Relocation. (Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington: apartment, to rent, crime)

[coffeebean330]

I've lived in Upstate New York for basically my entire life. My Mom and I have been considering moving for about a year now and we just decided we've had enough of the snow and the cold. I'd like to move down to North Carolina. Something about it appeals to me. We've been thinking about Wilmington, but I've been reading some not so great things. I was hoping someone could suggest some cities. We'd like something with a lot to do. Not a small town. Near water would be great. I'd really appreciate any advice.

[castufari]

Any requirements? I mean you can move to some towns where everyone is related. Or the larger towns like Raleigh or the city like Charlotte. So many variables, like what you plan on doing for a job, etc.

[coffeebean330]

Well right now I work for Starbucks, so I'd be looking to transfer to another store. My Mom works for a grocery store as a pharmacy technician.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by coffeebean330

Well right now I work for Starbucks, so I'd be looking to transfer to another store. My Mom works for a grocery store as a pharmacy technician.

I'd suggest New Bern near the coast - not too small so it must have at least 1 Starbucks!

[ny2ncMama]

My husband and I moved from Upstate NY in July of 07. It is the best choice we could of made coming down here! We are in the Brier Creek location. There is a starbucks right across the street from me and some pharmacies as well. Do it! Join the rest of us New Yorkers!

ps I came from Rock Hill, NY.

[lovesMountains]

Okay, I looked it up - there are 2 Starbucks listed in New Bern (a city of about 20,000).


City of New Bern, NC

[coffeebean330]

I appreciate the feedback. I looked up info on New Bern, but it seems a little too small for my liking. 20,000 is a lot compared to where I live now, but not exactly what we're looking for. I think I would love just moving to Raleigh, but my Mom is dead set on being on or near the coast. I'm at an age that I don't have to go with her, but my Dad died last year and its just the two of us. So for a couple more years I'll stick around.

Could anyone tell me what is unappealing about Wilmington? It seems to be everything we'd love.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by coffeebean330

I appreciate the feedback. I looked up info on New Bern, but it seems a little too small for my liking. 20,000 is a lot compared to where I live now, but not exactly what we're looking for. I think I would love just moving to Raleigh, but my Mom is dead set on being on or near the coast. I'm at an age that I don't have to go with her, but my Dad died last year and its just the two of us. So for a couple more years I'll stick around.

Could anyone tell me what is unappealing about Wilmington? It seems to be everything we'd love.

Well, the only bigger city near the beach is Wilmington, so I guess you better start researching that area The unappealing aspects would be some inner city crime to deal with, higher costs of housing and a lot of tourist traffic.

[coffeebean330]

I have been researching it a bit. Any city is going to have crime. I would just have to learn the area's to avoid. As for housing, we're going to rent an apartment. We've already looked into some places and I've found a few that seem ideal. I guess when it comes down to it, I can deal with some bad things in order to start a new life and be away from snow.

[DanielleNC]

I lived in Wilmington for a year in 2004/05. I LOVED downtown and the beaches. The main part of town is very commercial with lots of chains and traffic. So the main downside would be traffic and just trying to get anywhere. I never understood why people consider Wilmington itself expensive. I found it to be the same as the Triangle area. Of course, the beach and the closest areas to the beach are pricier, but otherwise I didn't find it that bad. If you plan on being with your mom for a couple years I would say give Wilmington a chance for that long and if you grow tired of it you can move out on your own to Raleigh when you feel you are both ready. You’ll only be 2 hours from your mom and will get to enjoy the beach when you visit her. That’s close enough to see her every month, or if you take turns every other week; or more of course if you don’t mind the drive.