We are ex-Toronto residents living in "anemic" Greensboro, NC for almost 10 years.
We are looking at relocating to Charlotte or Raleigh (or their surrounding areas). Jobs for us are not a concern although we are in the financial sector and in real estate brokerage.
We know Raleigh is statistically more educated and the downtown nightlife is more quiet compared to Charlotte. We also know Charlotte is more like a big city with higher crime and lower quality public education. We have visited both cities over the past 10 years and like both of them for different reasons.
Our question is: given the current state of the economy and the performance of both cities in the 'good times' along with future growth plans,
which city do you think has the biggest growth potential in the next 5, 10, 20 years?
My spouse thinks Charlotte because of its infrastructure, while I think Raleigh because of its universities, high tech and medical fields.
Our goals are real estate investment, and a place for our 20 something kids to develop careers. One kid is at UNC and the other at UNCC right now so we are equally divided. (Our kid at UNC thinks Chapel Hill is boring; our kid in Charlotte loves the faster beat of Charlotte and all it has to offer)
As 'young' empty nesters now, we have not really enjoyed living in Greensboro the last 10 years because of the limited growth, small town atmosphere, and 'older' population. We also did not like the public school system our kids had to endure.
Any suggestions for Charlotte or Raleigh future or potential? We would appreciate input from both sides.
Sorry if we offended any Greensboro natives, but Greensboro is a tough place to adjust to when you come from a highly progressive, multicultural, liberal, big, and prosperous city like Toronto. We are committed to staying in NC but need a change.
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Best future growth: Charotte or Raleigh area?
I think in time Charlotte will be the city MANY kids in the Triangle choose to move to when they they graduate from high school (think Clay Aiken). As you have stated, young professionals and empty nesters will probably not prefer the Triangle over Charlotte. The Triangle appeals more to young families.
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