Undecided (Charlotte, Cary, Cornelius: real estate, 2010, unemployment rate)

[vj23]

Hi,
I have lived in NYC for the past 28 years but I'm beginning to feel very unhappy with the high population and all the difficulties that come with that, and the cold winters. I want that small city/town feeling, with weather that will still give you a taste of winter but not extreme or too long. I am originally from New Orleans and all my family are still there, but that is not an area I am looking to move back to. I like the idea of settling in NC because it would put me midway between both NY and New Orleans. My dilemma is choosing an area that would give me best employemnt options (currently an Office Mgr), and public transportation until I can get my own. Two areas that I have googled info on are Cary and Cornelius and like what I have found thus far. Since I am also a single parent, I want to make certain that both my adult daughter and I can feel relatively safe. Ready to toss the Big Apple!

[Ann in Oriental]

Your biggest problem will be lack of a vehicle! Since we don't salt our roads our used cars are usually in pretty good shape. Cheapest way is to buy from a private party and take a mechanic friend with you. Craigslist has a lot. One MUST have a car in NC. We have no subways, taxis are rare and very expensive and only big cities have buses and not lots of runs to choose from. Actually unless you can afford to live without a job for a few months, I'd say you need to get the car before you come here.

[trese]

Maybe you would like Charlotte? It is one of the larger cities in NC with buses. Also Amtrak for longer trips.

We have cold winters too. It was highs in the 30's a few days last week and rainy with high of 40 each day this weekend--not exactly bahama's temps. Our summer temps last longer but can get really hot in the summer!!!

[jstubbspt]

Job. Do you have one lined up here? If not don't even look into moving.

[anifani821]

Just FYI - one of the news outlets (nationally - I think CNN) reported this weekend that NC has one of the highest unemployment figures in the nation. Some experts are saying Charlotte's unemployment rate is second only to Detroit's. Offices are closing; office employees are being laid off along w/ the cuts. I know of several law firms that have cut about half their staff and will most likely be cutting more. Same for engineering/construction firms, real estate agencies . . . Now is NOT the time to be looking to move to Charlotte.

Stay put for another year or so and see how things look in 2010. I would just gather info on areas and see if you can make a trip down here in the next year, decide what part of the state you really like, and then start a serious job search in 12-18 months.