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It's fun to see people's perspectives when it comes to actually putting in the time in both areas. I have been to NYC on two occasions in my life and wouldn't be a good candidate to actually review the city as my time there was brief. I did spend 10 years in Houston, TX and even though I wouldn't go back if you paid me to, what I really miss about being in a large city is the endless supply of new restaurant to try, the endless supply of attractions for the kids, the fact that you were always finding new communities, new cultures, new pockets of art, etc that kept you busy on the weekends.
I loved driving to Little Vietnam for example, and going into a restaurant where there was no English menus or English speaking waitstaff and having no clue what I was ordering just to see how good it was. It's hard to find ethnic pockets in Charleston, and I miss that about Houston for sure.
Other than that, I thought your perspective on SC vs NY is a fairly common assessment of why New Yorkers are moving south. The ones that I help relocate here all pretty much say the same reasons: weather, taxes, good investment area, outdoor living...
I wouldn't disagree with your comparison and of course it's a "to each, his own" decision. For me, I could never live in a big city but I do appreciate what a big city has to offer culturally. Charleston is the best compromise on that count that I've ever come across. Small city feel with more cultural outlets than most cities it's size.
I would also compare air/water quality which would be another win for Charleston. I haven't been to NY in decades but I worked as a caretaker of an estate in Brewster, NY and used to go down to the city on occasion. I'd always have a headache by the end of the day, and I felt it was the air quality. Pretty much all big cities lose on that count of course.
Like wiseman, weather and taxes are two of the biggest motivators I hear from folks moving south. The whole "feel" of the south is different though. I don't know how you might incorporate that into your blog, but a more relaxed and friendly population is something many transplants remark on once they're here.
The whole "feel" of the south is different though. I don't know how you might incorporate that into your blog, but a more relaxed and friendly population is something many transplants remark on once they're here.
This is true. Different pace, but slower doesn't mean mentally slower.
I've only visited NY. But honestly, I don't get the whole pizza thing. I've eaten at different NY pizza eateries that local's "swear by" (everyone seems to have their own local corner pie guy), but I've never been floored by the thought that this pie is defiantly better than what I can get at a local shop in Charleston.
The article writer said they lived in a NYC suburb thus it would be quite different than in NYC itself. Also it sound like they live in a suburb of Charleston also.
Having lived in both places (plus Boston (born there), Chicago, and LA) when I was younger (say under 55), I loved being in the big cities. Tons of things to see, places to visit, places to eat, wide selection of people, etc. I loved it. As I aged I disliked the things that came with it. Traffic, crime, taxes, and people everywhere. So I relocated to SC (Mount Pleasant, and now Lexington). I gave up a lot of the things I liked (mainly food) but I also got away from things I did not like. Good trade on my part.
Were I brought up in Charleston (or Columbia), I would have gotten the hell out of there in my mid 20's. Go see the world, the bid cities, Broadway, Hollywood, the painted ladies, etc. When they get tiresome, as they will, return to home sweet home SC and enjoy a relaxing life.
Thanks for the replies, yes I do/did live in the suburbs of both. Westchester and Mt. Pleasant. The point was that, as someone said, Charleston is a great alternative to a metropolis. I appreciate your taking the time to read the blog and reply.
Weather - agree Charleston is better for me but my husband misses the snow. Medical Care - Disagree, My husband has been dealing with cancer in both places and we have found the care here to be so much better, better attitudes, more pleasant offices and staff, and considerably shorter wait times. The coordination of care has been amazing. We count our blessings every day that we are here for medical care. Culture - I don't think you can really compare. They are each very very different but both are amazing. Housing costs and property taxes - Charleston hands down! Outdoor Activities - depends on what you are looking for so I don't think you can compare. My husband misses all the winter outdoor activities that are in NY. SO while you may not boat all year round you can go skiing, sledding, ice skating, hiking in winter, making snow forts and snowmen, we camped in winter which is another experience you wouldn't get here. Pizza/Bagels/Chinese - NY hands down Restaurants - Can't compare both are amazing just different.
FYI born in Brooklyn, Raised on LI, happily living my retirement in SC
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Thanks.
