Charlotte area VS the Raleigh-Durham Triangle area? (best neighborhoods, crime)

[K. Dunn]

Just want to know the pro's and con's between each area so we know what we are getting into. What you love, and maybe what you think the area is missing or mostly having problems with? Thanks!

[K. Dunn]

Just want to know the pro's and con's between each area so we know what we are getting into. What you love, and maybe what you think the area is missing or mostly having problems with? Thanks!

[JimmyO]

A friend of mine who is a longtime NC resident put it this way: Charlotte has the rich people, The Triangle has the smart people.

It's painting with very broad strokes, obviously, but does speak to how banking is pretty huge in Charlotte, while this area is very education and research focused with all the major universities, RTP, etc.

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

This dead horse has been beaten numerous times on the general NC forum. If you do a search for "Charlotte vs. Raleigh" you will find dozens of posts that cover this topic.

[MikeJaquish]

We have FAR SUPERIOR BARBECUE due to the Eastern NC influence!

[JimmyO]

Originally Posted by MikeJaquish

We have FAR SUPERIOR BARBECUE due to the Eastern NC influence!

Also, better basketball. Yes, I include the Bobcats in that comparison.

[MikeJaquish]

Originally Posted by JimmyO

Also, better basketball. Yes, I include the Bobcats in that comparison.

That's what I'm talkin' about, baybeeeeeeeeee!

[skaternum]

Originally Posted by North_Raleigh_Guy

This dead horse has been beaten numerous times on the general NC forum.

And yet, that never seems to stop people from starting the same 4 tired threads over and over and over and over.

1. Where are the best neighborhoods for <my age or ethnic group>?
2. Should I move to Raleigh or <other city that is usually a much better choice>?
3. Where can I find a job in the area? (My personal favorite because it gets extra points for being vague.)
4. What is the job market like / salary range for <industry or profession>?

Apparently the "Search" function doesn't work for people who are thinking of moving here.

Sorry, I'm feeling cranky today. The repetition is starting to get to me.

[K. Dunn]

skaternum: Remember that repetiition is is only repetition to you since you obviously look at this site in this place everyday, while someone like us does not, and is new to the area and is busy researching several locations. I will use the search engine in the future to see what has been said comparing the area's. Thanks.

[NCgirl]

Hi again,

I think both areas are great places to live.

Ok that didn't help you any. Seriously though if you search these forums you'll find a ton of threads about this subject. As you read those threads, one thing to keep in mind is that the both areas are big so it's hard to generalize about each one. As mentioned in another post the Charlotte metro area includes several counties and towns. There are some areas that are very urban and some areas that are very rural. Some areas have a lot of crime while others have very little crime. There are great schools, there are bad schools.

I suggest you check out the Charlotte's Got a Lot website!

I'm a NC native who grew up in a small town prior to moving to Charlotte. I'm single and childless. I'm sure others will have a different perspective. Charlotte Pros - My list in no particular order

* Location! Close to the mountains, not too far from the beach
* Arts/Theater - I know it doesn't compare to bigger cities but I think there
is a lot to see here.
* Vibrancy - I can't really describe it but there's energy here
* Values/manners - People are friendly and caring
* Sports - NFL, NBA, Hockey and yes college teams!
* Entertainment - Maybe I'm easily entertained but I'm never bored.

Cons -
*Infrastructure hasn't been able to keep up with population growth
*Crime