we need help! where to move to in North Carolina? (Charlotte: crime, teaching jobs) - City-Data Forum

takeachance · 04-25-2008, 12:52 PM

My boyfriend and I are from Maryland and New Jersey respectively. We have been talking about moving to the Carolinas for a while now, but we need some advice! We are young, just graduated from college last May, and want an area with a lot of options and opportunities. He would be applying for teaching jobs, and we have money saved up for a home. We are interested in a smaller town, or at least a suburb as we would like to start a family in the next couple of years. There are just so many towns/cities/counties to search that its almost impossible to do ourselves, I don't even know where to begin. If anyone has some advice on good areas for us we would appreciate it, we would love to be able to narrow down our possibilities. Moving before this next school year would be optimal. Thanks!!!!

Raine Carraway · 04-25-2008, 01:46 PM

What type of lifestyle are you looking for? That might help narrow it down some. Would you be more comfortable near a city with more cultural and entertainment offerings, or a smaller town with a slower pace of life? Do you like to spend time at the beach or in the mountains? Are you picturing teaching in a smaller school or in the city, or do you have an interest in teaching at schools with either high-performing or "at risk" students?

One thing about North Carolina - it's a big state, and some of the different regions and metro areas are very different from eachother, so if you can describe the "feel" of the town you're looking for, you might get a little better feedback. [I grew up on the coast - Morehead City, have lived in Boone and the greater Hickory metro, and am now looking at moving to a rural area north of Charlotte - each of these areas were very different as far as types of people, things to do, and even regional attitudes and opportunities].

takeachance · 04-25-2008, 03:42 PM

Thank you for your reply! We are young so we are still interested in having the opportunity to go out and have a good time. We're both outgoing active and fun loving. No more than an hour from a larger city/town, but we dont want to live in the middle of nowhere. We were both raised in smaller towns and would like to settle it one, something about the charm I guess. The town I grew up in was 20 mins from the closest grocery store, but in turn, Baltimore and DC were both only 45/60 mins away. He was raised on the shore so close proximity to the coast is high on his priority as well. As far as teaching, he is looking to be in a school for average/high functioning students. We've both done the special needs thing before, and God bless those who can do it...but its not for us. He says a small school is preferable but would consider a school with a larger population as well. He would love a school with a well developed athletic program, and an abundance of extra curricular activities, as he has a passion for coaching and wants our children to have those opportunities.
We understand that the likely hood of finding a small town that is good for raising a family, with an amazing school an hour from the beach, and an hour from a city is asking for the moon, we are willing to compromise on certain factors. As we are from maryland/new jersey, I will say that the farther south we live the farther we will be from both our families :-/ But if our dream town ends up being Southtown, USA so be it :-D

joe91 · 05-01-2008, 07:52 PM

Yall should move to Cary (the Yankee town of the south). If yall move to any rural spots, yall will have to learn a new language.

tippster · 05-02-2008, 06:43 AM

I would check into Winston Salem. It's a smaller town but with all the big city conveniences. It has a good community and is very family oriented. It's also not as expensive to live compared to Raleigh or Charlotte.

The best thing to do is make a list of a few cities to check out and make a trip down here. That's we did.

Everyone's taste is different.

ceelcee · 05-05-2008, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe91

Yall should move to Cary (the Yankee town of the south). If yall move to any rural spots, yall will have to learn a new language.

Joe, Why so sarcastic? Maryland is below the Mason-Dixon line.

takeachance · 05-05-2008, 07:58 PM

yes we are! and i am no stranger to the south. my fathers family is from southern virginia and he has lived in tennessee for years. thank you, we appreciate everyones input!!!!

workingclasshero · 05-06-2008, 07:40 AM

You could try the Fayetteville and lumberton area. There is a Big Army Base there (Ft. Bragg) which is do to expand, and teachers are needed everywhere.

Lumberton is a nice smaller city, fayetteville is a bit bigger

best of luck

btw I am originally from Long Island

touchdowntommy · 05-06-2008, 10:38 AM

My wife was a teacher in Lumberton from Sept until Ded 2007, couldn't stand NC so we moved back to MI (Northern) and couldn't be happier.

kimberlyannclark · 05-06-2008, 01:03 PM

Hello! I am in a similiar situation. My husband and I are a young couple in Baltimore, Md now and looking to move to NC. For small, cultural town close to a city, many people have suggested Cary, Fuquay Varina (great place to begin b/c prices are a little lower), and Apex, which all neighbor Raleigh. Researching on my own, I have found great qualities about that area. I have also visited Wilmington on the coast and loved it. But then, I just read a post that suggested crime was increasing in that area. I am searching for a great town on the coast with the same qualities you mentioned to compare apples to apples with the Raleigh area, so if you find some places, let me know! Good luck in your search!