relocation from washington state- need help!! (Charlotte, Raleigh: sales, real estate, health insurance)

[kc2sweet4ne1]

Hello! Any help I can get here would be greatly appreciated!!

We are a family of 4 (2 kids, ages 8 and 4) and we are looking to possibly relocate to North Carolina. We are caucasion ( I don't know if that matters there as much as it matters here- don't get me wrong, WE don't have any issues, however, the hispanics around here are pretty particular on where they think we belong.) It's time to get away and try something new, but it is also a scary thing for me to move so far away from home.

I need information on schools, employment opportunities, employment agencies and real estate. I know it's a tall order, but my husband is pretty set on this and he is ready to brave it and head over with nothing. I, on the otherhand, would like something ready for us when we get there.

I currently work as an office assistant (data entry, appointment scheduling) for a Fred Meyer (Kroger) distribution center. Are there any jobs like that around there? And where?

What cities and areas would be good for a family of four? Not too big, not too small, but in driving distance to most things. We have sort of looked at the cities of Kannapolis, Davidson, Concord, Cary and Mooresville.

We also went and got some books on North Carolina and it's climate. What is this that I am reading about TORNADOS???? For real? We don't have those around here. We mostly have rain.

Please help me!! and thank you so much!!

[findingmesomeday]

I can't tell you too much since I'm in MA and was looking to relocate to the Raleigh area. My husband had an oppty in Charlotte a few years back but after spending time there, we decided we didn't care for the area. We like Raleigh better and are concentrating our efforts there. However, our window of opportunity is closed now since school will be starting soon and my oldest is going into 11th grade. Hubby (an Oregon native) who is the one driving this, mostly, will just have to wait!

I lived in Seattle for 8 years and hubby dragged me out of there in 1994 kicking and screaming. I did NOT want to leave. He thought there was something better out there via a job in DC. Turned out he hated Northern VA and the DC area in general. So we migrated to Boston where he thought he'd be in heaven. We've been here 10 years and he says he hates this place and all the people in it with a passion. I don't think a move will solve his problems--they'll probably move with him.

I digressed. I guess the answer to your question is that in my NC research I've decided I liked the RDCH area over Charlotte. I'd love the coastal area but the job situation there is slim pickin's.

I'm not too worried about tornadoes. It's not tornado alley like the midwest. Mostly they are spawned from hurricanes. After living in the west for 20 years and going through the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, I'd prefer hurricanes or tornadoes. At least you get warning!

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by kc2sweet4ne1

Hello! Any help I can get here would be greatly appreciated!!

We are a family of 4 (2 kids, ages 8 and 4) and we are looking to possibly relocate to North Carolina. We are caucasion ( I don't know if that matters there as much as it matters here- don't get me wrong, WE don't have any issues, however, the hispanics around here are pretty particular on where they think we belong.) It's time to get away and try something new, but it is also a scary thing for me to move so far away from home.

I need information on schools, employment opportunities, employment agencies and real estate. I know it's a tall order, but my husband is pretty set on this and he is ready to brave it and head over with nothing. I, on the otherhand, would like something ready for us when we get there.

I currently work as an office assistant (data entry, appointment scheduling) for a Fred Meyer (Kroger) distribution center. Are there any jobs like that around there? And where?

What cities and areas would be good for a family of four? Not too big, not too small, but in driving distance to most things. We have sort of looked at the cities of Kannapolis, Davidson, Concord, Cary and Mooresville.

We also went and got some books on North Carolina and it's climate. What is this that I am reading about TORNADOS???? For real? We don't have those around here. We mostly have rain.

Please help me!! and thank you so much!!

Sounds like you are off to a good start just choosing NC This is a great place to raise your kids.

First off, with your job experience contact the Harris Teeter Corporation - this is our very successful grocery store chain with a large distribution center right in the Charlotte area. People I know who work there think it is a great company.

Since you want a smaller city, I would suggest definitely Concord (Cabarrus county) or the Monroe area (Union county). Both counties have smallish school systems and both are highly regarded. Davidison and Cary are both very nice, but very expensive places to live. I would not personally recommend going to the Raleigh area (Cary) because even though the school system there has great test scores, there is much controversary and unhappiness with busing in Wake county. As far as Mooresville goes, I like it, and the schools are good, but I would not recommend living there unless you were to find a job there - otherwise the commute can be a nightmare.

As far as weather - we have four beautiful seasons. Summer is only really hot in July/August time frame. If we are lucky we see snow once a year, anywhere from 2 to 8 inches in the Charlotte area. Ice storms are more likely - 2 to 3 times a year - but they only last a few days. We do get thunderstorms and rain in the summer heat - I worry more about lightening than tornados myself. On average I think there are only 4-5 people a year killed by a tornado in the whole state, so we aren't exactly tornado alley.

Best of luck with your move!

[SeattlitefromNC]

Originally Posted by kc2sweet4ne1

Hello! Any help I can get here would be greatly appreciated!!

