I have recently returned from a 1 week vacation in Cornelius (Lake Norman nc) area; and was very impressed with having easy access to Charlotte (only a 20 minute drive to get my City fix); the shopping around the Lake Norman area was fantastic... I loved the Lake; but found not also having the beach rather sad.

In 2013 we will be looking to relocate to a warmer area than here in Virginia (near Washington DC); so was wondering which City would make the better place to live for Empty...