Is now a good time to move to North Carolina??? (Charlotte: 2009, house)

[mohogany3]

A few months ago i was really considering moving to North Carolina. I saw that the economy there got worse just like everywhere else. I was looking in particular in the RTP area. I have a computer degree and hear that is a hot bed for computer jobs. North Carolina has moved to my number 2 spot to move behind D.C. I want to know from people in North Carolina truthfully if now is a good time to move to North Carolina or not? The last unemployment rate I saw for North Carolina was 11.1% for May. I aslo wanted to know with good schools such as Duke and UNC if its harder to get a job in NC compared to other states for people who've moved from other states?

[westcoastbabe]

Originally Posted by mohogany3

A few months ago i was really considering moving to North Carolina. I saw that the economy there got worse just like everywhere else. I was looking in particular in the RTP area. I have a computer degree and hear that is a hot bed for computer jobs. North Carolina has moved to my number 2 spot to move behind D.C. I want to know from people in North Carolina truthfully if now is a good time to move to North Carolina or not? The last unemployment rate I saw for North Carolina was 11.1% for May. I aslo wanted to know with good schools such as Duke and UNC if its harder to get a job in NC compared to other states for people who've moved from other states?

Honestly, speaking as a native....NO. I am born and bred from North Carolina and I have never seen it this bad as far as unemployment is concerned. True, things are starting to turn around but we really have a long way to go. Unemployment here is at its highest and competition is real fierce right now for jobs.....For some unknown reason, people think that NC is the 'promise land". So many people are moving here without jobs, which is making unemployment even worse. Me personally, trying to leave NC when it gets better...Trying to move to the Southwest. Just my two cents....

[DanielleNC]

North Carolina's unemployment rate is pretty high, but the Triangle isn't as bad. Triangle unemployment still lowest in state - Triangle Business Journal:

It is still bad compared to what it was a year ago though. It is competitive because of the schools and everyone flocking here. This metro area is THE fastest growing in the country so expect competition for a while. Regardless, I wouldn't move anywhere without a job unless financially I could do so without needing one. NC is great and I wouldn't imagine living anywhere else. DC is pretty cool too if you don't mind the density, traffic, and higher cost of living. Just try to get a job at one or the other before you make the move. Good luck!

[trese]

Danielle summed it up--try to get a job first-that's the biggest battle in these economic times.

[lovebrentwood]

I've worked in IT for 20+ years, most of the time as a contractor (by choice). Never had any problem whatsoever finding a new assignment after one ended -- until the downturn.

It's bad here now.

Some people with specialized or hard-to-find programming skills will find it easier than others. Just keep an eye out on the job sites and see what's available. Sign up for the alerts. You can see for yourself if there's anything matching your own particular skill set.

[Sky1]

We really do not need more unemployed people moving in here.
Nortel - Bankrupcy
Erricson - Closing RTP
IBM- Laying off

[wandrew]

depends on the area you choose. I would avoid wake county after living there 1.5 yrs. Don't do it if you don't have work already lined up. We are moving to Alamance co. I favor the triad over the triangle. Less people and better value. You could commute to rtp somewhat easily, should be a "reverse" commute from the west if you can find work in the rtp.

Otherwise, it's a good place to be for scenery and fun things to do.

Sky1 - Wachovia is closing doors too. My better half is out of work now and going to nursing school.

[urbancharlotte]

I'd stay in Ohio. I used to live near Washington Court House (about 40 minutes SW of Columbus), and I sometimes miss it. The Short North area of Columbus was one of my favorite hangouts.

If you are serious about moving, consider this. Raleigh has better jobs, but that town is boring as all get out. Charlotte has better night life, but you are more likely to be unemployed longer in Charlotte. My best advice is stay in Metro Columbus.

Good luck!!!

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Apply for jobs and see what happens. If you get one now could be a great time to move for you, if you don't get a job offer I would stay where you are. I would follow that rule of thumb no matter what State or city you are moving to. Good luck!

[NCnut]

It is a very tough time everywhere in the country, especially here in NC. I would really caution against moving here now as our unemployment rate is one of the highest in the country. We hear about layoffs and job cuts all the time here. The Raleigh-Durham area has the best, strongest economy of the state though because of the state government and universities there. But it is still better to already have a job lined up before moving...