We are a family of 4 (2 kids, ages 8 and 4) and we are looking to possibly relocate to North Carolina. We are caucasion ( I don't know if that matters there as much as it matters here- don't get me wrong, WE don't have any issues, however, the hispanics around here are pretty particular on where they think we belong.) It's time to get away and try something new, but it is also a scary thing for me to move so far away from home.

I need information on schools, employment opportunities, employment agencies and real estate. I know it's a tall order, but my husband is pretty set on this and he is ready to brave it and head over with nothing. I, on the otherhand, would like something ready for us when we get there.

I currently work as an office assistant (data entry, appointment scheduling) for a Fred Meyer (Kroger) distribution center. Are there any jobs like that around there? And where?

What cities and areas would be good for a family of four? Not too big, not too small, but in driving distance to most things. We have sort of looked at the cities of Kannapolis, Davidson, Concord, Cary and Mooresville.

We also went and got some books on North Carolina and it's climate. What is this that I am reading about TORNADOS???? For real? We don't have those around here. We mostly have rain.

Please help me!! and thank you so much!!

Where in WA State are you from?

Kannapolis, Davidson, Concord, and Mooresville are all suburbs of Charlotte, NC. I'm not as familiar with that area, but if you post in the Charlotte area section, there will be plenty of folks to help you with that area.

Cary, NC is its own little city now. However, housing is more expensive there than in other parts and whether that expense is worth it depends on the individual in question. As Cary is a bit controversial (due to its restrictive city charters and conformist nature), I'll reserve judgment but will tell you that the climate there is different from anyplace in WA State, by a longshot!

Yep, there are tornadoes and hurricanes and lightning and thunderstorms ... all things that are not very common (or not found at all) in the Puget Sound. Thunderstorms are quite a bit different in NC than they are in WA; they tend to be accompanied by lightning and that's where the problem comes in. Seems that laborers and golfers are most at risk for lightning strikes because they tend not to take cover.

You will get used to the weather in NC (it's not the biggest factor out there).

The biggest underlying issue is about your job; unions are very rare in the Southeast and Kroger is unionized, which affects benefits and pay. Have you looked into the pay scale for your position in Southeastern grocery stores?

NC SOICC Career Briefs

Generally speaking, because NC is a "right to work" state and unions are discouraged, the pay scale is lower. That may or may not be offset by your husband's income (depending on what he does) or lower costs all around. But that link will give you an idea of where you should fall on the salary side of things.

Also, remember that NC has an income tax as well as sales tax. Your check will look different because of that.

Have you looked into transferring your job at Kroger to a Kroger in NC?

[nyyaninnc]

Originally Posted by kc2sweet4ne1

Hello! Any help I can get here would be greatly appreciated!!

We are a family of 4 (2 kids, ages 8 and 4) and we are looking to possibly relocate to North Carolina. We are caucasion ( I don't know if that matters there as much as it matters here- don't get me wrong, WE don't have any issues, however, the hispanics around here are pretty particular on where they think we belong.) It's time to get away and try something new, but it is also a scary thing for me to move so far away from home.

I need information on schools, employment opportunities, employment agencies and real estate. I know it's a tall order, but my husband is pretty set on this and he is ready to brave it and head over with nothing. I, on the otherhand, would like something ready for us when we get there.

I currently work as an office assistant (data entry, appointment scheduling) for a Fred Meyer (Kroger) distribution center. Are there any jobs like that around there? And where?

What cities and areas would be good for a family of four? Not too big, not too small, but in driving distance to most things. We have sort of looked at the cities of Kannapolis, Davidson, Concord, Cary and Mooresville.

We also went and got some books on North Carolina and it's climate. What is this that I am reading about TORNADOS???? For real? We don't have those around here. We mostly have rain.

Please help me!! and thank you so much!!

Look into Winston-Salem and surrounding areas such as Clemmons, Lewisville, East Davie, Kernersville.

My favorites are Clemmons and East Davie, just a 10-15 minute ride to downtown Winston-Salem.

I have been hooking members up interested in this area with a guy who is a relocation specialist and has a relocation service for the Winston-Salem area, I believe he covers anywhere from Greensboro, to Winston-Salem, and down toward Lake Norman Charlotte area. I think he said he also assists in getting his clients jobs too. Instead of jumping in down here with nothing maybe you should contact him. I hooked one member up with him who was down here stuck in a bind as they sold there house in I think NY and could not find anything they wanted here through their realtor. She came on here and said she was down here staying and looking coming up empty, I got them two together and boom, two days later she found the house to buy and the guy also got her husband a job all within two days. He is not a realtor but I guess very well connected with the best of them here, he manages a restaurant full time in this area and I guess has made some good connections. He is also a transplant here.

If you want his info PM (private message) me and as I did with so many others I'll give it to you.

Good luck to you and your family, you have chosen a great state to relocate to.

