"Scouting locations" for move to NC/Areas with Hispanic influence (Charlotte: fit in, job market)

[pgray007]

Hi Everyone,

Unfortunately, I have to start this post of with the familiar refrain that "Hi, I'm from the northeast looking to move to NC."

That being out of the way, I've had the good fortune to spend much of my working life thus far travelling, and lived in Boston, NY, Orlando, Raleigh and some others for varying amounts of time. Raleigh was one of my favorites, thus my wife and I are considering moving there. A little about us:

- Wife is Cuban and I am your average CWG (Chubby White Guy). We'd like to be in an area with some hispanic influence (food, language, etc.) We don't necessairly have to be in an NC-equilavent of Miami, just within driving distance of somewhere we can habla some espanol and "hispanic food" does not mean taco bell. The cubans do a mean pig roast, so I'm sure that aspect of her culture will fit in quite well down there

- We like hiking, cycling, motorcycling and the like, although I am more of a fan of the country and the wife likes the city. Some kind of comprimise is in order. While I liked Raleigh I'd prefer having a small "city" with some character very nearby, and having Raliegh or Charlotte within driving range (~1-1.5 hours). Mountains and beach within "weekend range" would be great. I want somewhere I can ride (bike or MC) without being driven off the road by soccer moms in Ford BattlestarGallacticas.

- Wife is an ESL/history/French teacher and would like to work with Spanish-speaking kids and/or new immigrants who speak ESP. I am self-employeed and just need an airport, cell phone tower and internet connection so job market is not a huge concern on my end, and I assume it's relatively easy to find teaching positions in NC?

- We want to build, and budget tops out at $400K. Waterfront and some lot size (~1 acre) would be nice, although not absolutely imperative.
No kids yet (we're in our late 20s) but they will be coming in 2-5 years.

- Want somewhere with some sense of "fun," i.e. you can go out and find a pub open past 10PM and have a few pops (the kind with booze), not a totally sleepy family town. We could use some churchin' up as much as the next northern heathen, I just don't want to end up in a town of teatottlers.

I loved the people in Raleigh when I was there (4-6 year ago) but it seems to be crowding up. I've got friends in the Charlotte area so that is probably on the list, and we're also planning on checking out Greensboro and Asheville. Any pros/cons or additions/subtractions to that list you'd suggest?

Thanks and hope to be introducing the cuban version of a "pig pickin" down there soon!

[a1m1700]

Originally Posted by pgray007

Hi Everyone,

Unfortunately, I have to start this post of with the familiar refrain that "Hi, I'm from the northeast looking to move to NC."

That being out of the way, I've had the good fortune to spend much of my working life thus far travelling, and lived in Boston, NY, Orlando, Raleigh and some others for varying amounts of time. Raleigh was one of my favorites, thus my wife and I are considering moving there. A little about us:

- Wife is Cuban and I am your average CWG (Chubby White Guy). We'd like to be in an area with some hispanic influence (food, language, etc.) We don't necessairly have to be in an NC-equilavent of Miami, just within driving distance of somewhere we can habla some espanol and "hispanic food" does not mean taco bell. The cubans do a mean pig roast, so I'm sure that aspect of her culture will fit in quite well down there

- We like hiking, cycling, motorcycling and the like, although I am more of a fan of the country and the wife likes the city. Some kind of comprimise is in order. While I liked Raleigh I'd prefer having a small "city" with some character very nearby, and having Raliegh or Charlotte within driving range (~1-1.5 hours). Mountains and beach within "weekend range" would be great. I want somewhere I can ride (bike or MC) without being driven off the road by soccer moms in Ford BattlestarGallacticas.

- Wife is an ESL/history/French teacher and would like to work with Spanish-speaking kids and/or new immigrants who speak ESP. I am self-employeed and just need an airport, cell phone tower and internet connection so job market is not a huge concern on my end, and I assume it's relatively easy to find teaching positions in NC?

- We want to build, and budget tops out at $400K. Waterfront and some lot size (~1 acre) would be nice, although not absolutely imperative.
No kids yet (we're in our late 20s) but they will be coming in 2-5 years.

- Want somewhere with some sense of "fun," i.e. you can go out and find a pub open past 10PM and have a few pops (the kind with booze), not a totally sleepy family town. We could use some churchin' up as much as the next northern heathen, I just don't want to end up in a town of teatottlers.

I loved the people in Raleigh when I was there (4-6 year ago) but it seems to be crowding up. I've got friends in the Charlotte area so that is probably on the list, and we're also planning on checking out Greensboro and Asheville. Any pros/cons or additions/subtractions to that list you'd suggest?

Thanks and hope to be introducing the cuban version of a "pig pickin" down there soon!

Just wanted to say hi, my husband is Cuban and I'm Italian and we are heading to Davidson just outside out Charlotte.

Just had to say hi since I am married to a Cuban too.

[gemsmom]

Charlotte to me. I don't know about all the suburbs of the Queen City, but in Union County where I live, the demographics are about 50% W, 20%AA, and 20%H. Charlotte has a Spanish language radio station, newspaper- very vibrant Hispanic culture. I've taken my children to Spanish programs at the public library.

If you want waterfront, 1 acre, $400k- look at Lake Wylie. I believe those are good schools, easy 20-30 minute drive up I77 to the airport. You'd be 2-2 1/2 hours from either Myrtle Beach or Asheville/mountains (4 hours to NC coast- Wilmington).

Good luck!

[gemsmom]

character near Lake Wylie would be Rock Hill, SC!

