Wanting to move to charlotte (need your honest feedback) (Jacksonville: low income, real estate market)

[ellesoul]

Hi,

I'm a 21 yr old college student in Orlando, Fl and I am considering moving to Charlotte, NC. I currently reside in Orlando and have been here for the last 8 years. Needless to say, I hate it and I am ready for a new move.

These are why I want to move away from there. I know it's long but please read:

1)The job market in Orlando, Fl is virtually non- existent. I have been looking for a permanent fulltime since December of last year. I went 3 months looking for an admin job before something finally opened- a TEMP. I had a caucasion supervisor, and after learning all of the new material faster and knew it better than most of employess already there, I was notified less than 2 weeks later, on my way to work one morning, that the supervisor decided to let me go by my temp agency. And why? "Your supervisor states that you were failing to grasp the material." Which I knew was untrue, because training was supposed to last 4-6 weeks, but they were so impressed with my speed, I was placed on the floor in less than a week. But Florida, sadly is a right-to-work state. It didn't matter if it was true or not, an employer can decide to let you go for any stupid, trivial reason. It is now August 2008, and all I have managed to get are different temp jobs here and there. The cost of living is so high here and the wages they pay are so low. And most employers won't even look at you if you can't speak spanish!?! Which leads to my second reason why I want to move...

2) High cost of living+ low wage (or non existent job market) = High CRIME
The crime here has skyrocketed. With central Fl being inundated with hispanics (who refuse to learn english) and all the other people moving here thinking it's going to be better than where thay came from, it's just getting too congested. I am an African American female, and sadly I see that with a shrinking economy in Fl it's all the more tighter for minorities trying to get their foot in the door. In Orlando, it's sad to say, but it is very rare to see successful educated black people. There are too many thugs, vagabonds, and hoodlums taken over the streets. And Orlando, is no longer the safe place it used to be.

3) I would like a more positive environment. People here are rude, heartless, and impersonal. And there's a slight but subtle racism. You have to catch it though... Communities are either all black (low income, ghetto, hood) or all white. I don't think of myself as any better than anybody, I love meeting and talking to people from all ethnic socio-economic backgrnds. But in Orlando, things feel all too divided and seperated.

I would like to be in a lively city that's rich in it's culture and it's heritage. Where I can actually see people (and my people) striving for success. And also a city that thrives on diversity. I want to be in a place where I can be proud to call home.

I have heard so many positive things about North Carolina. But do you like it? How is the job market? How would you describe the culture/people? Is NC anything like the reasons why I want leave Orlando? I would really like your feed back thanks.

[ellesoul]

Oh Also, How is the Public Transportation System in Charlotte? Do you absolutely need to have a car or is one able to make it decently/comfortably on your bus line? As the bus system in Orlando is horrible and crappy.

[SuperchargedSS]

just wanted to make one point: the job market is tough EVERYWHERE, not just Orlando. You have to be that much better than the next applicant otherwise you won't even be looked at.

There are countless threads on this forum that state how hard it is to get a job here and not to move here unless you have something lined up. That might be something to think about...

[ctribucher]

I know it might be difficult to travel since you're currently a student, but may I suggest you visit Charlotte and experience this city first hand?

Internet boards are great places to do research, but I think you should really try to visit Charlotte so you can see if it is a good fit for you.

[trenellalexis]

I am 24 and I also am looking into moving to Charlotte. I live in Maitland right outside of oralndo. I know what you are talking about. I am going to visit NC next before I make that move. But I know oralndo is not the place for me. I need a change and a new start. I hope you visit too before you move.

[1908WAGY]

Hi Elle,

I just moved from South Florida myself and found some of the same issues you listed in your post. I don't have anything against Hispanics, but the Cubans in South Florida were off the chain. Openly racist not only against blacks, but whites and other non-Cuban hispanics as well...really weird.
I'm just making this point, because I really felt as though I wasn't in the United States while I lived down there, and I have lived in 3 other states during my lifetime and I am originally from NYC, so I am accustomed to living with people from all over the world....

[thebalogas]

I used to live in Orlando and I know what you mean, but I loved it anyway, when I was younger and single. I have lived in towns that were not so big for the last four years and coming to Charlotte is like going to Orlando for me. The traffic is terrible, drivers are rude, they cut you off just like Orlando. I sat on I485 bumper to bumper today for about an hour and that was before I got off of my exit which took another 40 minutes.

But the people are really nice so far, it is a more homey environment where I live.

The cost of living is not cheaper. Rent is about the same. If you buy, you can get houses cheaper here. The groceries are the same, gas prices may be a little lower, it is hard to get a good job here, and NC is also a right to work state.

The television sensationalizes the bad things on the news just like Orlando. If that's the right way to say it.

You need to visit and judge for yourself. It's not bad, but to me it's like Orlando without access to the beach and year round great weather.

[ellesoul]

Thanks for all the responses. I plan to visit NC during my winter break.

[kyle1976]

Florida is suffering due to the downturn in the real estate market and because of the high foreclosure rate because homeowners are losing so much on their homes. This has a huge impact on the job market and just cost of living in general. I have lived in Charlotte for 8 years and I love it. This place is growing by leaps and bounds and is a very new and modern city full of opportunity. The cost of living is some of the lowest in the country which is why there are so many people relocating to the area in order to take advantage of the lower property taxes and income tax, the great weather, the central location to the beach and mountains, the opporutnity for new businesses and the growth that is taking place and the real estate market is still doing the best in comparison to othere parts of the country. This is the place to be!! Charlotte is a melting pot and there is a strong culture here and is very diversified. The public transportation system is great and the new Light Rail just opened which will take you from South Charlotte all the way to downtown for $1.30/day. I would say go for it. Check out jobs on careerbuilder.com and start applying or move here and find something to get by until you find the job you really want. Good luck!!!

[nail in da coffin]

Have you looked at Jacksonville/St Augustine area? It is not such as big a move and yet it will be a change in environment for you. You might want to look at Gainesville/Ocala for a change also, and not have to uproot yourself as much.