Considering relocating to NC (Charlotte, Raleigh: for sale, homes, buying)

[angelaf]

Cheese and spinach ravioli?? That sounds great!!

[nascarnancy]

Originally Posted by silverwing

Speaking as an “old transplant” (~20 years), I never met another transplant who immediately took to this state. Even if you are leaving an area you consider to be h*ll, you’re going to have your own aggravations here, in the beginning, not to mention missing some of the stuff you left behind. Besides the Big Stuff: new house, new job, getting your kids into different schools, you’re going to have to change your driver’s license, car insurance, find new doctors and dentists that you feel comfortable with … There are going to be foods you won’t find here. I miss toasted meat ravioli. It was a staple back in the St. Louis area – our original home place – but it’s not to be found where we live. All we can find is the cheese and spinach stuff *blech*

People might think they have things organized to make a smooth transition, and look forward to the change, but I predict there’ll be some trauma once they get here and realize what a major life change they’ve made. I hope the people posting questions and asking for advice stick around this board after they arrive and let us know how they are doing.

Things I will miss, El Torito (mexican restaurant-eat there every Firday night w/friends) and Trader Joe's. Although TJ's is openeing stores on the East Coast so hopefully it won't be too long. My friends and family, at least we have family thier and just found out one of my good friends may be moving to Tennessee.

I will definately keep you posted after the move.

[lovethecarolinas]

Originally Posted by nascarnancy

Things I will miss, El Torito (mexican restaurant-eat there every Firday night w/friends) and Trader Joe's. Although TJ's is openeing stores on the East Coast so hopefully it won't be too long. My friends and family, at least we have family thier and just found out one of my good friends may be moving to Tennessee.

I will definately keep you posted after the move.

we adapted pretty quickly but like you say there will be some things you miss...mine are (excluding family and friends) Fish Tacos, Ikea, and also Trader Joe's. In fact I contacted the latter two to see about coming to the Charlotte area (I figured it couldn't hurt)...while I received no response from Trader Joe's ( I did receive a lenghty email from Ikea...basically saying that they are watching the growth...but currently have no immediate plans (and were quick to point out their was one 4 hours away in Atlanta, GA ) Also nascarnancy...the mexican food is...well...different..but if you are looking for another chain that is similar they do have an On the Border in Charlotte.

[enlightenme]

Originally Posted by nascarnancy

Things I will miss, El Torito (mexican restaurant-eat there every Firday night w/friends) and Trader Joe's. Although TJ's is openeing stores on the East Coast so hopefully it won't be too long.

I am actually freaking out that there isn't a Trader Joe's! I don't know what I am going to do!!! I never go to Ralph's or Vons unless I have to - remember when they were striking a few years ago? It didn't even bother me since I only shopped at TJ's. It is so funny I just read this because on Tuesday I told my husband he is very lucky I am a good cook because it will probably be the only way we get decent Mexican food in NC. But then again, my tacos were made from meat, tortillas, salsa, beans, cheese, lettuce, etc. from Trader Joes I am sure going to miss all of our "mom and pop" Mexican taco stands and breakfast burritos! Even though I am Italian, I have learned how to cook some mean Mexican food growing up my whole life in CA.....

Who can we call to get a TJ's in NC??????????

[jbob]

about the term "yankee"

I am from Colorado, am I considered a yankee?

[mm34b]

Originally Posted by jbob

about the term "yankee"

I am from Colorado, am I considered a yankee?

Yes, if you use the term to describe the Union forces of the Civil War. Colorado was a Union territory.

[lovethecarolinas]

Originally Posted by jbob

about the term "yankee"

I am from Colorado, am I considered a yankee?

I've been told...if you were not born here...Your a Yankee (no matter how many years you might put in)

[mmdj43]

Originally Posted by lovethecarolinas

we adapted pretty quickly but like you say there will be some things you miss...

When my husband and I visited the Raleigh area, we met the sales manager for one of the communities in Holly Springs who had moved to the Cary area from upstate New York. She told me the first 6 months she felt like a new student at a college dorm, but she loves it in NC. The realtor we were with in Charlotte told us it could take about a year to really get used to everything.

There's definitely going to be an adjustment...no doubt about that. But we're actually looking forward to adapting to the new culture. It's going to be much different than what we are used to here in Long Island, NY but we're very excited about this upcoming move.

[Mvn2nc]

Originally Posted by enlightenme

I am actually freaking out that there isn't a Trader Joe's! I don't know what I am going to do!!! I never go to Ralph's or Vons unless I have to - remember when they were striking a few years ago? It didn't even bother me since I only shopped at TJ's. It is so funny I just read this because on Tuesday I told my husband he is very lucky I am a good cook because it will probably be the only way we get decent Mexican food in NC. But then again, my tacos were made from meat, tortillas, salsa, beans, cheese, lettuce, etc. from Trader Joes I am sure going to miss all of our "mom and pop" Mexican taco stands and breakfast burritos! Even though I am Italian, I have learned how to cook some mean Mexican food growing up my whole life in CA.....

Who can we call to get a TJ's in NC??????????

Gosh- i feel your pain. In a humerous way of course!!!
I love Trader Joes and i myself from Calif. and moving to N.C on June 15th i might stock up before we drive out there!!
Also i will miss my favorite mom and pop Mexican Resturants as well. And the Salsa at Whole Foods- Casa Sanchez they dont have. When i would go visit my son i would pack some in a carryon on ice and alo bring fresh Beckmans Sourdough bread to him.
Another thing we are fond of is Tri tip that they dont seem to have.

[NYer]

My husband says there is Whole Foods, and also Harris Teeter has some Trader Joe-ish stuff... ansd I suspect places like Chapel Hill will have some independent stores with funky & organic choices.