Relocating to North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh: living in, safe, move)

[novasluna]

Hi There. We are thinking about relocating to North or possibly even South Carolina. Coming from San Diego, so I am sure it will be a bit different, but can't live without the ocean.... I know nothing about the areas and am looking for something that is coastal, within a 30 minute drive. Near a large city, inexpensive, and a safe place for children to grow up. Nice, but not nosey neighbors are a plus. Any recommendations?? Would prefer input from people whom have lived in the areas they are recommending for a period of at least five years and really know the communities they are suggesting.
Thank you so much for your help!!

[NCbyChoice]

The Carolinas do not have any large coastal cities. Charlotte is 3+ hours inland and Raleigh is 2+. The largest coatal city in NC is Wilmington, which is a great city, just not large (in comparison to SD) and in SC you have Charleston.

If living in a large city outweighs the ocean, I'd suggest Charlotte. If the opposite is true, take a closer look at Wilmington.

Another thing to consider, if easy access to the mountains also seems nice, Raleigh and Charlotte, NC or Greenville, SC would be your best bet.

The Carolinas are a great place to raise a family. I personally know many native Californians that needed to get away (mostly financial) and have found this to be a great home.

[cwolfe8229]

All I can say is don't come to the Triad. There is a league or two, which I have not played in, but I have played in other rec sports leagues in High Point, Greensboro, & Winston and they are all just run terribly. I can't imagine football would be any different. I used to live in Raleigh and they had some decent leagues 10-12 years ago. I can't say how they are run now, or if flag football is even an option there.

[arbyunc]

^ Huh?

[cwolfe8229]

yeah, not sure how that post ended up in here. I was wondering where this post landed when I didn't see it in the correct thread. I was responding to a totally different thread, yet here it is... sorry about the off topic post. If an admin sees this and can remove my nonsense above, that'd be great. Thanks.