Considering Triad area over Raleigh Durham Triangle (Charlotte, Greensboro: real estate, house)

[lifetraveler]

Hello. Would love to hear from anyone who’s lived in the RDU / Triangle area as well as the Winston-Salem / Greensboro area. I’m interested in comparison of quality of life like comparable home’s cost, Veteran’s Administration hospital, shopping, jobs, restaurants, traffic congestion, healthcare, colleges, friendliness, etc. Anything you’d like to share that would help us decide.

We lived in the triangle area many years then relocated out of state 8 yrs ago but looking to move back. However, I’ve heard a lot has changed with home costs, inward migration causing congestion all around, horrible drivers. Not sure yet where we’d like to settle but being in the Triad makes sense with it being dead center of state making accessibility to Charlotte, mountains, Virginia, Triangle all within reasonable reach. Not a fan of coastal living.

We are an empty nesters per se so schooling is not of concern to K-12. What are some nice amenities you’d like to share or highlight about the area.

[roadpony]

I grew up in Raleigh but it's been quite a long time since I've lived there. For the past 30+ years I've lived mostly in W-S and Boone/Banner Elk, with a short stay Greenville, SC. I definitely recommend the Triad. I prefer W-S, but I've got nothing against G'boro, just not as familiar with it. Traffic is MUCH easier to deal with in the Triad vs. Triangle. I go to Raleigh once or twice a year for horse shows and can't wait to leave.

The VA hospital in Salisbury is an easy drive from anywhere in the Triad. Local healthcare is excellent - Cone in G'boro, Atrium/Wake Forest Baptist and Novant in W-S.

Lots of options for outdoor recreation - hiking, biking, etc. - in the Triad and surrounding area. I love the mountains, so the proximity of the Triad to the NW mountains is definitely a plus for me.

Several colleges and universities throughout the Triad. Sports and cultural offerings as well as lifelong learning opportunities. W-S is known as the "City of the Arts", first city arts council in the country. Loads of performing and visual arts.

Shopping is probably comparable between W-S and G'boro. I haven't been eating out since the pandemic hit, but there are loads of diverse restaurants and breweries... all price points.

Real estate is sort of crazy everywhere, but you can definitely get more for your money in the Triad vs. Triangle. We moved back to W-S six months ago (4th time living in W-S). The house we bought in W-S is newer, bigger and less $ than the house we sold in Banner Elk.

Can't speak to jobs; we're retired. Plus you need to provide a little detail before anyone could give you pertinent feedback.

This is barely an overview, but hope it helps.

[wsnc62]

Winston-Salem is the choice for the best healthcare, lower cost of living, closest to two VA hospital facilities, closest to the mountains, Parkway, and state parks, the wine country, and the least amount of traffic.

[RunD1987]

Could go with Kernersville. It's sandwiched in the Triad area. Home prices are rising there. VA hospital and VA itself is growing in Kernersville. As far as comparison never been to Raleigh or the Triangle as of yet.

Traffic is little outside of rush hour congestion with the lights. Small local stores and big strip of box stores.

Some local restaurants and chain restaurants.

Close to all 3 cities less than 20 miles can easily hop over go to restaurants or other shopping experiences.

If you look at Kernersville you could be not even a mile from a hospital or you could be 100 miles from a hospital.

[gsoboi78]

Kernersville sounds like a fit. Its near the veterans hospital and its nestled in between Greensboro and Winston-Salem so you'd have quick access to both cities.