May Be Relocating To Greensboro Area From Northeast (Lawndale: extended stay, transplants)

[anthonyfromMA]

The company I work for in CT is growing and my boss eventually wants to move the operations center I'm a part of to Florida. However, an opportunity may be coming up in the Greensboro area and he stated it's possible we might wind up there for 6-12 months.

Just had a few questions:

1. We presently pay about $1200/month for rent in CT, but would prefer to spend less when we move. Just my wife and two cats, so 2 bed/2 bath and 1-2 car garage would be ideal for a home rental. What should we expect pricewise?

2. Will renting month-to-month or under only a 6-month lease be possible or should we be expecting to get locked into a year-long agreement?

3. Any other transplants from the Northeast area? What did you find VERY different from living up here (lifestyle, costs, etc)

4. Would you recommend Greensboro or any other cities/towns in the area? We don't care about school systems or activities, we're mostly homebodies (although some nice nature trails to walk would be appreciated, and of course a safe area). Just looking for something that has access to a decent grocery store within 20 minutes (we generally go to Stop & Shop or WalMart up here)

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by anthonyfromMA

...an opportunity may be coming up in the Greensboro area ...for 6-12 months.
Just my wife and two cats, so 2 bed/2 bath and 1-2 car garage would be ideal...
Will renting month-to-month or under only a 6-month lease...

For a temporary job assignment (not an actual relocation) anything will be OK.
Focus on finding a place very near the job location.
Work out the rest from there.

Don't tell any prospective LL's you intend to leave in 6-12 mo's.
Most are willing to allow lease renewal on a M2M... but few want to start that way.

Look for sublets (furnished) and extended stay efficiencies.
Expect having two cats to complicate everything and add expense.

[anthonyfromMA]

Thanks Mr Rational. I was checking out Realtor.com for rentals and found a 2 bed/2 bath/1 garage for $875/month, holy schnikes!

I won't want to move to Florida after!

[emelvee]

After living in NC for a while, then going to Florida, you'll want to move back to NC.

I grew up in NY state (but that was over 30 years ago) and have been in NC for 9 years after living out west. Had an opportunity to move to Orlando recently, but I couldn't find many reasons to make the move, especially considering the climate difference. To be fair to Florida, there are more desirable locations than Orlando, where my job would have been.

[booney56]

Coming from the NE...of course you want a garage. You will find a lot of rentals and houses without garages here...But you don't need one. There will be snow a couple of times a year, but everything will probably be closed so you don't need to go out. There will be days where you have to scrape frost off your windshield...but a garage is not necessary.

For access to nature trails, and affordable housing, check out the area between Battleground and Lawndale. (especially in the vicinity of Country Day Park and points North)

Compared to the NE...it's cheaper...much lower property taxes. The weather is incredible...There will be sunny days in the 70's in January. When it gets cold..it's only for a short while. In the winter...everything is still clean. In the NE there are two winer colors...grey and brown...It's bright, sunny and clean even in the winter.

[emelvee]

For me, one adjustment was to S-L-O-W D-O-W-N. Pretty much everywhere - work, driving, eating, talking, etc.

[anthonyfromMA]

Originally Posted by emelvee

After living in NC for a while, then going to Florida, you'll want to move back to NC.

My wife and I actually would prefer to live in NC, it's kinda our dream. But for the time being I will be happy if we get the opportunity to just spend a little while there to get our first taste and then deal with Florida (right now the owner of my company is considering Tampa or West Palm Beach)

That's his ideal location, but I'm hoping as the company grows I may have an opportunity to telecommute from NC or take a position managing our interests in the NC region (should we snag it)

[Sue at the Rock]

I like Tampa. I like St. Pete better. City stuff near Gulf beaches.

But I like it here better! I grew up in Greensboro, lived all over, and I'm back. It's pleasant, and affordable. Traffic isn't. People are nice and neighborly. Godd luck with your move.