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I got a phone call from a district in North Carolina today for a possible interview, and now I'm seriously considering the possibility of ending up in NC. I've seen the picture thread, and people have told me it's a beautiful state. But what's life like there on the ground? In sum, how do you like living there? What is the best thing about living in NC?
First of all, a little background. Prior to living in NC I lived in MA, CT, and NY (upstate). Been here 12 years now.
I get up in the morning and get ready for work. Get in the car, roll all the windows down, pop some CD's in the changer, and head out. Down the road through a couple of newer developments, past a couple of older historic homes, and pull into the shopping center where my usual coffee place is. I go in, get my coffee, chat with the employees and some of the usual customers, and then back in the car. I drive to work in Charlotte without having to take an interstate. It's 18 miles from my house, and it takes usually about 30-40 minutes of relatively easy stress-free driving. Parking is indoors and is free for us where I work.
After work, I usually first go back home and change. Then, I go back out to the nearby greenway trails and walk/run for sometime. Lots of other folks are usually out either walking, running, bicycling, or walking dogs. When I'm done, there's usually something else to do, either shopping or movies or out for some sort of entertainment (I prefer live music or comedy clubs). If I do decide to go home, it's usually then to do something outside, i.e. lawn care, landscaping, wash the car, etc. I might just hang around and chat with the neighbors for a while.
Depending on the season and the day of the week, there might be a car show/cruise night to go to, a free outdoor concert, a free outdoor movie, a concert, a show, or some other event to go to. If I can't find anything else better to do, I just take a drive, go visit somewhere I haven't yet been to.
I am a native, but have lived other places. My attachment to western NC is more a matter of family ties and history than finding this the only place I enjoy living. I am in Charlotte, and having the mountains a short trip away is great. When I was in the midwest - that is what I missed the most - having the Blue Ridge nearby.
I think you would like the weather here, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities. We have a lot of golf courses here in Charlotte, so if golf is your thing, then that is a plus. The two lakes (Lake Norman and Lake Wylie) are also great spots - to live or for recreation. But if you are fond of the upper peninsula or Mackinac island (as your name suggests). . . our lakes are are not going to look like very much to you!
I guess how much you would like it here would depend on several factors, w/ the first being what you enjoy doing/experiencing where you are now - and how much you want to replicate that should you move here. The state has several very distinct regions and the cities in each region have a different "flavor." So where you would be living is going to also affect your choices and what types of things are available as far as entertainment, recreation, higher learning, etc.
Comparing the major cities here . . . I don't think there are big differences in quality of life or cost of living. Every region has good healthcare and decent schools, but there are some real variances, even within regions. So to really give you a feel of what it is like living here, you would need to be more specific about wh/ region (mountains, piedmont, coast) you would be living in.
I find something charming, interesting, compelling in every part of the state, but some towns I would not want to live in as much as others. I also think if you are raising a family, that would have a big impact on my decision to choose a particular spot to put down roots.
I grew up in IL. I came here in 96 with the military. I have lived in the Fayetteville area, Raleigh, and now Greenville. I love the state for the most part. I like the weather and there is lots to do. Out of those three areas I liked the Raleigh area the best. We may move back there someday but it will be a bit outside the city but still close enough to drive in to go places.
I got a phone call from a district in North Carolina today for a possible interview, and now I'm seriously considering the possibility of ending up in NC. I've seen the picture thread, and people have told me it's a beautiful state. But what's life like there on the ground? In sum, how do you like living there? What is the best thing about living in NC?
I look forward to any responses.
Thanks!
mackinac
Been here 2 months, Johnston County and LOVING the state, area and job.
Just completely different from Michigan attitude...
It really will depend on what YOU are like. If you are conservative and/or religious you will probably like it. If you do not mind VERY hot weather for about 5 months a year you will probably like it. If these things don't appeal to you you can live near the mountains (cooler weather) or near a university (usually more liberal mindsets)
I just hope an liberal / anarchist / atheist / agnostic can survive...Maybe if I play some Bocephus really loud?
Oh...and the best thing WE LOVE about NC? The majority of the people here are HAPPY and they smile.
The state geography is a lot like traveling US 23 North to Alpena in Michigan 20 years ago before the sprawl destroyed the shore line. It is like that everywhere.
I love living here the past 22 months. I moved from NYC and knew all that I was giving up to head to Charlotte. Charlotte has so much going for it. The weather is extremely great, fantastic happier people who are easier to approach. It's communities, landscape, skyline, mountains and highways are beautiful. Flowers bloom the entire year and makes a happier place to live. Of course, housing is much more affordable. I've been to many neighborhoods (even the ones people deem unsafe) and never did I feel threatened or out of place. I love the fact that all communities are diverse, creating a holistic living environment. Every morning, I'm awaken by chirping birds, I welcome their love song.
I find that I'm pretty much satisified with schools, activities, arts, entertainment and dining choices. There are enough things to do here to keep me happy as a single woman, who date regularly. If I had to choose my favorite thing, it would be the landscape of uptown at night, because it gives me feel of my hometown of NYC.
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