Possible Relocation to Hickory (Charlotte, Asheville: real estate, hotel, jobs)

[Carolina_native]

Originally Posted by CarolinaHoney

DH may have a job opportunity in Hickory in the near future. It may be difficult for me to find employment in Hickory. Charlotte would offer me more opportunity, so I'm wondering if there is a city/town in between Hickory and Charlotte that would offer a reasonable commute for both of us. Maybe Gastonia? Any ideas would be appreciated!

Gastonia would be do-able, basically Gastonia you could travel north on Hwy 321 straight into Hickory, or travel I-85 from Gastonia east into Charlotte.

[CarolinaHoney]

Thanks CarolinaNative - How long would you think the commute would be from Gastonia to Hickory?

[nomorecold]

Any place besides hotels/motels?

[Carolina_native]

Originally Posted by CarolinaHoney

Thanks CarolinaNative - How long would you think the commute would be from Gastonia to Hickory?

About 30-35 miles. Hwy 321 is a 4 lane highway - and in between Hickory and Gastonia it has no stoplights and traffic flow is very good once you get past Gastonia. Speed limit is 65.

[Carolina_native]

Originally Posted by nomorecold

Any place besides hotels/motels?

There probably is, but I dont know any of the top of my head. Do you have a camper?

[nomorecold]

No, but would be interested in renting one in a campground if available.

[chbowman]

To anyone coming to check this area out, I would also suggest to buy a map of the area when you get here. We moved here from Greensboro and frequently got lost because of roads with similar names.

Ex: 3rd Ave
3rd St
3rd St. Pl
3rd St. Ln
3rd St. Dr

These are all real streets in Hickory, some not even right by each other. If, like us, you have not lived in a place where two streets share remotely the same name, just buy a local map and pay close attention. Looking at places is stressful enough without being lost on top of it

[nomorecold]

Thanks for the info. . . We'll make sure we buy a local map!

[mistyann]

LizDave,

My husband and I just got back 2 days ago and loved Granite Falls and the outskirt of Hickory. Inside Hickory gets confusing! We are in the same price range as you but I think our best bet, is to rent first and there are a few houses and apts. in Granite Falls! They have a lake w/ public boat access, 2 golf courses, hair, nails, etc. I'm from a small town so I'm looking for a small town. I've been checking on realtor.com for houses and put in 3bed 1+ bath from 30,000 - 125,000 and brought up alot of houses in the 60-70,000 range that are GREAT! I think the jobs are going to be in Hickory, but it is seriously a hop, skip and jump away. I would recommend either visiting first and getting to know the roads in Hickory or get a city map and study then take weekend rides to framiliarize yourself cuz they are confusing!! There are a few lumber co.'s and a nursing (elderly) facility and the schools which employ most of Granite Falls. We have researched this area going on 8 months now and just visited. So if your serious, I would research everything from the schools, which are good, to housing to employment at home and in NC.

Please let me know if and or when you move, we would really like to have some friends in the fall when we get there!! We have a 6 yr. old daughter who will need some friends too!!!

Misty

[lifesigns64]

Hi, we have so much in common. I was born and raised in New York, then lived in West Coast of Florida, and now live about 22 miles from Hickory in Taylorsville, NC.

When we were looking for homes we stayed at the Gateway Conference Center in Hickory on Highway 70. My husband actually lived at the hotel for 9 months, it's very clean, has kitchenette, and a nice pool and breakfast. It ran us approximately $280 for the week.

You will love the beauty of this area, and from where we live, Charlotte is about an hour's drive, and Winston Salem 45 minutes, Statesville 20 minutes.

With the price of gas, that could be a long commute, but for us, the price of living is so below Florida, that it was well worth it. Good Luck.