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There are a lot of exciting changes happening in Greenville, however, starting to find that we are urbanites and when not in Downtown Greenville we find the city a bit boring (and I mean this with absolutely no disrespect so please don't start with getting defensive as I see often on this forum). I think if we stayed our next move would be within walking distance of downtown. We are beginning to look at all of our options as my wife and I were just afforded jobs that will allow for fully remote work within a year. We really miss the coast so, as you'll see, these cities are roughly 3 hours or less (Richmond being the closest). Each of the following cities appear to have a lot of exciting changes coming when looking up the master plans, so I'd be interested to see the feedback. With that said, which is the best given the following criteria: Charlotte, Greenville, Raleigh, Richmond
Downtown:
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Last edited by NomadByKnight; 05-31-2019 at 12:57 PM..
In my opinion, Raleigh/Durham is a truly excellent area to live overall, even if there are certain categories where other metro areas may have an advantage. There are plenty of reasons why it is one of the fastest growing places in the nation, even exceeding Charlotte and far ahead of Greenville and Richmond. The economy is thriving, public safety levels are better than average, three top tier universities (and various smaller schools) are well integrated into their communities, and the urban amenities including the arts and dining scene as well as the greenway system are continuously expanding. I think Raleigh/Durham is a little better connected with the beaches than Greenville and Charlotte, as it is a straight shot down I-40 to the Wilmington area.
One advantage Greenville has over Raleigh is closer proximity to the mountains, but if that isn't a priority, the Triangle is probably a better match.
If you're an urbanite and that's important to you, I'd go with Richmond. There are definitely urban and interesting areas outside of downtown, it has a pretty great economy, the scenery is nice as it is on the James River which provides recreational opportunities, you're not far from the mountains, beach, or DC, there a robust arts scene in place, etc. The biggest downside is probably crime compared to the other three, but I actually don't think it's much different than Charlotte in that regard. Overall I think it's underrated and probably offers the most bang for the buck out of this bunch.
The biggest downside is probably crime compared to the other three, but I actually don't think it's much different than Charlotte in that regard.
Actually, Richmond has one of the highest homicide rates in the country and at 20 murders per 100,000 it is actually about twice the murder rate of Charlotte. The crime in Richmond was one reason I never would consider living in that city, even if people claim it is just people who know each other killing one another. It isn't a big enough city where I think I can escape a murder rate that is that high.
Actually, Richmond has one of the highest homicide rates in the country and at 20 murders per 100,000 it is actually about twice the murder rate of Charlotte. The crime in Richmond was one reason I never would consider living in that city, even if people claim it is just people who know each other killing one another. It isn't a big enough city where I think I can escape a murder rate that is that high.
Well I said crime in general not homicides specifically. But I hear you.
There are a lot of exciting changes happening in Greenville, however, starting to find that we are urbanites and when not in Downtown Greenville we find the city a bit boring (and I mean this with absolutely no disrespect so please don't start with getting defensive as I see often on this forum). I think if we stayed our next move would be within walking distance of downtown.
What can you do in these cities that you can't do in Greenville and upstate.
What suburban area is really exciting. I don't consider downtown areas to be exciting. It is just office space, restaurants, retail, parks, etc
For me,. Greenville is a much better location for getting outdoors and has the best downtown.
So a person in gville can't attend games in Charlotte. It seems like a person would have moved to Charlotte if their sports teams were that big a priority
What makes Raleigh and Richmond museums better than greenville and upstate museums, and how do you know this.
I'll give Charlotte and Raleigh credit for lakes closer to downtown. But I like the western SC lakes better.
For me:
1. Richmond (an all-around gem. By far the best of the four options)
2. Charlotte (boring but less so than Raleigh)
3. Raleigh (boring)
4. Greenville (way too conservative, even if the small city proper is nice).
It does seem like most people who are not or would not be happy in Greenville are ultra liberal.
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