Any worries about the huge influx of people moving to NC? (Charlotte: condo, new home)

[CaliBoy]

Originally Posted by Desdemona123

I think citizens do need to keep their elected officials accountable for how they handle growth and that the government does play a very large roll in how growth is handled (but I didn't mention that in my initial post) but in the end, it is up to the citizens, and community goals and mindset that really determine how well growth is handled.

Absolutely! We are all voters that can change the landscape of the political environment by electing officials that can properly manage a growing and progressing city. Right now, at least when it comes to Durham, I don't think the present officials (and many employees) are capable of handling the influx of transplants and change in infrastructure (I've learned this first hand). I think us citizens can hold such officials accountable by charging them with developing a viable progressive plan for the inevitable. If they do not have a realistic one, it's time to change the guard. And we, as a community, must not sit back and watch as the changes occur... for better or worse... and then wonder what the heck happened. Growing pains. It's expected. But we must all participate in the growth of our respective communities by staying involved in every step of the way. We are not bystanders. We all contribute.

[mm34b]

Originally Posted by SWAF777

I'm just curious if there are any concerns from native North Carolinians or those that have lived in NC for the last several years regarding the incredible influx of people moving to NC.

North Carolina's high growth rate seems to be limited to only 15%-20% of the counties, mainly the Charlotte and Raleigh Metro areas. Not much of an issue elsewhere. Overall, the statewide population growth is around 1.6% per year at the moment, but is expected to increase to around 1.8% per year.

Projection to 2030

[sirahb]

Originally Posted by SWAF777

I'm just curious if there are any concerns from native North Carolinians or those that have lived in NC for the last several years regarding the incredible influx of people moving to NC. I'm from the Northeast & have been considering moving to NC because my family lives there (for the last 14 years). But, it seems every time I mention to someone up here that I'm considering moving to NC, they rattle off the names of at least 2 or 3 other people they know from CT, NY, NJ, etc. who already have (or are going to). I think North Carolina is a lovely state for many reasons including the cost of housing, the fact that you can find a church on every corner, and the overall warmth & friendliness. As much as I want to be closer to my family, I have some serious concerns about moving to the Raleigh area because, in addition to being close to family, I'm looking for a change of pace & better quality of life; will these lovely qualities of NC still be there another 5, 10 or 20 years? More people mean more schools, roads, hospitals, etc. which means higher taxes. But, it's a nice testament to the state of NC & her inhabitants that so many people want to move there. No one knows what the future holds, but I'd love to hear what others are thinking. Thank you kindly.

I am a native of NC and to answer your question, YES, we are very concerned about the influx of people moving here from other areas, expecially illegals. Evidently the welfare system here supports them very well because I have seen the services to them first hand. I have lived in Wake County most all my life (and I plan to move from here). Our schools are BURSTING at the seams with trailors filling most of our school yards; our taxes are increasing yearly and with the influx of people they will have to increase taxes to take care of all the perks for people moving to this area. At present they are wanting to put another school bond on the ballot (this is a tax increase) and some people just voted to approve one. We have great doctors and medical facilities in the area, somewhat affordability housing and lots of Section 8 housing areas, not enough parks and playgounds, not as stroller friendly as some cities, pollution is a concern for some of us, job market is great for anyone below 45 years old. My personal opinion is that there is not enough affordable perks for retirees of medium income in this area and if there is, information is not readily available. There are lots of interracial couples here and I say this because someone said that wasn't the case here, well, they were mistaken. I work where I see people from all walks of life and there are a lot of interracial couples here. We have a great road system, but the traffic is still bumper to bumper during peak hours. We do not have much of a rail system so far is commuting goes, most people drive wherever they are going. And last but not least, I have met people that moved here because of jobs and the cost of living being a little more affordable than where they came from, (especially from Conn and PA), and several of the ones I have met have decided to move back because the picture was painted much to well. It was a really great place to live and still is if you have a six figure plus income.

[prius109]

Originally Posted by Desdemona123

Where in the world do I say that I "want to rely on the government to take care of it"???

I think citizens do need to keep their elected officials accountable for how they handle growth and that the government does play a very large roll in how growth is handled (but I didn't mention that in my initial post) but in the end, it is up to the citizens, and community goals and mindset that really determine how well growth is handled.

I know you didnt mention the local gvt in your original post. I brought up the Gvt. because it IS their responsibility to deal with the growth of their district. We the people are charged with voting in whomever we think will meet our needs. My point is, dont rely on the current gvt to deal with it for you (since, from what ive heard, they havent dealt with it very well so far) It will need to be a HUGE part of how you all vote in the future!

[cindyj]

I would have to say I really have not influx worries except its impact on the environment. However, that is happening in many states and not just NC. Florida, for example, is busting at its seams. There was an interesting story I watched recently regarding the Florida panther and how it was almost extint years back but it has made a comeback. However, the housing developments are limiting their habitats to where folks are seeing them in the backyards on a regular basis.
I love the foothills and mountains of NC and only worry about losing the scenery with all the new developments.
If the builders will show caution and protect the environment, then all is well. I think this wonderful, diverse state should be shared by all.

