raliegh vs. charlotte? Which is the better choice (how much, to live in)

[the 7 oh 4]

Originally Posted by Waterboy526

Bill the 7 oh 4 has something against Raleigh for some reason, so I would take his comments with a grain of salt. I guess the Triangle area is not progressive?...funny because I've heard from many people living in this state and out of state that expressed to me that the Triangle was the most progressive area in NC. Not knocking Charlotte, but I would hardly say they are more progressive than this area. I have been to Charlotte about 4 times now and I don't see much of a difference in downtown nightlife, other than the fact that they have more pro sports and some taller buildings. I would venture to say that both Raleigh and Charlotte have great outdoor activities nearby. For some reason Raleigh's downtown gets knocked a lot, but I've had more fun in Glenwood South and the warehouse district then I've ever had in DC. There are tons of places to have a good time and walk from bar to pub to club, etc.

Its OK to disagree. This site is about opinions. I lived in Raleigh for 2 years and it wasn't for me. Charlotte isn't for some people either. I go back to Raleigh to visit friends and I find Raleigh to be a little slow. Even my friends that live in Cary say that Charlotte and Raleigh are nothing alike. I personally (my opinion) find that Raleigh and Charlotte are really not alike at all.

You guys have a GREAT weekend!

[joey2000]

Originally Posted by the 7 oh 4

Even my friends that live in Cary say that Charlotte and Raleigh are nothing alike. I personally (my opinion) find that Raleigh and Charlotte are really not alike at all.

I'm hearing that a lot. Can you elaborate a little? Basically I get that Charlotte is a bigger city/area with I guess more "bustle" while Raleigh is more "family oriented," I guess somewhat more laid back. Anything else?

[Carolina Blue]

Originally Posted by bill545

can you pls define "to do" - ? What is there to do in Charlotte that Raleigh doesn't have (ie besides pro sports, more art galleries, or similar "city stuff")-? I care little for that but am interested in things like kayaking, biking, golf, etc.

You'd probably like Charlotte better then, its home to the US National Whitewater Center. Anyone can use it and they have bike and walking trails, and a rock climbing area. Here are some links to more information.

US National Whitewater Center //// TAKE IT OUTSIDE !!! \\ - Home

Charlotte Observer | 05/10/2008 | Whitewater slalom trials to be televised

And if you're a golfer, there are several nice courses here. You may have watched the Wachovia Championship which was held here just last week. Here are some links for golfing as well..

Wachovia Championship

GolfCharlotte.com

[Waterboy526]

Originally Posted by the 7 oh 4

Its OK to disagree. This site is about opinions. I lived in Raleigh for 2 years and it wasn't for me. Charlotte isn't for some people either. I go back to Raleigh to visit friends and I find Raleigh to be a little slow. Even my friends that live in Cary say that Charlotte and Raleigh are nothing alike. I personally (my opinion) find that Raleigh and Charlotte are really not alike at all.

You guys have a GREAT weekend!

I would agree that Charlotte is bigger and has more bustle, but anything you can basically do in Charlotte you can do in Raleigh, except see pro football and pro basketball (college is better anyway...lol). I like the Raleigh area because it has plenty of outdoor activities and a nightlife, without being too overblown and crazy.

[Sugarcandy]

Personally myself, why dont you visit both places and get a feel for them both and then decide which one you would prefer to be at most of the time. You cant really go on what everyone says because everyone is different. What they think is great, might not be what you like and vise versa. When moving one has to just go and look around BEFORE they move and then pick which you think fits your likes and lifestyle. Suggestions are okay and can help but in the end, its all up to you to make the choice.

[brri]

Originally Posted by Waterboy526

I would agree that Charlotte is bigger and has more bustle, but anything you can basically do in Charlotte you can do in Raleigh, except see pro football and pro basketball (college is better anyway...lol). I like the Raleigh area because it has plenty of outdoor activities and a nightlife, without being too overblown and crazy.

I moved from New England to Charlotte about three years ago and visited Raliegh a couple of times since. I found Raleigh to be a very nice place and I would not mind itif I had to live there. However, IMHO Raleigh's downtown is not comparable to Charlotte's at all. I think Charlotte is far ahead of Raleigh in that category and even ahead of almost every similar sized Southern citie's downtowns. Raleigh seems to be more laid back (a good thing for some), has a nice airport, great shopping and beautiful neighborhoods. It does though seem more like a very big town than a city. Charlotte is what I call a small big city. Both are nice I think it depnds on the person's priorities.

[brri]

Would also like to add that if we could take the best of both Charlotte and Raleigh and create one city, it would be one of the best places in the nation.

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

I have spent a lot of time in both cities. Both very nice places to live. I find both areas to be very very similar.

You want to know which one to choose?

I would choose the one that you land the best job in.

If you find two great jobs, one in Raleigh and one in Charlotte then you have a quandary that many would love to have.

Good luck!

[joey2000]

First thanks very much to all for the replies. Some info in response:

Again, really don't care about the downtown much as I don't plan on going there much at all. The surrounding areas and neighborhoods and "leisurely activities" (ie not things you would do downtown) matter a lot more to me.

As for visiting, that's a great idea in theory, but I don't really have the time to just cruise down and hang out there - and to tell the truth, I question if cruising around for a weekend or 2 would really help that much - hard to get a true feel for a place based on that.

Job-wise, I am hoping to work out a telecommute, so shouldn't be an immediate issue - of course long-term, who know what will happen, so not saying that doesn't matter. I'm IT oriented (mgt level) so based on that Raleigh would get a slight edge...

[joey2000]

Shameless bump for any add'l replies