If you're thinking about relocating from Long Island to Raleigh, North Carolina... (Islip: car insurance, chapel)

[NYTiz]

I just wanted to comment on the posting by Tea... I think it is very important to research an area before you decide to relocate whether it is NY, NC, etc. especially if you have children and are concerned about their education. We are in the process of selling our home and relocating to Union County, NC. We have spent the last 2 years researching areas in NC to make the best decision for our children. I have a couple of friends in Union County - one from LI, one from NJ - who are extremely happy with the schools their children attend (both elementary and middle). On the elementary level, Union County offers music, art, pe, spanish and computers as "specials" which is more than our district on LI offers. Their middle school does "team teaching" (which our district here just adopted in middle school this year). Again, both spanish and chinese are offered as well as pe, band, etc. Yes, the high school offers different paths for the students (technical, university, etc). In my opinion, I think this is wonderful b/c, let's face it, not every student is college bound. These types of curriculums offer the best course of study for each student and the students who can not keep up academically with rigorous course loads do not get lost in the crowd. This is also not uncommon in other states. We have family in Massachusetts who have attended their districts technical high school. Upon graduation, they are already 2 years into the apprentice program as an electrician. No, they did not pursue courses in foreign language or the arts, but their curriculum is designed in a different way. These high schools also prepare students for careers as plumbers, nurses, etc. I am sorry that your family has had a terrible experience with their school district, but I wanted to point out that this is not the case everywhere in NC.

[OCEANSEA]

I am from long island, just got back from 10 long months living in raleigh nc.did not like the schools at all!!they are way behind compare to li plus dont have much activities for kids,my 13 year old daughter was getting 100's all the time she said the work in 8th grade was like 6th grade work in li.beside that we bought a big home with lots of ac.and i got 2 horses,we loved are home and miss it but we rather live in a smaller house in li with out horses,which we love then going back.by the way my home is still for sell,it is been few long months and has not sold,but i am sure it will sell soon even though it's over 500,000.well good luck to all li that made the move to nc and want to come back soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tulanegrad23]

I currently live on LI, but went to high school in Raleigh (I attended a very good university with an academic scholarship and am now an attorney). On the whole, the public education system there is not as good as LI, no question. However, there are good schools, and if your child seeks a rigorous academic preparation for college, then IB/AP programs are a must in NC. There is no "regents" type diploma program. I suggest checking rankings produced by US News, Newsweek, etc. Also, call the high schools that interest you and inquire: (1) where graduating seniors matriculated for the last 2-5 years, not just where they are accepted; and (2) average 25-75 percentile range of SAT/ACT scores. I would check out Broughton HS in Raleigh, Raleigh Charter School, and Chapel Hill (if you can commute a little). Good luck.
PS-> I did go to Physical Education in 9th and 10th grades, and did not have to pay to get into athletic events... perhaps things have changed.

[CleanCutHippie]

I know a lot of people who moved back from NC. I don't like NC personally. I think SC is much nicer. I have no kids but for me the drawback is NC is too cold like LI and lacks as much to do so why bother?

[BigMike50]

I was one that almost moved to Cary,Nc after hearing all the hype I spend two weeks there with my family that includes 3 school age children. I was looking into the schools and one was going to be bused 45 minutes away and the other two were going to be 25 minutes away. There are no neighborhood schools and could be bused anywhere in the county. The funny thing was one of the schools was only 3 minutes away and they weren't going to attend After doing some research and a lot of traveling I ended up in Chesterfield County,Va in the beautiful town of Midlothian Village. The school system is 100% better and all three are going to the same school that is only 2 minutes from the house. No traffic and no stress just the way I like it

[BigMike50]

Matter of fact see my link from Last Year on this subject http://www.city-data.com/forum/ralei...appointed.html

[REMINGTIN7]

KateB411, Most of the people you hear bellyaching about their move to North Carolina didn't bother to do their homework before coming down.

I came down to Union County, NC about 5 years ago as a retiree and have found it to be a beautiful place to live. Of course my kids are grown and gone so it's just my wife and I. Didn't want you to think everyone who has moved here hates it.

You don't have to get caught up in the mentality so many transplants do when they come here and try to impress everybody back home with their new McMansion. There are many nice communities with moderately priced homes and taxes of only $1500 per yr.

Again doing some intelligent research both web-wise and with visits to some areas you might be interested in will give you a much better picture than listening to people who just moved down with no forethought.

[rocafeller05]

Exactly Remingtin. I know quite a few of people who made the jump too. Most love it some hate it. Depends on ones mindest when they move. Its good to see your ejoying your golden years without worrying about your $9,000 tax bill.

Originally Posted by REMINGTIN7

KateB411, Most of the people you hear bellyaching about their move to North Carolina didn't bother to do their homework before coming down.

I came down to Union County, NC about 5 years ago as a retiree and have found it to be a beautiful place to live. Of course my kids are grown and gone so it's just my wife and I. Didn't want you to think everyone who has moved here hates it.

You don't have to get caught up in the mentality so many transplants do when they come here and try to impress everybody back home with their new McMansion. There are many nice communities with moderately priced homes and taxes of only $1500 per yr.

Again doing some intelligent research both web-wise and with visits to some areas you might be interested in will give you a much better picture than listening to people who just moved down with no forethought.

[joeohrablo]

I currently live in West Islip on long island. I work as a personal trainer for Bally Total Fitness. My wife and I are moving to Raleigh on May 15th!!! we are moving in with her family until we can save a ton of money and get our own place. I looked up fitness jobs and there are a ton in the raleigh area!! so finding a job will be a no brainer!! I have been to raleigh about 6 times and loved it since the first time i was there. Long island is depressing, cold dark winters, people are alwas pissed off, I am tired of the high stress high worry attitude. We want to have kids in the next two years and I couldnt imagine raising them here. I am excited about my new start, and I am taking a leap of faith that everything will be ok and work out. My wife has a ton of friends down there along with her sister as she spent many years living there, so finding friends wont be a problem. I think this will be a cool experience and I'm ready to start this new chapter in my life!!!

[dman72]

Originally Posted by joeohrablo

I currently live in West Islip on long island. I work as a personal trainer for Bally Total Fitness. My wife and I are moving to Raleigh on May 15th!!! we are moving in with her family until we can save a ton of money and get our own place. I looked up fitness jobs and there are a ton in the raleigh area!! so finding a job will be a no brainer!! I have been to raleigh about 6 times and loved it since the first time i was there. Long island is depressing, cold dark winters, people are alwas pissed off, I am tired of the high stress high worry attitude. We want to have kids in the next two years and I couldnt imagine raising them here. I am excited about my new start, and I am taking a leap of faith that everything will be ok and work out. My wife has a ton of friends down there along with her sister as she spent many years living there, so finding friends wont be a problem. I think this will be a cool experience and I'm ready to start this new chapter in my life!!!

Your're moving without already having a job? I hope you are renting first.