Biracial couple with child from nyc trying to move to Charlotte (Star: transplants, HOA fees)
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Location: The place where the road & the sky collide
23,814 posts, read 34,706,106 times
Reputation: 10256
Advertisements
Quote:
Originally Posted by HeavenSkye
Oh wow, I didn't know that, thankfully his brother lives in Georgia and has his own business, one being near Charlotte and is offering him a job, so he is secure, but now I am scared for myself!! I will start looking into jobs now, so I won't be walking in blind thank you!!
Where is it located? You said near Charlotte. People can help you better if they know the locations. This is a very large metro area.
Although I love NYC, as diverse as it is, there are parts of it, just like any other place where there are many people who have problems. Just to clarify, We live in Flushing Queens, and we get stares and attitude all the time, although I get it because our area consists of mostly asians, my fiance used to live in south jamaica, where the area is mostly black, its a rough area, and i have noticed a lot of people have that traditional attitude where you should date your own race, and they make that known to us with stares, threats, and racial comments about me, although some people in the area couldn't care less. I think someone mentioned they hope we're not moving just because of whatever issues we are running into with race, and to reassure you we're not, I was just giving a little background because I wanted to know how it is in Charlotte, because I've been warned by many friends that moving down south in general was taking a risk because many cities are not happy about bi racial relationships, but I don't want to stereotype all of down south of being racist lol, so that's why I asked. I can take the criticism but I don't want my daughter to grow up being made fun of, or feeling left out because she is mixed that is all, which reminds me, if someone can tell me how the schools are, which areas of charlotte they prefer and why, I would really appreciate it, wow this is a long post lol. Oh and as for the job market thanks for the heads up because as much research as I have done I didn't find too much about the job market.
Although I love NYC, as diverse as it is, there are parts of it, just like any other place where there are many people who have problems. Just to clarify, We live in Flushing Queens, and we get stares and attitude all the time, although I get it because our area consists of mostly asians, my fiance used to live in south jamaica, where the area is mostly black, its a rough area, and i have noticed a lot of people have that traditional attitude where you should date your own race, and they make that known to us with stares, threats, and racial comments about me, although some people in the area couldn't care less. I think someone mentioned they hope we're not moving just because of whatever issues we are running into with race, and to reassure you we're not, I was just giving a little background because I wanted to know how it is in Charlotte, because I've been warned by many friends that moving down south in general was taking a risk because many cities are not happy about bi racial relationships, but I don't want to stereotype all of down south of being racist lol, so that's why I asked. I can take the criticism but I don't want my daughter to grow up being made fun of, or feeling left out because she is mixed that is all, which reminds me, if someone can tell me how the schools are, which areas of charlotte they prefer and why, I would really appreciate it, wow this is a long post lol. Oh and as for the job market thanks for the heads up because as much research as I have done I didn't find too much about the job market.
The truth is, in the last 30 years large southern cities have become much more accepting of interracial couples than many places in the north. I know that is hard for you to believe, but it is true. This is not the south of earlier generations.
Maybe part of it is that we don't have cities divided by ethic areas, so we don't have that notion like some you mentioned that people should only date/marry in their culture. Maybe because this is the Bible Belt we have a deeper understanding that color truly doesn't matter. Maybe its because as southerners we are used to being discriminated against, so we stick together more. But whatever the reason, I think you'll be generally pleasantly surprised with the way you are accepted in Charlotte
Not sure where your husbands job is exactly but I will speak to what you have written so far. We live in the southern part of Charlotte, not "South Charlotte" as I have read on here
We moved here 4 years ago and found a great neighborhood that is mixed with all kinds of races, religions and from all over the country. Moderator cut: no realtor or developer links and find neighborhoods that range from $300 to 1m. They are very community focused with a community website, pool, tennis courts, etc and we have made great friends in a short period of time.
