Triad for southern hospitality (Charlotte, Raleigh: real estate, how much, home)

[carebear621]

Hi I’m looking to relocate from NJ to the triad. I’m looking for more affordable cost of living. Southern hospitality like nice people slower kind not so rude and rushed just yes ma’am no sir polite type atmosphere to raise kids. Good schools. Safe. I don’t need a town necessarily but is this area like that? I grew up in central Arkansas.

[Stede Bonnet]

I think the more rural areas of the triad could be what you're looking for. You can find good information on schools here:

https://ncreportcards.ondemand.sas.com/src

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by carebear621

Hi I’m looking to relocate from NJ to the triad.

Well bless your heart! Do you have family or friends here?

I’m looking for more affordable cost of living.

Most of that is rooted in having enough income to cover the bills. Anywhere.
And most of enough is rooted in the real estate costs. Anywhere.

Here's a good city vs city cost of living comparison tool: LINK
Take some time to read through the numbers.

[JoesJava]

Southern hospitality is a myth. Always has been. My point is this -- you need to have other reasons for moving because people are people, no matter where you go. How much time have you spent in NC and have you spent significant time here during the month of August when the weather is typically at its worst in terms of both heat and humidity? While the cost of living is lower, salaries tend to be lower, too, on average, and there is no such thing as a union.

[poppydog]

Yes, I think you will find many parallels to central Arkansas. I'm guessing it will be a little bit colder in winter than AR. The Triad does tend to see some snow most winters (a smidge more than Raleigh or Charlotte, but not as much as the mountains). And yes I think the pace is slower and folks are friendly and more polite. Can't guarantee yes ma'am or yes sirs, but I do tend to hear that in more rural areas. I think it is falling by the wayside everywhere though.

[Johnathon Hills]

NC is more affordable than NJ for sure, but NC is also the most expensive Southern state to live in.

[Stede Bonnet]

Originally Posted by Johnathon Hills

NC is more affordable than NJ for sure, but NC is also the most expensive Southern state to live in.

Setting aside the absurdity of comparing COL for states, NC is less expensive than SC, FL and VA.

https://worldpopulationreview.com/st...index-by-state

[Johnathon Hills]

Originally Posted by Stede Bonnet

Setting aside the absurdity of comparing COL for states, NC is less expensive than SC, FL and VA.

https://worldpopulationreview.com/st...index-by-state

This site shows that NC has a higher tax burden than neighboring states.......

https://wallethub.com/edu/states-wit...-burden/20494/

[bosco70]

I've been looking at Yanceyville for a home purchase: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yancey...North_Carolina. For schools, it's not that bad; they've been improving. I would also look at Rockingham County - Reidsville.

[Stede Bonnet]

Originally Posted by Johnathon Hills

This site shows that NC has a higher tax burden than neighboring states.......

https://wallethub.com/edu/states-wit...-burden/20494/

"Tax burden" and "most expensive state to live in" (sic) are not the same thing.