quality of life trade-offs. How have you delt with it? (Greenville: to rent, insurance)

[averagenyjoe]

I just returned to Upstate NY after 23 yrs in the Charlotte area. If you want unparalleled small town charm with lots of natural beauty one would have to move to Upstate NY. the distinct 4 seasons are wonderful though one of the seasons is a little heavy on the "distinct" part. Problem is, the economy is dead, people are more direct and abrupt and the cost of living is deathly. Oh dear God, have I made a mistake??? On the other hand places like Greenville have such wonderful opportunity to make a good living, great cost of living, the city is neat & clean and the social environment is unmatched. I love the vibrancy of Upstate SC and even Charlotte to a slightly lesser degree. Problem is the summer seems to last for 10 months and one can only do just so much shopping as the "green" part of Greenville is disappearing fast, traffic is like a nightmare, miniature NYC, Chicago, Houston.... take your pick. The fast pace is like a drug - you hate it but its what keeps you going and pumped up

What is the better trade off here? anyone who has been to both Upstate’s of NY & SC know the value of each and the lack thereof. I want to come back for opportunities to own a good home and have a good job but I'm scared. I am really confused. How or where do I get the best of both worlds. I am 46 and have lived exactly half my life in each area. I'm exactly torn. Thanks for honest suggestions of how others have delt with this problem.

[carolinadreamin]

Trade offs are a necessary evil. Hoping to be 100% happy on all levels isn't possible. I've heard wonderful things about the upstate NY area, and equally wonderful things about G'ville.

At 46, considering that I'm very close to that myself, I'd choose whatever simplified my life i.e. lower cost of living, less stress, slower pace, easy-going friends and neighbors, etc. That's what we plan to do in the very near future when we move to G'ville.

You can avoid what you wish to, be it congested areas, shopping overkill, and partake in the abundant natural beauty both regions have to offer. And find friends who think like you to do it with.

Other than commuting and work hours you never need to spend inordinate amounts of time in overcrowded spots that make you unhappy.

Of course most folks in G'ville would tell you to choose their fair city and from the way you're talking it seems like you should too! Best advice is to visit several times or as many as you can and see for yourself. Best of luck!

BTW, if you truly want to experience a 10-month summer come on down to my heatstroke haven, SoFL! Just when everyone north of Georgia is enjoying cool, crisp weather next month we will still be broiling on high. *sizzle* Can you hear our skin frying way up in NY? lol

[flgargoyle]

Wow- I'm surprised that Greenville is too much city for you. After 27 years in FL, we are moving to the Greenville area to get away from crowds, traffic, and heat. Granted, there are different areas around Greenville with distinctly different personalities. We have acreage outside of Traveler's Rest, which is pretty darn quiet, although handy to G'ville. Some other areas are pretty congested, with wall to wall fast food joints, etc. We tend to avoid those areas. I know one thing- you would NOT like west central FL! My 5 mile commute to work has 11 traffic lights, and takes 1/2 hour in the afternoon!

[averagenyjoe]

thanks for the kind replies. I think this could be an interesting thread to hear of others experiences. When we lived in Charlotte, we would wander down to G'vl about 5 or 6 times a year to spend an overnight. We enjoyed the amazing downtown, the downtown park, the zoo, Roper mountain science center, Tanners big orange. (awesome chilly dogs) :-), Garners natural food store, Brushy creek railroad and the skating rink, portifinos Italian restaurant and just the very pleasant neighborhoods around North and East Greenville (Taylors/Greer/Howell RD areas). Sounds like I'm talking myself right into Greenville doesn’t it?

As far as city traffic and congestion. Yes, anyone coming from SE FL will think G'vl is "small town. My wife is from the Keys and spent alot of time in Miami, so compared to that, G'vl is like Mayberry. However, Most of Upstate NY is very quiet, no traffic, TONS of rail/trails and walkable communities and NO HUMIDITY and that equals "less stress" but the stress is added right back when you factor in that both you and the wife have to work like a plow horse for 16 hrs/day just to afford a simple home and the neverending taxes, people are stand-off'ish and too independent (my opinion only). Its really a tough decision. Maybe I'm leaning a bit coming back South right now because it wears you out to have to beat yourself silly just to survive up here.