The schools are Union County schools and we have been very happy with them. Our kids are elem school age. We are a 30 minute drive to what is considered Uptown (Downtown) Charlotte, but there are plenty of good hospitals and medical practices around our specific area. The YMCA is huge here and they have amazing facilities all through the city. Your membership includes two hours of child care whenever you want to work out. A nice perk for a young mom!
Anyhow, I hope your move goes well and your husband's job works out like you want it to!
Last edited by SunnyKayak; 06-09-2010 at 07:34 PM..
Hey HeavenSkye, it sounds like you've had some bad experiences in NYC, and regardless of what it SHOULD be like there, it happens anyway.
I had the same worries when my husband and I moved down here in April. We're from Southern Ontario, Canada, I'm Peruvian/Brazilian (by birth, but adopted young and into a white family, so it's a bit different, no accent or anything) and he's white. I thought we'd be heading right into Bible thumping Good 'Ol Boy territory, but I was totally wrong. There are a lot of interracial couples here, and nobody stares. In fact, when we moved, my parents came down to help and they were REALLY impressed. Back home, we would regularly get strange looks when we went out as a family. My parents are both older and white and my brother and I are both quite young and dark. Going out to eat was interesting, even my husband and I would be given separate bills! Anyway, coming down here, we immediately noticed that there was no tension and no awkward gawking. I'd say 95% of the people we've been around are friendly and don't take much notice to the fact that we're a mixed couple, and I can't even say for certain that the other 5% were, maybe they just had an off day!
I would say, don't worry about it. It's not unlike other cities, where you have good and bad parts of town, more black and more white parts of town, racists and unprejudiced people, but you don't have to be on guard at all times.
It was a strange realization, but about a week after we moved, I knew that I felt more at home here than I ever did...at home!
We live in South Charlotte, almost on the border to SC, and we love it so far!
Hey HeavenSkye, it sounds like you've had some bad experiences in NYC, and regardless of what it SHOULD be like there, it happens anyway.
I had the same worries when my husband and I moved down here in April. We're from Southern Ontario, Canada, I'm Peruvian/Brazilian (by birth, but adopted young and into a white family, so it's a bit different, no accent or anything) and he's white. I thought we'd be heading right into Bible thumping Good 'Ol Boy territory, but I was totally wrong. There are a lot of interracial couples here, and nobody stares. In fact, when we moved, my parents came down to help and they were REALLY impressed. Back home, we would regularly get strange looks when we went out as a family. My parents are both older and white and my brother and I are both quite young and dark. Going out to eat was interesting, even my husband and I would be given separate bills! Anyway, coming down here, we immediately noticed that there was no tension and no awkward gawking. I'd say 95% of the people we've been around are friendly and don't take much notice to the fact that we're a mixed couple, and I can't even say for certain that the other 5% were, maybe they just had an off day!
I would say, don't worry about it. It's not unlike other cities, where you have good and bad parts of town, more black and more white parts of town, racists and unprejudiced people, but you don't have to be on guard at all times.
It was a strange realization, but about a week after we moved, I knew that I felt more at home here than I ever did...at home!
We live in South Charlotte, almost on the border to SC, and we love it so far!
Although I love NYC, as diverse as it is, there are parts of it, just like any other place where there are many people who have problems. Just to clarify, We live in Flushing Queens, and we get stares and attitude all the time, although I get it because our area consists of mostly asians, my fiance used to live in south jamaica, where the area is mostly black, its a rough area, and i have noticed a lot of people have that traditional attitude where you should date your own race, and they make that known to us with stares, threats, and racial comments about me, although some people in the area couldn't care less. I think someone mentioned they hope we're not moving just because of whatever issues we are running into with race, and to reassure you we're not, I was just giving a little background because I wanted to know how it is in Charlotte, because I've been warned by many friends that moving down south in general was taking a risk because many cities are not happy about bi racial relationships, but I don't want to stereotype all of down south of being racist lol, so that's why I asked. I can take the criticism but I don't want my daughter to grow up being made fun of, or feeling left out because she is mixed that is all, which reminds me, if someone can tell me how the schools are, which areas of charlotte they prefer and why, I would really appreciate it, wow this is a long post lol. Oh and as for the job market thanks for the heads up because as much research as I have done I didn't find too much about the job market.
