PA moving to NC? (Charlotte, Wilmington: homes, schools, college)

[princess21]

My husband and I are in our 30's and thinking about moving to NC to escape the rat race. Here the building is out of control, traffic is a nightmare and the cost of housing and property taxes are just too much and the people are rude. Originally we were thinking of Mooresville, but from what I'm reading it's getting built up. I've moved away from that idea and would really like to be about 1-2 hours from the beach and live where there are some things to do but not get into the same situation we are already in. Any suggestions?

[kelle]

Where in PA are you coming from? That makes a big difference. Charlotte is growing like crazy, so you're not going to escape that unless you choose an area that is not raved about on this forum...

I'm originally from western PA, and while I love the Burgh and I love visiting, living anywhere is better than that. The clouds were always in the sky, the potholes swallowed your car, the turnpike was a pain in the *@#, toll roads, I LOVE the 'Privilege to work tax', my favorite part of leaving No it wasn't a huge tax but the nerve of them to create a tax... oh don't get me going...

If you're from Eastern PA, then I think you will LOVE North Carolina, and you're already used to the humidity!

[MikeJaquish]

Greenville, NC!

[Wanna Leave Penciltucky]

I am partial to eastern NC myself. I just love the clean everything. Air, streets, roads. PA is really chasing me away, lately I am not liking it much.
Can't wait to get the heck out of here.

[NC man]

Yes it is true about Mooresville,but the sad reality is its happening in all the Metro areas of NC. You very likely will be in the same condition down the road your are in now. NC is the seventh fastest growing state in the country, and with it comes all the baggage. Taxes rising as we speak over crowded schools, over development. There are some small rural areas left, which still are cheaper as far as homes, but closer to the coast the eastern section of the state the towns are much poorer and not much going on unless your retired. (exception Wilmington, Newbern) Also you should research Job opportunities first, because on Average salaries are lower here and property is going higher, Not a good combo, alot of people have made big profits from selling homes else where but if you dont have that it can be tough.

[vetegnc]

HA! We just moved from eastern NC (near wilson) to State college PA 2 days ago! I guess it's all in what you want. The eastern part of NC is more economically depressed (and therefore the schools aren't great) depending on where you are. We left b/c we wanted something better for our children (and ourselves). A client of mine, when I told him, said that he has lived all over the world and the US....and that our area was one step away from a third world country!!
Point being....if you move down here, stick with the larger cities (greenville is decent...and a good economic base b/c of ECU and the medical center, which is well known in this area) to avoid getting into our situation. We love living in the country, but it was a bit too much!
Good luck!
(and we wanted four definate seasons....kids need snow!!

[alice_61]

Welcome to State College! My daughter and I love it in State College. It has been a great town for our family, especially the public library, friendly and safe downtown with many free activities for children, and the great people here. But, alas, my husband insists on warmer weather so we are moving to NC in June.

Alice

[princess21]

Originally Posted by kelle

Where in PA are you coming from? That makes a big difference. Charlotte is growing like crazy, so you're not going to escape that unless you choose an area that is not raved about on this forum...

I'm originally from western PA, and while I love the Burgh and I love visiting, living anywhere is better than that. The clouds were always in the sky, the potholes swallowed your car, the turnpike was a pain in the *@#, toll roads, I LOVE the 'Privilege to work tax', my favorite part of leaving No it wasn't a huge tax but the nerve of them to create a tax... oh don't get me going...

If you're from Eastern PA, then I think you will LOVE North Carolina, and you're already used to the humidity!

I am from eastern PA. You hit the nail on the head with everything you said. I live about 45 min. outside Philly. Oh, and I forgot to mention the landfills, nuclear power plants and contaminated wells, land and air (w/ TCE).

[sheena]

I see more Pa. license plates here than anything. I didn't think it was that bad there. If you want to escape the rat race Charlotte is not the area.

[NCBND]

I'm in Western PA and and am longing for the day, a decade or so hence, when I can hit the eject button and head down to my land in McDowell County for good. For some inexplicable reason the wonderful citizens of PA like to subject themselves to what has to be the most venal, incompetent state and local government in America coupled with the USA's most absurd liquor laws. The economic decline of this area manifests itself in a pervasive negativity/inferiority complex that is depressing to experience. In the meantime, I cope with it by taking frequent trips to my beautiful land in NC and I always (reluctantly) return with renewed hope and purpose.