I'm not looking for a date, but social scene if I get the Raleigh job... (Charlotte: low income, section 8)

[bluevelo]

Originally Posted by PDXmom

I grew up in NC, but lived in Portland for a number of years before moving back to NC. As you know, the west coast is just different than the east coast.

However, I don't consider NC to be socially retarded. I consider some people to be socially retarded but I don't usually put that description on a whole state. And socially retarded people can live anywhere.

We're aeithist but have not found religion (out side family pressure) to be an issue here in NC. In 18 months I have had 2 people ask me about church. We sent our youngest to a church preschool and someone asked me if we went to that church. I simply replied no. Another time an 8 year old friend invited us to church to hear her sing. Pretty inocent stuff.

You will find more suttle ways that religion creeps into politics here. I haven't seen the wide spread iniatives like in places like AL, MS, FL or even on the other end like in CA. But I was very shocked to see county and city governments giving money to non-profits run by churches. While these non-profits provide services to the city (such as drug rehab or helping at risk kids) it comes w/ a clear message.

There is more smoking here than we saw in Portland, but it's MUCH LESS than 20 years ago in this area. Most resturants here are smoke free. I don't know about the bar scene.

There are plenty of running and cycling groups in this area. Lots of fit, educated people. The American Tobacco Trail (yeah, it's ironic) is a great place for both running and cycling.

I think in general the people who enjoy this area the most are ones who come in with an open mind and honestly search for things they enjoy. I knew Durham wasn't going to be Portland. And there are a ton of things about Portland that I miss. But I have found many unique things about this area that I love.

Part of the reason we moved was to be closer to aging parents. Whether Raleigh is right for you or not, I do hope you are able to move closer to your children. They need you and you need them.... it's just how we're all wired.

Good luck.

Thanks for your comments and perspective, they're very helpful. Despite the statewide ban here, you still bump into stacks of smokers outside throughout California, its going to be the same when NC and VA go smoke-free (and they eventually will).

I actually think some of the less Nanny State things about NC I would like. One of the things I don't like about CA is the willingness of local and state govts just to constantly raise taxes for this initiative, or that... without thinking about how these constantly rising costs are impacting the average person.

Getting back to my original post, though, how IS the social scene there? I'm a jazz guitarist, for example, are there any jazz clubs, or is it going to be all rock, and country/bluegrass crap? Are there running clubs for singles (such as ATL has)?

[joey2000]

Originally Posted by bluevelo

I'm a jazz guitarist, for example, are there any jazz clubs, or is it going to be all rock, and country/bluegrass crap? Are there running clubs for singles (such as ATL has)?

You really can't let go of this silly Southern stereotype thing can you...this aint 1950 boy. Side rant: I/my family have long deep roots in jazz, but if you think all country/bluegrass is "crap" frankly I question your musical knowledge. It's not all Shania Twain yknow. That rant aside...

True there isn't really much going on jazz-wise that (at least that I have noticed), but keep in mind Raleigh is a very small city and on avg it's probably not much better or worse that way than most its size. If you're looking for some big hot bustling "urban night life" you're likely to be quite disappointed.

[skaternum]

Originally Posted by bluevelo

Getting back to my original post, though, how IS the social scene there? I'm a jazz guitarist, for example, are there any jazz clubs, or is it going to be all rock, and country/bluegrass crap? Are there running clubs for singles (such as ATL has)?

Gooooooooogle.

[uncletupelo]

calling real bluegrass music crap is just plain ignorant. you need to stay out of the south with your attitude.

[mmmc]

I'm confused. You insult the area more than once in your post and then ask us to convince you to come here?

[bluevelo]

Originally Posted by mmmc

I'm confused. You insult the area more than once in your post and then ask us to convince you to come here?

I'm not insulting, I'm trying to see - honestly - if the stereotypes about the South in general are true. I lived in two Southern states for the better part of a decade and a half... but people always rave about The Triangle being better, a good place for transplants, etc. In other words, "different". So tell me about how its different!

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Originally Posted by bluevelo

I'm not insulting, I'm trying to see - honestly - if the stereotypes about the South in general are true.

They are not true. End of story. Do some research on google and try to refrain from calling things crap and retarded if you want people to respond to your inquiries in a positive manner. Not sure how you don't see using those kinds of words to describe things as an insult.

Again, try google. You will find it is very helpful in locating stores, restaurants, and venues you are looking to locate in any city. To help you get started I know of a few good places to listen to jazz and blues in the Triangle. I'm sure there are more, but these are a few off the top of my head:

Zydeco ~ Raleigh
Amras ~ Raleigh
Papa Mojos ~ Durham
Broad Street Cafe ~ Durham (Open Blues Jam every Wednesday Night)

Here's a friendly tip: this forum is a great place to get information but trying to put people in a defensive position by saying "tell me how the Triangle is different" [from the ignorant stereotypes I have come across] is a little unbecoming of a person looking for a friendly discussion. A good bedside manner goes a long way. Honestly.

[bluevelo]

Originally Posted by North_Raleigh_Guy

They are not true. End of story. Do some research on google and try to refrain from calling things crap and retarded if you want people to respond to your inquiries in a positive manner. Not sure how you don't see using those kinds of words to describe things as an insult.

Again, try google. You will find it is very helpful in locating stores, restaurants, and venues you are looking to locate in any city. To help you get started I know of a few good places to listen to jazz and blues in the Triangle. I'm sure there are more, but these are a few off the top of my head:

Zydeco ~ Raleigh
Amras ~ Raleigh
Papa Mojos ~ Durham
Broad Street Cafe ~ Durham (Open Blues Jam every Wednesday Night)

Here's a friendly tip: this forum is a great place to get information but trying to put people in a defensive position by saying "tell me how the Triangle is different" [from the ignorant stereotypes I have come across] is a little unbecoming of a person looking for a friendly discussion. A good bedside manner goes a long way. Honestly.

Thanks for the links. The blues jam looks interesting.

[rnc2mbfl]

I am really confused by the OP. On the one hand, you complain about the liberal politics of CA then you complain about the socially retarded South. What you seem to dislike sure seems to run the gamut.
I just don't see a way that I can help you make your decision. I think you'll have to make that one on your own.
Good Luck.

[LLN]

Sir:

Do not bother to move here. From your posts, you are coming in with a very negative attitude, basically, NC is in jail, and will need to get out on parole. Much different than coming here with open eyes (and opinions). You appear to be really down on liberals out in California and certainly you rant against many conservative aspects of the south.

It appears that you have lived in many places so I "assume" (and I realize the danger there) that you have not been really happy in any of them.

Perhaps a return to vanilla IOWA is what the doctor ordered. I spent 6 years in West Des Moines, loved it, great town and culture, but not very cutting edge, either way.

I am sure you can rebut everything I have posted, but my advice, and I am not trying to pick a fight, is that you reread all of your posts, then look hard in the mirror.

I am trying to be helpful, I do not think NC is for you.

Best of luck.

lln