[jrdavis]

Originally Posted by SWAF777

I'm just curious if there are any concerns from native North Carolinians or those that have lived in NC for the last several years regarding the incredible influx of people moving to NC. I'm from the Northeast & have been considering moving to NC because my family lives there (for the last 14 years). But, it seems every time I mention to someone up here that I'm considering moving to NC, they rattle off the names of at least 2 or 3 other people they know from CT, NY, NJ, etc. who already have (or are going to). I think North Carolina is a lovely state for many reasons including the cost of housing, the fact that you can find a church on every corner, and the overall warmth & friendliness. As much as I want to be closer to my family, I have some serious concerns about moving to the Raleigh area because, in addition to being close to family, I'm looking for a change of pace & better quality of life; will these lovely qualities of NC still be there another 5, 10 or 20 years? More people mean more schools, roads, hospitals, etc. which means higher taxes. But, it's a nice testament to the state of NC & her inhabitants that so many people want to move there. No one knows what the future holds, but I'd love to hear what others are thinking. Thank you kindly.

Welcome to the south. I am a native and there is plenty of room and plenty of good schools, christian schools and the new "charter schools". Living in the so called bedroom communities of the larger cities is recommended. Halifax county is wide open and little towns like Enfield are in need of concerned and motivated leaders, we have few, and new ones will have to come from out of area. We need you.

[jrdavis]

Originally Posted by SWAF777

I'm just curious if there are any concerns from native North Carolinians or those that have lived in NC for the last several years regarding the incredible influx of people moving to NC. I'm from the Northeast & have been considering moving to NC because my family lives there (for the last 14 years). But, it seems every time I mention to someone up here that I'm considering moving to NC, they rattle off the names of at least 2 or 3 other people they know from CT, NY, NJ, etc. who already have (or are going to). I think North Carolina is a lovely state for many reasons including the cost of housing, the fact that you can find a church on every corner, and the overall warmth & friendliness. As much as I want to be closer to my family, I have some serious concerns about moving to the Raleigh area because, in addition to being close to family, I'm looking for a change of pace & better quality of life; will these lovely qualities of NC still be there another 5, 10 or 20 years? More people mean more schools, roads, hospitals, etc. which means higher taxes. But, it's a nice testament to the state of NC & her inhabitants that so many people want to move there. No one knows what the future holds, but I'd love to hear what others are thinking. Thank you kindly.

As a native I recommend staying outside the Raleigh-Durham, Charlotte and other large city areas. Come on down to Halifax County, Edgecombe County, and enjoy the country while living within an hour of Raleigh and Duke, UNC, Meredith (graduating great teachers every year). We are about 40 minutes from ECU and Pitt Memorial Hospital also. Better yet, we are about 2 -2.5 hours from the beach and the mountains, 90 minutes to Richmond VA. Enfield, NC is having the Annual Peanut Festival on October 5 & 6. Give us a look, taste some great BBQ at Friday's BBQ Cookoff, plates go on sale at 5 p.m. Street dance that night with the Wallers 6 to 9 p.m. There will be fun all day on Saturday with 4 different musical groups performing. Meet Senator Edward Jones (former mayor of Enfield) and Representative Angela Bryant. To reach Enfield, follow I95 south to NC exit 154, take Hwy 481 to Enfield, about 5 miles (do not take 481 bypass).

[Southernkomfort27]

Originally Posted by mm34b

North Carolina's high growth rate seems to be limited to only 15%-20% of the counties, mainly the Charlotte and Raleigh Metro areas. Not much of an issue elsewhere. Overall, the statewide population growth is around 1.6% per year at the moment, but is expected to increase to around 1.8% per year.

Projection to 2030

Just curious; why are the 5 counties in the east losing population? Is it because of a lack of employment?

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

^^
I'm sure Enfield is a lovely part of NC, and I don't mean any offense, but I think some of the previous posters statements may be a bit misleading. I have been out to Edgecombe and Halifax County. Nice country out there, lots of hard working farmers, but where in the world would a transplant new to those areas work?

Originally Posted by jrdavis

As a native I recommend staying outside the Raleigh-Durham, Charlotte and other large city areas. Come on down to Halifax County, Edgecombe County, and enjoy the country while living within an hour of Raleigh and Duke, UNC,

Really? I did a quick google maps and lets say you end up in Enfield in Halifax County. From Enfield to Downtown Raleigh is 73 Miles. Enfield to Duke University is 97 Miles, and Enfield to UNC Chapel Hill is a cooll 100 Miles! How on earth is that within an hour drive of those places? There are places in Eastern Wake County that are at least an hour to Chaple Hill how can a town east of I-95 be closer?

[saturnfan]

Manufacturing jobs are being offshored.

If only the jobs were going to those counties, there would be a real benefit. Wake county has all the population it can handle.