There is no promised land. (sales, homes, bankrupt)

[ReaderReader123]

The Michigander again.
I have heard alot of good things about NC on this forum and I am encouraged about the idea of moving there and appriciate all the help. But let's face it, there is no promised land no matter how great a place is. So what are any disadvantages about NC? Has anybody had any serious diasappointments since moving there? I realise there are some things that will be very different from the Mid-West and I will probably not have thought about them. These may not be things that will keep me from moving there, but may help with the relocation shock if I know what I may find.

[CJ-FROM-NJ]

There may not be a promised land but my realtor promised there will be land.

[Yorkiegirl16]

Originally Posted by ReaderReader123

The Michigander again.
I have heard alot of good things about NC on this forum and I am encouraged about the idea of moving there and appriciate all the help. But let's face it, there is no promised land no matter how great a place is. So what are any disadvantages about NC? Has anybody had any serious diasappointments since moving there? I realise there are some things that will be very different from the Mid-West and I will probably not have thought about them. These may not be things that will keep me from moving there, but may help with the relocation shock if I know what I may find.

When you make a big move you cannot avoid culture shock. Disadvantage about NC is the car tax first. Paying property tax on your car second. Next, you are out of what is most familiar to you. That will take much time to adjust too and great patience as well. If there is no family nearby, you will be sad and miss them. You will miss your routines. No matter where you move to, that is a reality of life. The best advise I can give it that if you do make the move to NC, give it a chance. It is a big move, make the most out of it and keep open mind. If it doesn't work out- you will be free to go wherever you wish.

This comes from one who has relocated to NC from living up north.

[mm34b]

Originally Posted by Li-Sung

When you make a big move you cannot avoid culture shock. Disadvantage about NC is the car tax first. Paying property tax on your car second.

No property tax where you came from? How did they raise revenue?

The three main elements of the property tax system in North Carolina are real property, personal property, and motor vehicles.

[Skipstone]

Li-Sung made some great points.

Negatives:

1. Corrupt and imcompetent government

2. Higher taxes than any other state in the South; some say it's really a northern state in that regard - especially gas taxes. I think NC has one of the highest gasoline taxes in the nation.

3. An easy state for illegal immigrants to come to and 2,000 out of 7,000 new students every year in the schools are undocumented

4. I think NC is the only southern state outside of Florida that has not adopted a Marriage Amendment due to a corrupt legislature that ignores the will of the majority opinion

5. The government does a lousy job of keeping up with highway construction - population is growing much faster than roads can handle

6. People generally tend to be too trusting of government and people with not-so-good intentions - tending towards not being independent enough in spirit

7. The state is growing way, way too fast creating infrastructure challenges that are difficult to meet

Is that negative enough?

[Tony1790]

Originally Posted by mm34b

No property tax where you came from? How did they raise revenue?

The three main elements of the property tax system in North Carolina are real property, personal property, and motor vehicles.

Don't forget sales tax and income tax for the 5 part tax system in NC, wouldn't be so bad if the wages were higher.

[TBLTZ]

everything is a benefit for me because NY is expensive.

[cassy1]

Reader, Where in NC are you moving? The answer to that question will be where the culture shock will come from. We relocated to NC last year and are living in Nash County, my shock came from lact of shopping - oh not a big mall but just the everyday things I came to expect. Also, the pace of living is slower, which is a good thing! All in all I am adjusting and starting to explore more of the other towns around here, by the way lots of country living on this side of the state! But the biggest adjustment for me was leaving my family and friends. It is much better now, but I warn you - nothing can prepare you for it. Am I sorry we moved, heck no - this is like a breath of fresh air, and the pure beauty of NC in Spring - well nothing can prepare you for that you just need to experience it. Good luck!

[davis1458]

Also thinking real hard about a NC move as Michigan is economically bankrupt. My goal is actually to live on an ocean coast (or close to it) with better paying wages but lower cost of living than larger cities. That's all. I like southern simpleness, I'm from the south, live on Lake MI now, and need that water close by. What do you know about the Carolinas? Recently read that it's now the #1 moving destination replacing Nevada. Wondering though about taxes -- like you are -- price of homes, cost of living/wages ratios, stuff like that. I'm doing some research if you are interested in sharing findings. Thanks Thread.

[Skipstone]

One more thing: We do sometimes get bad ice storms and yes, we're affected by hurricanes.

Please don't come!

I think the simple life here right now is going to disappear as more people move in. That's a fact.

Not meaning to offend, but Florida was once nice and no longer is because of that very reason.

And our government is really backwards so don't expect much in the way of infrastructure development.