Advice on where to relocate (Charlotte, Raleigh: real estate, schools, taxes)

[FLMom10]

My husband and I have the opportunity to relocate to anywhere in FL, GA, SC or NC next year (around summer) due to his job. We currently live in FL but are up for an adventure with our 4 year old son and 2 dogs. If we move out of state, NC and GA are my top two choices. We are looking for a place that has water nearby (we love to fish), lower cost of living, great schools and a community feel. Also, I want to be in or next to a big enough city where quality healthcare is readily available. We want to slow down our pace and enjoy what life has to offer. What place(s) do you recommend?
(PS we lived in Charlotte for a year - it's off the list for possibilities. Nice people, but too big and fast paced).
Thanks for any advice/tips!!

[lovebrentwood]

How close to the water do you want to be?

Raleigh (Triangle area) has what you need, but it's two hours from the beach. If you think Charlotte is too busy, Raleigh is less so, but it still might be too much for you.

Part of the Triangle is Wake Forest, and there are smaller lakes around for you to fish in -- Google "Falls Lake" -- and about 30 miles away is Jordan Lake, which is bigger. Wake Forest meets the other criteria. I don't know if the cost of living is any less than Florida. Real estate taxes are lower here than the Northeast.

Here's Falls Lake fishing info: http://www.fishingnotes.com/lakeinfo.php?id=39901

[Boss]

Check the Lexington and Denton areas of Davidson County,The east rowan county areas. Both areas are close enough and far away enough from the larger cities in the area(Charlotte,Winston,Greensboro)so your needs can be handled

[FLMom10]

Originally Posted by lovebrentwood

How close to the water do you want to be?

Raleigh (Triangle area) has what you need, but it's two hours from the beach. If you think Charlotte is too busy, Raleigh is less so, but it still might be too much for you.

Part of the Triangle is Wake Forest, and there are smaller lakes around for you to fish in -- Google "Falls Lake" -- and about 30 miles away is Jordan Lake, which is bigger. Wake Forest meets the other criteria. I don't know if the cost of living is any less than Florida. Real estate taxes are lower here than the Northeast.

Here's Falls Lake fishing info: Falls Lake, North Carolina Fishing Report - fishingnotes.com

We would like to be 30 minutes from fishing - fresh or salt doesn't matter - it's our family's hobby. Falls Lake and Jordan Lake look nice. Wake is not something I'd thought about but definitely will go on the list. Thanks for the info and link!!