Moving south for work? (Triangle, Durham: transplants, homeowners association, employment)

[Hermette]

I understand employment is the key issue. NY is practically stripped clean of blue collar work, and a far amount of white collar as well. What I'm curious about is, what kind of jobs are done there, and what might be a mean pay scale? It would have to be worth your while to make that move.

[Foley]

There are quite a bit of telecommunications and pharmaceutical jobs here in the Raleigh/Durham area. Research Triangle Park (RTP) is here. Taxes are a lot lower, I think the price of housing comparable to upstate may be in the same general ballpark.

[Hermette]

Thanks. I never would have guessed. Interesting though. I pictured more like good paying manufactureing jobs.

[JayCT]

The south is not known for well paying jobs. In fact that is why so many companies move there, the wages (which is usually their major expense) are lower. that said, I would check closely before making a major move. There was an extensive debate (now closed) over on the Connecticut Board on whether it was cheaper to live in North Carolina or Connecticut. To me it seemed a draw at best. North Carolina taxes appear to be lower but there are a lot of hidden costs people do not take into account. Things like paying taxes on food you buy in a grocery store or having to live in a development with a Homeowners Association (and paying their fees) because the areas without them are not very nice. Another thing is the education system is not considered to be that good and many people have to send their kids to private school. If you are serious about moving south, I would do a lot of research first. Good luck, Jay

[Foley]

There are hidden costs down here in NC. We pay property tax every year on our vehicles. The schools are a work in progress. There is a lot of construction everywhere down here. Last time I read there were 75 people a day moving down here to the Triangle area. Taxes are a third of what they are in NY. The average household income in Wake County (capital) I believe is $80,000 plus! There are many, many educated people in the triangle. It seems everyone has a degree from somewhere. If your looking you definitly need to come down and spend a few days here. It's not a slow paced area at all. Hope this helps.

[Nancy-NJ-NY-ME?]

Hermette - Many "traditional" manufacturing jobs have left this country. The primary remaining blue-collar industries that come to mind are automotive and food processing. I think there's a big Tyson chicken plant in North or South Carolina. Other such jobs would be in warehousing, pick and packing. etc.

[lynnsprufera]

I am a relocation agent in Raleigh and my clients have a real mixed outcome on their job relocation efforts. There are the most Phd's in the nation here and the RTP (research triangle park) offers many opportunities for high tech/white collar jobs. Many complain that they consider only local or the people who already have a residence here.
The blue collar workers don't find union wages- right to work state. Other self employed people find it a gold mine of opportunities: food/restaurants, construction and services due to the large number of transplants. Takes some time to rewire yourself but usually they are very busy with in a year. There is manufacturing in Raleigh but the outlining counties offer more business incentives to open up those types of business. With that being said, many of those business owners still live in the more populated counties and take advantage of the better rated school districts. I can send out a relocation kit if you are interested the area. It's free and very helpful. Just pm me with your address.