NC vs SC (real estate, insurance, mortgage)

[2HHI]

In making my plans for relocation to HHI, many people have brought up some interesting insight, or opinions, that I would like to hear what the people here in SC have to say.
Several people have commented on the comparrison between your sister state to the north, NC. Many people have stated that NC is far more progressive (in what way, I dont know) than SC...but they dont always comment on how. I know they have more population, and maybe some bigger cities, but thats about the only difference I can see...as an outsider.
Some have stated that SC still holds on too much of the old south type attitude, more like an MS and AL, rather than FLA or VA...again...for whatever that is worth.
I see very little difference between the two, but would be interested to hear the opinions of both SC and NC residents.
My main reason for choosing SC was weather and HHI. NC was never even a contender or consideration, but due to so many telling me how great it is, I thought I'd like to hear what locals think first hand.
I appologize if a thread like this has already been visited, and thank all who choose to comment.

[Akhenaton06]

NC is more progressive than SC in a few key areas. I think you can see the biggest difference when it comes to the economy. SC is still a state that bases its economy largely on tourism and manufacturing, whereas NC has embraced the high-growth, high wage sectors of biotech and financial services (which isn't doing so well as an industry right now, but that's another subject) to a large degree. Overall, NC also tends to rank better when it comes to education, whether we're talking about K-12 or higher education. The sentiment that SC is still "old South" has to do with the Confederate flag flying on state grounds, coupled with SC consistently being a solidly red state. While it's too early to say that it represents a trend, NC did go blue in the last election and is one of the few Southern states (or maybe the only Southern state) to not have passed a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage while SC did a few years ago. So there are a few key differences, although I feel a lot of times that NCers make them out to be more than what they are. Both states have their less progressive rural areas, and both states have elected a vocal, "old South" politician to represent them for years (SC: Strom Thurmond, NC: Jesse Helms). But being that you're relocating to Hilton Head, I think you'll be fine. I think that's one area where SC undisputedly has the upper hand: the coastal communities. They are more popular, more varied, and overall more accessible than NC's.

[JS1]

NC gun laws are pretty crappy compared to SC, TX, FL. For example, in NC a concealed carry permit holder can't carry in a bank or a movie theater. Don't they think that a bank is a pretty good place to have armed law-abiding citizens?

[geezerman7]

I agree with Akhenaton's "coastal comments". Overly simply stated...if you want the coast...stick with SC...if you aspire to be inland or in the mountains...i much prefer NC. Indeed, NC more progressive...meaning more bankers, mortgage cos., insurance people, etc....oh goody! Perhaps that's why unemployment is trending toward 13% in Charlotte. Those people aren't re-trainable to do anything...other than perhaps clean up behind the elephants when the circus comes to town.

[Geechie North]

Originally Posted by geezerman7

I agree with Akhenaton's "coastal comments". Overly simply stated...if you want the coast...stick with SC...if you aspire to be inland or in the mountains...i much prefer NC. Indeed, NC more progressive...meaning more bankers, mortgage cos., insurance people, etc....oh goody! Perhaps that's why unemployment is trending toward 13% in Charlotte. Those people aren't re-trainable to do anything...other than perhaps clean up behind the elephants when the circus comes to town.

.

Neither state is liberal in even the most generous typology.

My advice is much like your's, though:

SC for beach. NC for mountains.

IF those are your only choices.

[Akhenaton06]

Originally Posted by geezerman7

Indeed, NC more progressive...meaning more bankers, mortgage cos., insurance people, etc....oh goody!

Uhhh, no. I mentioned areas in which NC is truly more progressive than SC, and it consisted of much more than just a bunch of folks in the FIRE (financial, insurance, real estate) industries.

Perhaps that's why unemployment is trending toward 13% in Charlotte.

No, that's due to irresponsibility among the big banks in town. Charlotte does need more diversification when it comes to the local economy, but banking made this city more prosperous and put it on the map. Hopefully city leaders can use it as a springboard to lure more industries.

Those people aren't re-trainable to do anything...other than perhaps clean up behind the elephants when the circus comes to town.

We're talking about people with degrees and certifications, not blue-collar textile employees who may or may not even have a high school diploma. Furthermore, financial services is a wide field that consists of much more than just banking. At any rate, there's no need to make this an us vs. them type thing here. I have no idea why it seems as though lately people can't have a civil conversation around here about the pros and cons of two places without slinging mud.

[Intergalactic]

Originally Posted by geezerman7

Indeed, NC more progressive...meaning more bankers, mortgage cos., insurance people, etc....oh goody! Perhaps that's why unemployment is trending toward 13% in Charlotte. Those people aren't re-trainable to do anything...other than perhaps clean up behind the elephants when the circus comes to town.

Untrue and uncool.

[2HHI]

This seems to becoming a very lively discussion, and I thought it may be...however...that was not my intention in starting this thread, nor do I want to cause any hard feelings among NC and SC residents.
However, I often wondered if there is any kind of rivalry between NC and SC...obviously there is some?
The word "Progressive" sure is open for interpetion. Personally, I do not see NC as being more progressive because they have the research triangle, high tech industries or perhaps, as some may think, more "educated" people in there metro areas. Education alone does not make one smart in my opinion...the world is filled with educated idiots. My father shot his way out of 3rd grade in MS and he was one of the brightest and enlightened people I knew.
I appreciate all the responses to this point, it has enamored my decision on SC even stronger. It is my hope that SC remains redder than red and holds on to many of its traditional, old south ways.
NC doesn't seem too different from the "progressive blue state" of WI I'm coming from...and can't wait to be rid of.

[PawleysDude]

any kind of rivalry between NC and SC...obviously there is some?

Hey 2HHI, it's been awhile... Most of my life not spent in SC was in NC, still have two kids living up there, so I still feel at home in both places. I've never seen anything resembling much rivalry between the two states, even in sports. There's obviously some overlap in the ACC, but nothing you could call a rivalry. I'm not sure what else would be a basis for competition. The two states share Carowinds, so if you can't get worked up over basketball or roller coasters, there's not much left. I'd call it mutual coexistence between two laid-back friends...

Still, I think you're right - if you're looking for high unemployment rates, mediocre schools, a state that would rather complain about long-gone textile jobs rather than laying the foundation for high-tech jobs to help support taxes, and close-minded, out of touch politics, SC is the place for you. Regardless of how you stretch it, NC is a long way from being liberal. But as a group, their voter base at least has the intelligence to consider what both parties have to offer. If the SC republican party nominated the dead possum lying in my backyard, it would be our next US senator. Although, with that thought in mind, it might do a better job than one of our current ones. Anyway, if you're looking for red, welcome home.

Still, if you're looking for "traditional, old South ways", I think you'll struggle to find 'em in HHI. In fact, you'll struggle to find any "Southerners" there with even a Southern accent, but that's another story, and we've already kicked that dead horse around, haven't we... Good luck with your move, and hope you find what you're lookin' for.

[geezerman7]

I stand corrected on my overly-simply stated...and sweeping generalization use...of the term "progressive". However, I refuse to back down on all the financial types...who make a living simply because "$1 today gets you $1.05 a year from now." As Warren Buffet says..."Ya don't know who's swimming naked until the tide goes out." I stand by my original assertion...they aren't re-trainable to do anything marginally north of minimum wage jobs. They are mostly sitting in abeyance, hoping the financial circus comes back to town!