[T.S.]

Charlotte has more than a little bit of "Hispanic influence". The local McDonalds near me has spanish greetings on both sides of the doors, but no english.

[Cassie]

Originally Posted by pgray007

Hi Everyone,

Unfortunately, I have to start this post of with the familiar refrain that "Hi, I'm from the northeast looking to move to NC."!

S'okay as long as you promise not to whine about the lack of Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts and you don't start up that "turn signal" thread again. Sorry, a little forum humor.

According to an article in the W-S Journal a few months Winston-Salem was more than 50 % Hispanic but I just checked again and they've made a correction for their readers re: 2005 census figures. That's what I get for reading the paper. Can't give you the breakdown on Cubans or Chubby White Guys. I like that CWG, acronym, btw! New one on me. For a compromise, since you like country, you might look look into the Belews Lake/ Belews Creek area. It's within a reasonable commute of both W-S and GSO, where the airport is.

It's in reasonable driving distance of the mountains and the beach.

Uh..... nightlife again... W-S or GSO but it ain't gonna be what it sounds like you're accustomed to. I forgot who said "you can find everything you want in N.C.... just not all in one place" but that about sums it up.

I'm hoping that Silverwing will weigh in on hiking, biking, motorcycling and the like.

Anyway, this might give you some food for thought and some homework to do to see if it's the kind of place you think you'd be interested in.

And speaking of food I want an invite to that Cuban pig pickin' if you land within a 100 mile radius of us.

Regards,

Cassie

[mm34b]

NC Counties with the Largest Percentage of Hispanics

Duplin - 18.2%
Sampson - 14.3%
Lee - 13.4%
Montgomery - 13.3%
Chatham - 11.4%
Durham - 10.4%
Greene - 10.3%
Johnston - 9.8%

Data: U.S. Bureau of the Census

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by pgray007

Hi Everyone,

Unfortunately, I have to start this post of with the familiar refrain that "Hi, I'm from the northeast looking to move to NC."

That being out of the way, I've had the good fortune to spend much of my working life thus far travelling, and lived in Boston, NY, Orlando, Raleigh and some others for varying amounts of time. Raleigh was one of my favorites, thus my wife and I are considering moving there. A little about us:

- Wife is Cuban and I am your average CWG (Chubby White Guy). We'd like to be in an area with some hispanic influence (food, language, etc.) We don't necessairly have to be in an NC-equilavent of Miami, just within driving distance of somewhere we can habla some espanol and "hispanic food" does not mean taco bell. The cubans do a mean pig roast, so I'm sure that aspect of her culture will fit in quite well down there

- We like hiking, cycling, motorcycling and the like, although I am more of a fan of the country and the wife likes the city. Some kind of comprimise is in order. While I liked Raleigh I'd prefer having a small "city" with some character very nearby, and having Raliegh or Charlotte within driving range (~1-1.5 hours). Mountains and beach within "weekend range" would be great. I want somewhere I can ride (bike or MC) without being driven off the road by soccer moms in Ford BattlestarGallacticas.

- Wife is an ESL/history/French teacher and would like to work with Spanish-speaking kids and/or new immigrants who speak ESP. I am self-employeed and just need an airport, cell phone tower and internet connection so job market is not a huge concern on my end, and I assume it's relatively easy to find teaching positions in NC?

- We want to build, and budget tops out at $400K. Waterfront and some lot size (~1 acre) would be nice, although not absolutely imperative.
No kids yet (we're in our late 20s) but they will be coming in 2-5 years.

- Want somewhere with some sense of "fun," i.e. you can go out and find a pub open past 10PM and have a few pops (the kind with booze), not a totally sleepy family town. We could use some churchin' up as much as the next northern heathen, I just don't want to end up in a town of teatottlers.

I loved the people in Raleigh when I was there (4-6 year ago) but it seems to be crowding up. I've got friends in the Charlotte area so that is probably on the list, and we're also planning on checking out Greensboro and Asheville. Any pros/cons or additions/subtractions to that list you'd suggest?

Thanks and hope to be introducing the cuban version of a "pig pickin" down there soon!

Welcome to NC! You might find what you are looking for in Hendersonville. There is definitely a growing hispanic influence there. It is a great little city. Plus you have the advantage of being so close to Asheville for more cultural pursuits. There is a FANTASTIC cuban restaurant in the old downtown part of Hendersonville - run by real Cuban's, not some chain. Also, you cannot beat that part of the state for hiking and motorcycle riding along the Blue Ridge Parkway - really a devine place for a day on your bike. The hiking is limitless - so many good places I can't even begin to tell you - all within an hour away - or more if you want to go higher Do you want waterfalls, rushing trout streams, deep forest, ridge tops??? You can get all that within easy access of Hendersonville. Not to mention, your money would go further for sure there than in the Charlotte area. Hope you will check it out!

[T.S.]

Originally Posted by mm34b

NC Counties with the Largest Percentage of Hispanics

Duplin - 18.2%
Sampson - 14.3%
Lee - 13.4%
Montgomery - 13.3%
Chatham - 11.4%
Durham - 10.4%
Greene - 10.3%
Johnston - 9.8%

Data: U.S. Bureau of the Census

I don't know how accurate that would be considering the large hispanic growth all over NC since the 2000 census was taken.

[mm34b]

Originally Posted by T.S.

I don't know how accurate that would be considering the large hispanic growth all over NC since the 2000 census was taken.

2004 data. I doubt those counties are no longer the hot spots.