Since I was one who brought up NYC diversity, let me just say that I completely get it now... Thanks for taking the time to clarify.
The above posts really tell the tale, but would just point out the "stare level" will likely rise as you move out of the more established metro areas. Even then, a Queens person will surely have the built in radar to know it's harmless.
Schools can be a pretty hot debate - maybe give us some more details/requirements/price point and we'd be happy to offer some options!
I agree with a previous response to question why you and your fiance would have racial problems in NYC since NYC is one of the most diverse places to live in since almost everyone there is of a mixed race. It sounds like your fiance's women neighbors may have a "hater" issue and wants him to be attracted to them.
In regards to employment, I have a relative who's relocated Charlotte from NY since 2007. She's currently unemployed, her unemployment has run out. She's been without work for a year now. She's a licensed Medical Biller/Coding specialist. I often help her in submitting her resume to companies via internet since she's unable to do it herself since she doesn't have a computer. The point I'm making to you is to NOT go to Charlotte without landing secure employment. It would be terrible to jump into a situation without proper footing. BTW, most utility companies in the Charlotte area such as Duke power requires a customer to make a deposit of at least $100 in order to turn on any lights. Unlike here in NY you can just call Con Ed in which a deposit isn't required. Water is also required to be paid, cable, etc... If you are going to school to become an ultrasound technician, I will assume you may have a student loan to pay to add onto the list of the other bills I mentioned.
I wish you both the best and please do the proper research.
My wife and I will be moving to Mooresville in the 19th. None of the utilities asked us for a deposit. They did do a credit check to see if they required a deposit but none did.
New York is a very diverse state so it struck me odd that you were having issues with others about your diverse background (family). Could there be another reason? Have you thought about starting a group for families of interrial couples? What I am trying to say is do not run from anything? There is racism everywhere it is due to people's ignorance not there intelligence. Charlotte, is very different from New York. There is no Timesquare, extensive transportation system, vendors, or anything New York. I moved from California to Kentucky and then here. It was a shock but I have adapted. Why not come down and visit us for two weeks and see how you like it? Start your research on our state.
Pictures of Charlotte.
Website for Charlotte. home (http://www.charmeck.org/living/home.htm - broken link)
History of Charlotte and other informationModerator cut: link removed
Charlotte's Got Alot Charlotte Travel & Tourism - Charlotte NC Hotels, Restaurants & Shopping
honestly, being from queens, i'm sorry that you had to go through feeling that way because of a few close minded and bitter ppl upset at their own lives.
i DO NOT think that you should move to charlotte unless you absolutely have to, tho. the job market is worse, the unemployment rate is definitely worse, there isn't as much to do, public transportation isn't as good, etc. etc.
definitely visit before you move, if you decide to move. put your resume out there right now. your husband has a job offer...cool...but how much is he going to make? you don't want to leave ny and go to charlotte and be stuck in charlotte, not making any money but unable to move back because you don't have the money.
IMO the wages are too low and the unemployment rate is too high to justify a move at this time.
to answer your questions tho, you won't run into any issues in charlotte as far as interracial dating/families.
you need a car to live in charlotte, despite what ppl will say when they talk about the light rail train or the bus system.
it doesn't matter if you live in "city areas" or not, uptown is mad small and you probably won't be doing what you think you would want to there. there are festivals, a few museums (all boring in comparison to what you'd get in nyc -they are fine if you go with an open mind, i guess), you can watch the panthers and bobcats if you're into sports...
but you can't shop in uptown charlotte. shopping is centered around malls, strip malls, etc.
if possible i'd try atlanta over charlotte...i dunno what part of GA your husband has friends/fam in tho.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
