Does Anyone Miss New England? (Raleigh, Morehead City: sales, rentals, home)

[itscolduphere]

I moved here a month ago, and was ready to embrace it. We came firstly for the much more inexpensive rental housing. (to save $$ until ready to buy again) CT rentals are sooo expensive and the condition can be pretty lame for what you pay for.

I was beginning to like it here until we found Red Imported Fire Ants in the bedroom. The exterminator treated the inside and also the outside and we had Top Choice put down, but I just can't shake this... I sleep upstairs now and I'm too scared to go in the yard for any amount of time unless I've got knee socks on under crocks.

It's not just the ants, those just pushed me over the top, that's all. I thought I would like the warmer weather, but already it's too hot for me... I can't imagine having any kind of fun in this heat outside doing anything, even though I hear all these great things about farmers markets and stuff to do in Raleigh. The people here are very nice and friendly, but I think that's the only thing that's going to keep me together until I can move back to New England.

Has anyone here tried real hard to adjust but pretty much made up their mind to move back to New England soon as they're able? Feels bad having spent $$$ on a move so far and just know in your gut it's not looking like a good fit.

Interested in hearing about others in the same boat and what was it that made you decide you want to go back?

[MAtoNC!]

I don't miss it much at all. How long have you been here? You have to give it a year before you throw in the towel.

I wouldn't worry about fire ants too much. I've been bitten once in two years and no one else in my family has been bitten.

When it's hot I go out early or late. When it's cold it's cold all day. Love my central air and AC in my car!

[ljd1010]

We've been here for almost 14 months and do not miss it at all. Went back for a visit for the first time in March - drove down the main street in my hometown in RI and both DH and remarked how dumpy everything looked. We couldn't wait to get back here. This is most definitely home now. As far the heat and humidity, you really do get used to it. Everything is air conditioned. We get these amazing thunderstorms on summer nights that cool things off. We had some fire ants in our back yard last year, but got rid of them. The little buggers do hurt but they can be exterminated. I agree with Kelley (MAtoNC) to give it at least a year. Make friends, socialize and explore the beauty of NC.

[3muskateers]

Yes, I miss it, especially during the fall (football PATRIOTS season) I miss the apple picking and the wonderful New England farms... and I miss the Christmas season in New England also.
We have been here about 10 months and there are parts of NC I enjoy, but there is nothing like New England...especially if you were born and raised there!!!!
I can't wait to go back!!!!

[lovebrentwood]

You are not the only one. I decided to stay here because my husband is from here, and my children acclimated very well. And there used to be more job opportunities here. But I'm happy -- especially when I know my hometown friends will be visiting.

I miss western NY (which is often compared to New England) especially in the fall. The Finger Lakes area is ripe with Halloween charm. People love to decorate for Halloween there, and their front doors look like greeting cards. I love it.

I always thought NC would have wonderful roadside fruit/vegetable stands as they do in western NY. I've only seen one since I've been here.

I thought I would find "country charm" here...front porches, rocking chairs, old stores, nearby farms. Instead, all I see is new construction. I'm sure there is "NC country charm" in the more rural areas of NC. The Finger Lakes area, to me, however, is far more interesting.

I find the summer heat almost unbearable, but I know lots of people here LOVE it. I have a friend, originally from Buffalo, who went on a 30-mile bike ride this afternoon. Me, I almost passed out from sunstroke after doing some yard work.

I spent a lot of my life outdoors in NY, but I've spent most of my time in air conditioning here.

There is plenty to do outdoors in North Carolina, but FOR ME, unless it's the spring or fall, I can't handle it. I miss the glorious summers of my youth and young adulthood.

If I ever went back, it would be because I could spend more time with my sister and my friends doing the things we used to do -- festivals, wine tastings, art shows, events in the Finger Lakes, spending time at lakeside cottages, and spending weekends in Canada, especially in Toronto and Niagara-on-the-Lake. There seemed to be many more choices in the "what to do" category. I don't recall any weekend when we didn't have plans. And the people were always nice, just like here.

Trust your gut, and don't worry what others say.

BUT while you're here, try to acclimate. Go to the farmer's market or the NC flea market in the morning to avoid the heat.

I have a list of things to do that our neighborhood put together, and it's on beautifulbrentwood.com under "Recent Articles" and "Fun Things to do in Raleigh." Plan to do one fun thing every weekend.

Who knows, you might end up liking it here. At the minimum, you can feel better about being here until you make your decision.

Another tip: Read NorthRaleighGuy's posts. He enjoys his life here and shares that joy. He often has good ideas for fun things to do, too.

[uncletupelo]

there are tons and tons of roadside vegtable stands in NC. There are at least 10 on highway 70 east between Raleigh and Morehead City. I pass by at least one most every day while making my sales calls.

[itscolduphere]

You said many things I feel the same about, lovebrentwood.... the stuff up there just can't be replaced with alternates here, for those of us who have the Northeast in our blood. I appreciate the tips especially getting out on the weekend and doing things outdoors in the morning or evening.

[Charlton Dude]

I cannot think of one thing I miss about MA. NC has been pure heaven for us. I love the weather we have and now is the best. I love 80's & 90's with some humidity and I love the more moderate winter. The cost of living is dramatically less for us here and there is so much more to enjoy. It's hard to even go back to MA to visit. I always want to come right back to NC. We felt at home in NC on day one and never looked back. Best decision we ever made.

[Zoya]

Originally Posted by itscolduphere

You said many things I feel the same about, lovebrentwood.... the stuff up there just can't be replaced with alternates here, for those of us who have the Northeast in our blood. I appreciate the tips especially getting out on the weekend and doing things outdoors in the morning or evening.

You have to stop expecting NC to be New England. You'll never be happy if you don't and you might as well move back.

I've lived in New England for a time...guess because I wasn't raised there I don't get all the love for it. I thought it was rude, dirty, biter cold in the winter and summer is too short and the water too cold. To each their own.

I can find plenty of fruit farms and stands down here, arts, the stay out of the noon day sun and the heat isn't bad.

That being said...NC isn't for everyone.....but I am happy it's North Carolina and not New England.

[Charlton Dude]

Originally Posted by Zoya

I've lived in New England for a time...guess because I wasn't raised there I don't get all the love for it. I thought it was rude, dirty, biter cold in the winter and summer is too short and the water too cold. To each their own.

Ditto!