Charlotte - What's It Like? (Gastonia, Concord: insurance, employment, good schools)

[sunshinecities]

Any info. you can give on what it's like to live in Charlotte or within approx. 5 miles of it is appreciated. My husband and I are thinking of moving there. We have been considering other areas in the US as well, but are also intriuged by Charlotte and the housing costs seem cheaper than here in CT. We are in our 50's. So anything you can think of , culture, traffic, employment outlook and/or types of jobs there, good areas to live, climate, yard pests, temp. range during the winter months - anything is appreciated. Thanks!

[friendnc]

I live in suburban Charlotte. Love living here. LOTS of recreational assets. Strong economy (banking/finance/insurance), sunny 4-season climate, good arts community, good safe suburbs with good schools, cost of living is reasonable, great people. Good suburban towns to look at are Concord/Harrisburg (NE of Charlotte), Belmont/SE Gastonia (west), Ft. Mill/Tega Cay (south). Some more rual towns that are nice, but still in the metro are Mt. Pleasant (NE), Cherryville (west), Clover (SW). PM me if you need any info. Good luck!