BTW.. Since moving here I have only seen one tornado bust through and touch down in this area, about 10 years, we get warnings for them but again I have seen only one of them touchdown in the Winston-Salem/Clemmons area in 10 years.

[kc2sweet4ne1]

Thank you all soooo much for all of your information and advice! You are all going to prove to be our lifeline!! Just a couple more things for all of you!! Wel, maybe more than a couple.

First, how do I go about contacting this Harris Teeter Corporation? Do you have a phone number or web site?

I am still very new at this computer thing, how would I private message you?

For you who asked, I am in Centralia, Washington. I actually don't hate it here, but there are not many things to do and the opportunities are almost non existant. My husband and I are ready for something new and a place where our kids can grow and be safe. The neighborhoods around here are going down hill and all of a sudden we are having a lot of gang activity. We do have thunder and lightning storms on occasion, so that doesn't bother me, although it will be awesome to witness the difference. I am glad to hear that I totally over-reacted to the tornado thing that I read.

Although Kroger is union (as is our warehouse), for whatever reason, us office people are not. I am very happy to hear that you have warehouses over there that are fairly close to where we are looking. Yes, I'm going to look into a transfer, as I am hoping to avoid the lapse in health insurance. I am also leaving myself open for non-Kroger places.

Now, for more (maybe silly) questions. Over here we have to buy tabs for our vehicles every year. The cost runs about $50 for a sedan car and more for trucks. We also have to buy new license plates every 7 years. What is that like over there?

I also am going to need to know about pediatric doctors and POSSIBLY a day care center for my son. Any suggestions? Or any idea what the costs for day care are? Over here, it's about $500 a month.

My husband currently builds custom garage doors (actually they just did one for Extreme Makeover!!), but he is a pretty skilled handyman. He's a smart one too, so I believe he is leaving his options open for employment.

It seems that we are fairly concentrated on the Concord area (at least right now)

When we come over, we are loading up and driving over. The problem with that is I have 2 dogs and I am concerned that they will not do well on a long road trip. We are considering flying them over after we get settled. Has anyone heard of this??

OK, thanks again..... probably more later!!!

[mm34b]

Originally Posted by kc2sweet4ne1

Hello! Any help I can get here would be greatly appreciated!!

We also went and got some books on North Carolina and it's climate. What is this that I am reading about TORNADOS???? For real? We don't have those around here. We mostly have rain.

According to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), North Carolina is outside the principal tornado area of the United States, but still averages 13 per year. They occur mostly east of the Mountains during early spring.

State Climate Summary

http://cdo.ncdc.noaa.gov/climatenorm...Clim_NC_01.pdf

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by kc2sweet4ne1

Thank you all soooo much for all of your information and advice! You are all going to prove to be our lifeline!! Just a couple more things for all of you!! Wel, maybe more than a couple.

First, how do I go about contacting this Harris Teeter Corporation? Do you have a phone number or web site?

I am still very new at this computer thing, how would I private message you?

For you who asked, I am in Centralia, Washington. I actually don't hate it here, but there are not many things to do and the opportunities are almost non existant. My husband and I are ready for something new and a place where our kids can grow and be safe. The neighborhoods around here are going down hill and all of a sudden we are having a lot of gang activity. We do have thunder and lightning storms on occasion, so that doesn't bother me, although it will be awesome to witness the difference. I am glad to hear that I totally over-reacted to the tornado thing that I read.

Although Kroger is union (as is our warehouse), for whatever reason, us office people are not. I am very happy to hear that you have warehouses over there that are fairly close to where we are looking. Yes, I'm going to look into a transfer, as I am hoping to avoid the lapse in health insurance. I am also leaving myself open for non-Kroger places.

Now, for more (maybe silly) questions. Over here we have to buy tabs for our vehicles every year. The cost runs about $50 for a sedan car and more for trucks. We also have to buy new license plates every 7 years. What is that like over there?

I also am going to need to know about pediatric doctors and POSSIBLY a day care center for my son. Any suggestions? Or any idea what the costs for day care are? Over here, it's about $500 a month.

My husband currently builds custom garage doors (actually they just did one for Extreme Makeover!!), but he is a pretty skilled handyman. He's a smart one too, so I believe he is leaving his options open for employment.

It seems that we are fairly concentrated on the Concord area (at least right now)

When we come over, we are loading up and driving over. The problem with that is I have 2 dogs and I am concerned that they will not do well on a long road trip. We are considering flying them over after we get settled. Has anyone heard of this??

OK, thanks again..... probably more later!!!

Harris Teeter, Inc. Jobs on CareerBuilder

[kc2sweet4ne1]

Thanks again everyone!!

I just read something about ticks. We don't really have those out here. How bad are they really over there? I have 2 dogs.... is it bad?

BTW- What do your gas prices look like over there? Ours just DROPPED way down to $3.02.

[mm34b]

Originally Posted by kc2sweet4ne1

BTW- What do your gas prices look like over there? Ours just DROPPED way down to $3.02.

Current NC Metro Averages - http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/NCmetro.asp