Oregonian ready to relocate (Charlotte, Raleigh: chapel, elementary school, college)

[pdxrunner74]

I'm a newly certified primary school teacher, born and raised in Portland, Oregon, ready for something new and thinking of relocating East. I'm 32, single, pretty outdoorsy, and basically open to anything - ultimately would love to find a place that is a good fit with me. Lately, I've been hearing great things about Raleigh and Charlotte, NC. Although, I have this idea in my head that Raleigh/Durham is kind of a "college town" - am I way off? I'd definitely prefer smaller town vs metropolis. I just spent the last few years in the San Francisco, CA Bay Area and despised it - so a place where people are nice and actually talk to their neighbors would be a bonus! Are people relatively friendly and easy to meet in NC? We are pretty liberal and laid back here out West, so I'm wondering if things are like that in NC and/or surrounding areas?
I must admit, Oregon is a pretty incredible place, but I'm open for a new change. Any ideas, suggestions, or advice would be greatly appreciated!

[tigerlily]

Greetings pdxrunner from another Oregon runner. We are contemplating a move to the Raleigh Durham area. We checked out Raleigh Durham area in the fall and found it to be quite lovely. There seem to be a lot of great running areas around the city. I agree with you Oregon is an incredible state. If it weren't for family (and sometimes the grey skies) we would never move. Upon our return from the RD area, I found this forum, read a lot of the back posts and have gained some valuable insight from some of the regular posters. From what I've determined, the liberal areas are going to be around the major cities: Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham and then Raleigh.

[Nea1]

I am from oregon too born and raised, we moved to Raleigh lived there two years, lets just say we dont live there anymore. If you like smaller and true beauty and more diverse, think Asheville!!!!

[Redrover]

Nea1, I have infered that you currently live in Arizona. Why would the desert southwest ever be a better choice than either Oregon or any place in North Carolina?

[nanannie]

I have relatives that moved from Oregon to Asheville and LOVELOVELOVE it! They say its like a city made up of the best parts of Portland(without the river or rain).You may miss the beauty and the mountains in Charlotte and surrounding area.And you have to be able to handle the heat.Asheville has awesome views,much nature in tact,and a "cool" downtown...(and cooler weather). We visit often and like it more and more.Good luck with whatever you choose.Nice people love nice people ,,you'll do fine : 0.

[Nea1]

Originally Posted by Redrover

Nea1, I have infered that you currently live in Arizona. Why would the desert southwest ever be a better choice than either Oregon or any place in North Carolina?

Well Oregon, way to wet and gray all the time, not enough jobs. NC didnt like some of the "culture" and low paying jobs for my husband or taxes. AZ, is beautiful the sunsets are like nothing I have ever seen. I love the cactus and Palm trees and right now it is 70 degrees, no humidity, no bugs. And we love my husbands great paying job, and so far the people are nice. Not to mention I can be in San Dieg to the Ocean in 6 hours and to Disneyland, and the grand Canyon and awesome camping in Colorado is 3-4 hours away.

[Andreahaha]

Ha, well, this is funny -- I'm a 24 year old, single, outdoorsy, elementary school teacher from Virginia looking (as the first poster said) for something new. I'm ready for a new adventure. The places that I keep returning to for consideration are the Portland area (but I think I would teach in WA) and Asheville, NC. So this seems to be a forum to which I should contribute. I would appreciate any and all suggestions and opinions about OR/NC!

[nanannie]

I lived in Portland for abut 6 years. You really have to be able to handle about 8 months of grey and drizzle.Not everyone can. We lived there when the schools were alot better,as was the government..I am suprised at the downfall of the school system and am always suprised at the "homeless" population which seems to increase with each visit.When it is nice weather in Oregon,there is no place like it,the coast is breathtaking(though unusable besides strolling or clam digging) the mountains,spectacular,the Gorge is gorgeious.Portland is a really nice city with big city problams,(like all big cities)and high cost of living. Asheville is no bargain either.All but one of my family has moved from Oregon.There is NO Utopia for sure,but Asheville reminds us of a "mini" Portland (with nicer weather).You will get a wealth of opinions and info on the Oregon thread here as well .This place is really a great forum for inside information. Good luck with your decision,they are both interesting places to live

[jackinthepulpits]

I grew up in Asheville and now live more toward Raleigh, in a little town called Pittsboro. Asheville is more scenic with the mountains. Cool in the summer but not too cold in the winter. As a triathlete, Asheville has the better training spots. However, Raleigh would be better for a social life.

[Erin1264]

Sounds like Roanoke, VA would suit the people on this thread better than the Raleigh area.

The mountains are beautiful, there are tons of hiking trails and the weather is lovely.

It's a smaller city and the people are friendly. Or, look into other areas of Southwest VA. I really like it here and prefer it over the Raleigh area.