[clgrimes]

Have you considered the Boone/Blowing Rock, NC area? Very beautiful, surrounded by mountains, a quaint little town with good restaurants and shopping. Pretty conservative as well.

[Skyliner]

I have been to Upstate NY multiple times and can attest to the natural beauty you spoke of, however I have also been there in the winter and promised myself never to return during that long part of the year. That kind of cold is completely insane unless you are specially built to handle it with many years of experience. I also agree about the seemingly slow death of the cities in that region. That is one of the glaring things which stuck out to me. Everything appears to have had much better days sometime in the past. And yes, the outward attitude of the majority of people themselves is the main reason I would find it most difficult to live there for any amount of time. I get along well with people of any personality, but having everyone around you act stressed out about everything all the time can seriously damage your desire for contentment and openly peaceful living. The general laid back nature of people in the South is worth any sacrifice to move here in my opinion. But there really is something special about Greenville in particular when it comes to pleasant harmony among people of many different cultures and backgrounds. This is something you'd find hard to beat in any city of any size. Just add even a few of the many other attractions found here and you have all you need to live a content and happy life with more than enough local and regional options to keep you occupied.

[averagenyjoe]

Thanks for helping put things in perspective. I came back North to care for my aging mom who wouldnt move South in addition to the charm of the open space, small quaint villages, natural clear lakes & streams etc..That has a very very strong pull. But honestly, what pleasure can you get if you cant even afford to enjoy it. If the wonderful history and natural beauty aren't a vital part of a free flowing economy than its greatest strengths become your worst enemy. With long winters you dont have the momentum of doing business year round and then the tax burden crushes you from every angle. I think if there are attitudes up here it is from the burden of just existing. Then everyone is suit-happy because they are trying to get money from somewhere, Lottery is strong too.. everyone is out to get you or merely try to protect what they have. Its a survival game.
When strong companies like GE, Carrier, Kodak are crushed from labor unions, taxes, environmental laws etc.. it has a ripple effect and only philladelphia Lawyers can afford to live around here.

I am amazed at how G'vl can have such diversity and remain harmonious. Contrary to what a few might say, I think the religious element there is very helpful. Even wth BJU and their past reputation, there is a respect for others and their spiritual choices or the lack thereof. I am re-thinking my options right about now. I guess you have the mountains nearby so its not like you cant get away from the city rush when you need to. we used to rent a cabin up on the New River once & awhile and loved it. We hung out in Franklin, NC from time to time as well.

[geoffandliz]

averagenyjoe,

you can send me a PM if you would like a link to see my MLS listing that you were shocked at with property taxes to see exactly what your money can buy here without a lot in property taxes. You will be amazed!!!!!!

Liz

[flgargoyle]

I actively considered moving back to my native CT, since Mom is still there. Many parts of the northeast are unmatched for beauty. In being practical, though, we could never afford CT, and I don't think we could hack the winters after 27 years in FL. We don't make very much money, so an area like Greenville is our only chance to think about retirement. With a little luck, we won't have a mortgage in Greenville (actually, Traveler's Rest), so as long as taxes and insurance don't go crazy like they did here in FL, we should be OK. After all is said and done, you have to seek the path that suits YOU best, and make the most of whatever life hands you. What works for me may not work for others.

[happyfeet888]

I have enjoyed this thread as we have moved twice between northern cities and southern small towns. The places were as different as night and day. I had always lived in a large northern suburb, and when we moved to a small southern town, it was a world apart. The accent was different as were the customs. But there were trade offs. I found Spartanburg to be a very warm and caring place. It had different customs, but it was nice to live in a place where people knew who you were and cared about you. The beauty of the mountains and ocean of South Carolina are astonishing. It is easy to get a job here, although pay is lower. It is a great place for kids as they can be outside so much, and the schools are fantastic.

When I think about the possibility of moving back to the north, I think of the things that would be interesting there. Even though I certainly wouldn't have as big of a house and would miss the wonderful weather, I think I would enjoy the chance to have more things to do (besides the breathtaking natural beauty of the mountains.) I think I'd enjoy the ethnic things that the north has to offer. I'd enjoy having public transportation and good newspapers as well as living in a place with 2 political parties (as opposed to a place where there is only Republican and more conservative Republican).

In short, to me it is a zen thing.... whereever you do, there you are.