Changes in Greensboro? (Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Wilmington: foreclosures, condos, loans)

[larrywriter]

I graduated from Guilford College in 1991, and I'm wondering how Greensboro has changed since then. More Yankees moving in? More/less progressive/conservative? How is it as a place for families with kids? Is the downtown area more lively? I seem to recall the sidewalks rolling up at 6pm. Also I recall lots of malls and chains, not a lot of ethnic restaurants. My hubby and I live in greater Boston, but we keep contemplating moving in a couple of years to someplace warmer (both in temperature and people-wise). This area is so expensive and it is killing us. My husband has always lived in the liberal northeast and I think NC could come as a rude shock. But I'm interested if it is very different than it was way back then.

[WFW&P]

Yes to all the above.
Stil a lot of strip malls and chain stores but the variety of cuisine has improved and dowtown life is progressing with condos & such, though you will never mistake it for NYC. That's not a bad thing IMO.
Obama won NC but conservatism is still strong and you know it because they whine about everything. NC finally got the lottery 3 yrs ago this month.
Stay tuned other posts soon to follow.

[larrywriter]

Thanks for the information. We are not going anywhere immediately, but keeping our options open. How bad is the economy hitting down there? Lots of foreclosures and unemployment?

[d_Random]

I would say that Greensboro is a lot more liberal than conservative, thanks to all the colleges here. Most of the conservative leaning folks commute to Greensboro for work.

[lehman]

Greensboro has grown a lot in the last 10 years.

- Downtown actually comes to life at night with bars and restaurants
- New ballpark downtown
- Friendly Center has become the shopping hotspot (does anyone go to Four Seasons?)
- FedEx hub, Honda jet HQ
- Beltline finally being built around the city (talked about all my life)
- I think all major cities tend to have more liberals. Obama did win in 2008, but don't kid yourself, there are still plenty of conservatives around and I think the mix is probably 50/50.

[roanoker 4]

Greensboro is a very nice city. It is going through a very rough time now with massive unemployment of 10%. Its downtown is beginning to come to life but it still has a long way to go. I guess everyone has their own definition of what a liberal or conservative is, depending on what part of the country you are from. My favorite part of NC is the coastal area around Wilmington NC.
Although it is hurricane friendly there are many yankees there and even an italian deli! Also, Asheville is a very nice open minded sort of place, although it is not warm and is similar to my hometown of Roanoke VA. Good luck in your move south!

[yourhometriad]

You will definitely see an increase in diversity here in The Boro, as I like to call it. For example, I remember when the first mexican restaurant opened on Lee street when I was in college. And that was a long time ago! Now you can't miss em (San Luis is still my favorite) plus there's good Thai, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese... if only we could support a decent Cajun restaurant!
Our city government seems to be as clueless as ever, tho.

[the 7 oh 4]

Greensboro & Winston-Salem are both great cities. Wouldn't say either are bustling...but that is a good thing. Have been in Charlotte for almost 20 years and am toying with moving back to the Triad for a slower pace of life. The Triad offers everything you need. Personally leaning more towards Winston-Salem...cause they blow Greensboro away in the Arts scene. Winston-Salem even blows Charlotte away in the Arts area. Good Luck!

[WFW&P]

Originally Posted by larrywriter

Thanks for the information. We are not going anywhere immediately, but keeping our options open. How bad is the economy hitting down there? Lots of foreclosures and unemployment?

We're getting our fair share, but IMO not getting as hard as other areas. Foreclosures are up but according to a friend of mine they mostly are VA loans.