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I have been back and forth, and up and down regarding where to move as I have been living in an area I have more/less become stuck in (Central Florida) through family obligations and overall a sense of analysis paralysis the past few years. Greensboro seems to have the lower cost of living/housing costs, the climate I like (not too hot or cold), a progressive vibe in terms of city government plus openness to diversity and what appears a bright future economically. I don't know anyone in Greensboro and wonder what it's like as someone who has moved there in that situation, are people friendly and open to newcomers in terms of forming friendships? I am somewhat outgoing but not a night owl, so not someone who would go about that kind of socializing to meet others. I'm a mid 50s gay male which again doesn't mean anything to me in terms of bars/clubs as I am well past that phase and it's more about meeting a more diverse group of friends/acquaintances for outdoor activities, day trips, eating out, hosting dinners/bbqs, etc. Thanks in advance for any and all positive feedback as well as constructive negative responses as well!
G'boro is a nice place...and it has the attributes you seek. As do, frankly, many other places. I you would find most of the people there to be just as welcoming, open and friendly as you offer yourself to be. IN other words, you will get what you give. And again, I think that is true of many places. The presence of UNC-G and the city's history of openness and inclusiveness probably make it a good match for you.
You should probably consider Winston-Salem as well; the 2 cities are very similar.
G'boro is a nice place...and it has the attributes you seek. As do, frankly, many other places. I you would find most of the people there to be just as welcoming, open and friendly as you offer yourself to be. IN other words, you will get what you give. And again, I think that is true of many places. The presence of UNC-G and the city's history of openness and inclusiveness probably make it a good match for you.
You should probably consider Winston-Salem as well; the 2 cities are very similar.
Absolutely, I agree! I find that area of the country (the Mid-Atlantic region) most appealing for whatever reason, I guess due to the topography and the milder four season climate. I had been conflicted when choosing either Greensboro or Winston Salem as I found it appealing too, but feel Greensboro seems a bit more vibrant in/around it's downtown area which I attribute to UNCG as well as other venues like the ballpark. I do like WS's bohemian vibe that I wish was a little more present in Greensboro. I should mention I lived many years in the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro area which I enjoyed greatly, but worry I would feel out of place not part of the academic world that was a big part of my life while living there.
That's interesting; nothing about Greensboro feels mid-Atlantic to me. It's not coastal or close to a major body of water nor does have the urban/architectural influences (e.g., rowhouses); those are probably the two major mid-Atlantic characteristics to me. From religion to accents to cuisine to demographics, Greensboro is completely Southern/Southeastern--the urban version, not the rural version.
That's interesting; nothing about Greensboro feels mid-Atlantic to me. It's not coastal or close to a major body of water nor does have the urban/architectural influences (e.g., rowhouses); those are probably the two major mid-Atlantic characteristics to me. From religion to accents to cuisine to demographics, Greensboro is completely Southern/Southeastern--the urban version, not the rural version.
Perhaps our interpretations are different?? I find the non-coastal areas of Piedmont NC and Central VA quite similar.
Perhaps our interpretations are different?? I find the non-coastal areas of Piedmont NC and Central VA quite similar.
So let me ask this: what exactly comes across as mid-Atlantic in Greensboro to you? The only thing I can possibly think of is the Quaker presence/influence and that's really it.
The mid-Atlantic city closest in size to Greensboro that I'm familiar with is Wilmington, DE and they share very few similarities.
It seems as though you're using the term mid-Atlantic here as "Southern, but not Deep Southern." Central VA is where you begin seeing some mid-Atlantic characteristics but it's not truly the full-blown mid-Atlantic. By the time you get to NC, those characteristics have largely disappeared.
Regional details aside, I think Greensboro (or Winston) might fit you nicely. Both have quite a bit of higher ed influence. Granted, Wake Forest's campus is farther removed from downtown Winston than UNCG's is from downtown GSO, but WFU is increasingly putting down roots downtown. Plus there are lots of other colleges and universities in both, which is always nice.
Have you spent time in either recently? I see you've asked a similar question on the Columbia, SC forum. I've lived in both and would be happy to share more details.
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