Anyone lived in both Iowa and North Carolina? (Atlantic, Monticello: relocating, houses)

[muddyrubicon]

I am thinking about relocating my family from CR to somewhere in North Carolina, specifically, either Charlotte/Raleigh-Durham/Greensboro-WS.

I would like to know what you liked/disliked about living in NC compared to Iowa. I have heard alot of good things about NC but wanted to get an Iowan's perspective.....

Thanks!

[millyp]

the daughter of a lady i work with took a teaching job in charlotte..she just loves it. the warm weather is divine for her. but i must warn you if you have allergies it pours pollen. She has to wash her car nearly everyday. and there are lots and lots of roaches and mice. good luck

[lazareth]

I am originally from the High Point- Thomasville area( Davidson County)
I have been in Iowa for just over 2 years now. ( Monticello) . I don't know if I woild ever move back to the area due to traffic, crime, lack of good paying blue collar jobs (white collar jobs i cannot comment on) , too much ethnic diversity ( I know that does not sound politically correct, JMO) . If I had to choose, I guess my choice would be the Winston Salem area( Kernersville area) or if you can get inside Davidson County (outside Guilford city limits) taxes are lower, its cleaner but new houses are on the rise.
K

[aphorista]

My husband is from Iowa and although he likes the weather, he is not keen on NC. However, we will most likely stay due to our jobs. I think the biggest problem that he has had is realizing that his work ethic is not necessarily the norm here and it causes him much stress. There is significantly more crime here than he experienced in Iowa (or I have personally experienced in metro NY and Florida). As for diversity, I will not comment but the previous poster's experience reflects our view. My husband believes he had a great education in Iowa. His work peers from the local area have poor spelling which bugs him to no end! We live in one of the largest cities in North Carolina though none of the ones that you mentioned. Good luck on your decision!

[angeredsmile]

Hello Yes we are from Atlantic, Iowa and just moved to Greenville, NC. Our best friends used to live in CR so I am familiar a bit with it too. The move well, It was a bit of a culture shock. My wife is a nurse here in Greenville until July and so far we have found that people do not seem to be as friendly and the southern hospitality is not what we expected. People seem to get more friendly the closer to the coast we get. The outer banks are definitely nothing you should miss if you come out here they are great. The accents do make me smile though.

[Miss Belle]

Hey! If you move South you will here that alot. Charlotte is great, but if you have children to raise teens included, the school district is a sham compared to Iowa. Crime and gangs are active. It is a beautiful place, but extreme growth has its downside. The winters are fabulous. I plant pansies in October and watch them bloom all winter. Traffic and driving is a hassle. If your work brings you to Charlotte, you may want to venture across the border to York or Lancaster County, SC. Two main hwys take you to the city, but your family can breathe a bit more down here. Taxes are less than Mecklenburg County. Schools are new and do not have the crime level. As much as I loved raising my kids in Iowa, the Carolinas are home to me now. Bless your journey, follow your gut. Miss Belle