Greensboro what's it like? (Charlotte, Raleigh: real estate, crime, house)

[cougargk]

I am also looking at moving to the greensboro area. I would prefer to live outside the city within 20 miles. Can I buy a decent house for $175,000. It's just me and my wife now, but I would still want a 3 bedroom with about 1500 sq feet.

[cougargk]

I'm looking to move from Charlotte to something a little bit smaller. Greensboro, although large (1/2 the size of Charlotte) looks like it has potential. Can anyone tell me about the commute, housing prices, job market, etc. I already know crime is bad there, but probably just like in Charlotte, there are areas that are good to live in an areas to avoid. Ideally I would be able to commute less than 30 minutes or so, live in a safe neighborhood in a house with a 1/4 acre lot. Hopefully the house would cost less than $200k. Thanks

[Jamerican]

I am interested in relocating to that area of NC, are you saying that there is a lot of crime in Greensboro, NC? Please elaborate. Thanks

[maryCh]

I'm not sure it is so much an issue of a lot of crime, just a messed up police department! There is plenty of crime, but the bigger problem has been with manpower in the PD. You can always check archives of the local newspaper at news-record.com.

[kentmom]

Hey. I just noticed your posting was from Gastonia. That is where I moved to Greensboro from!

[maryCh]

Since it is just you and your wife (no kids), you may get more for your money if you go to Randolph County. Randleman is about 30 minutes to downtown Greensboro; an easy drive (about 18-20 miles). Level Cross is just a bit north of Randleman and pretty close to the county line.

Last I checked, real estate prices are a bit less, and the tax is a bit lower. Randleman is a small town; Level Cross is actually just a fire district and shares the Randleman postal address.

[ralston]

Greensboro is dull. It is green and rather pretty in many areas, but it is dull. It reminds me of a slightly quieted West Los Angeles, albeit with greenery. There are also too many gangbangers floating around, which makes it all too weird. Hear that Charlotte is no better in that respect.

I also find the people here rather cool and stifled, even compared to other parts of NC. Personally, I much prefer Raleigh in terms of big cities. High Point and Winston-Salem are too ratty. As for smaller places, I like Mount Airy (though not much to do out there), Wilmington, Pittsboro, Hillsboro, and even Greenville. At least they make you feel as if you're in North Carolina rather than some transplanted and poorly executed Los Angeles.

I guess it all depends on what you want and what you're coming from.

Of course, some people do like it, though it seems the people who like it here like it because it can be a comfortable place to buy a house and exist with a nice green lawn. I like that too, of course, but it is the first place I've ever been where I just felt it was too dull. Oh, and as for the ultimate downside Thai food is all too expensive here, and there is absolutely no good pizza. Even Wilmington has decent pizza. Folks here call Elizabeth's pizza good, but Elizabeth's wouldn't last a day back in Jersey. Then, if you're a barbecue lover, about the only shop in town, Stamey's, is just. . . well, not worth talking about.

[tchick]

Hmmmm In 24 years I have never seen a gang banger in Greensboro.

[maryCh]

Tchick,

Not sure where the gangs are, but a few years ago our local middle school had a presentation for parents about gang problems in schools. We are actually in Randolph County, but the presentation was conducted by the Guilford County sheriff's department. I guess they knew what they were talking about.

I know we have problems with groups of "wanna-be's", which can actually be more trouble that "real" gang members. At least most gangs just have problems with rival gangs... wanna-be's bother everyone to get attention.

[Niki]

I would agree about there not being any good pizza until just a few months ago. Briixx pizza on Westover Terrace is pretty good. Not the best I've ever had, but the best I've ever had in Greensboro. This includes Pizza Hutt, Papa John's, Dominos (which I hate), Elizabeth's, Pizza Inn and probably a couple others.

As for Greensboro being dull. I reckon that just depends on your definition of dull. My family and I have lived here for the better part of 16 years and have no desire to live anywhere else. Though we have the ability to leave just about anytime we want. Greensboro is home. It's pretty and it's not hard to find a place of peace here. There are hectic areas (Wendover, High Point Rd., Battleground), but they don't define Greensboro for me or anyone who really knows this city.

Anyway, I strayed a bit. Sorry. lol Where was I? Oh, yes. Dull. I don't need a lot of excitement in my life. I suppose for those who do, Greensboro would seem dull. Even with the night clubs, comedy clubs, restaurants, downtown revitalization, shopping, concerts, plays and other things. But for people like me who want a safe place to live (though no place is 100% safe), a decent place to raise their kids, good schools, a place that's not too far from the mountains or the beach, and a city with four seasons (and not a horrible winter), Greensboro's pretty good.