Help! I'm moving to Spring Hope from WALES, UK ...? (Raleigh: real estate, crime)

[WelshAmerican]

I'm a divorced mom with four kids from 7 to 13.
I'm considering buying a particular home in Spring Hope, but I'm concerned because it seems like a really tiny little town, and I don't know how I'll make the adjustment. My kids say they don't mind, but it's a little scary.

I did a little googling, but it doesn't give you the feel of the place. I'm originally from New York, Long Island (horse background); Brooklyn and Manhattan (horse and advertising background); then I moved to Wales and married a Welsh farmer who turned out to be a bully. Now I want to return to the US, but not the NY winters!

I live in a Welsh town of 44,000 but the people are not real friendly. I mean, they're kind, and will talk to you ... but they never become FRIENDS like the friends I had back home. You know, supportive, caring buddies.

I want my kids to settle someplace where people are warm and approachable, and not too stuffy in their ways. Live and let live. I'm a creative sort. I'm writing a novel about my weird life, want to get into real estate and board horses on my (23 acre) property. Will anybody bring me their horses in Spring Hope?

I'm not a way out hippie, very practical and sensible, but not stiff or judgmental. I'm not a Baptist ... very spiritual but not religious by nature. I feel my faith is a private and personal matter. Does anyone think I'm making a huge mistake moving to this area?

Will I be accepted as a divorced mother? Will my kids be accepted? They are very intelligent, independently thinking, creative children. They are kind and friendly. Is there a lot of bullying in the schools? My eldest boy is slight and dreamy. I'll be grateful for any and all insights! I've had enough bullying for one lifetime, and want better for my little guys.

Is there a mall or a nightlife anywhere to be found? I like Rock, Country, Folk and Celtic music, Japanese food, and a beer or glass of wine with my steak!

Please help!

[toodie]

Welcome, Welsh American. I can't give you any specific info on Spring Hope, but I'm sure you will find the people in NC very friendly and welcoming. It's easy to start up a conversation with people here and easy to feel right at home.

Checking on the location of Spring Hope, I see it's between Raleigh and Rocky Mount. It's a pretty drive out that direction, very rural and lots of open land. If you're going to live that far out though, there are so many options available that you may want to spend a good deal of time checking them all out. If you need to consider resale in the near future, that's another important factor in your decision.

The choices are abundant. This is a very large area when you consider Raleigh with all of the surrounding towns, and it's nearly impossible to decide where the best overall place is without being here a while. At least that's how it was for me.

Don't worry, there are plenty of divorced people around here! Your kids will be accepted I'm sure. Nightlife out in the area of Spring Hope? Maybe in Rocky Mount, but I'm not too familiar with that.

There is a big Baptist population here, but there is also a culture of people who are into "spritual awareness" and all that. I wouldn't think you'll have any problems as far as that goes.

Also, the schools your kids will attend I'm sure will influence your decision. Maybe someone from Spring Hope will chime in here.

Best wishes,
toodie

[Grawburg]

Spring Hope is a small, little tiny town. I think you'd be bored out of your skull there. Move closer to Raleigh if you want something to do other than just sit on the porch a listen to the crickets chirp.

[PDXmom]

I grew up in Eastern NC. Lived in Oregon for 20 years and have recently returned (last summer). From my limited perspective it seems here in NC the further you get from the population centers the more likily you will find a town where the majority of the people have lived there all their lives. Sometimes this can mean it's hard to break into the social scene. And usually it means folks are a little more traditional in terms of religion etc. I don't know if this is the case in Spring Hope or not.

In the triangle area you will find people from all over the world and all walks of life. Have you looked at Hillsborough or Orange County? I think you have a better chance of finding a community and a horse farm to purchase. Maybe also Chatam County (Pittsboro area).

I would definately use the search option on this forum and search for horses. Various threads have been started about where you can ride and board horses. That might give you insight on where people go to board.

And kudos to you for being brave and making such a big change for you and your children. I can't imagine living with a bully is good for any of you. I wish you the best of luck in your grand adventure and finding a new home!!

[WelshAmerican]

Thanks Toodie
I've really fallen in love with this house and was hoping someone would tell me it's going to be okay!

[WelshAmerican]

Thanx PDX Mom
It's very scary, and all the responsibility now rests with me. You know, you look at their little faces and hope you're doing the right thing!
Kym

[WelshAmerican]

EEEEK! I was afraid someone would say that! Part of me suspected that or I wouldn't have posted the query. Yowkes ... thanks for your perspective, Grawburg
Nightlife: grim, eh?

[daveraleigh]

I'm grew up in Rocky Mount and live in Raleigh. Family still lives there so I visit often...there wasn't much nightlife when I was there and doesn't look like a lot has changed. Spring Hope is VERY small.
I think you'd be better off looking at one of the smaller towns closer to Raleigh.
Good luck!
ETA - Or maybe Greenville or one of the smaller towns around it. Went to ECU and loved the whole area...and a better chance of diversity....

[WelshAmerican]

Thanks for that insight, Daveraleigh.
The town I live in now is 44,000 people; lots of conveniences, but the people I meet are already locked into their own lives, and not really open to outsiders. I end up spending most of my time with my kids, and I write, listen to music, etc.

I'm really in love with this property, and I have to ask you, do you think I would be okay for diversity if I took a job in Raleigh ... but still live in Spring Hope?
Also, is Rocky Mount a safe town?

Is there a lot of crime there? I'm from Brooklyn, and it used to be very safe, but now it's not so good. My sister doesn't walk to the store three blocks away after dark, which is sad.

Thanks,
Kym

[vetegnc]

We lived in Spring Hope for several years and the people are very friendly. Nice little town, although, yes..not a lot to it (we didn't care!). I would say there's definately a "good" side of town, and a "bad" side of town, but if you have 23 acres, you won't be in it. I think you'll have people bring you horses, but be careful....set an average price to weed out people who can't afford it (the economy is poor in the area).

The reason we left Spring hope....the school (elementary) went downhill. Not good. What is it? Greatschools.net?

If you'd like any further info, let me know!