I have to whistle to call the dogs back in.
* Yoga is becoming more popular here - thank you Greensboro!
* Two esoteric shops!
* I love how Greensboro is becoming more and more common sensed, politically, and fiscally.
* Religious - I have seen a great deal of tolerance here. I have not encountered a SINGLE, bat-crazy holy rolling, bible thumper since I've been here. Nice folks. Even those who are religious, it never seems to ever be in your face. That is huge for me.
* Colleges! Good schools!
Now…if we can get a Cheesecake Factory up in hurrrr……