**Relocated to Homestead (Miami, Largo, Coral Gables: live, restaurant, garden)

[CLTKing]

Originally Posted by StoneOne

I live in the same part of North Carolina as the OP, and I agree with CLTKing about it not being any friendlier here. The true natives actually seem to pretty nice, but the problem is that there are so few of them compared to the transplant population (at least seemingly so few of them). A good percentage of the transplants in NC are malcontents from S. Florida and the Northeast who were drawn to the region by the Forbes hype and the grass-is-always-greener mentality.

I'd be interested to hear from the OP from time to time on how her family is getting along. My wife and I are fairly content in NC, but there may be a time when we are ready for a change. Miami is always a place we've loved.

I agree, we all came up here looking for the "promised land", and what we found was not what we thought. Although NC is quiet nice, I still miss some of the wonderful things Miami has to offer, and I made some nice friends down there. I have been in NC for two years, and I still have not made any real friends.

[harrycrat]

People make friends through common activity..
High school,college,work,special interests,like NRA,a political party,a church...or...CDF ..
When I finally settle down in Mia,I plan to check the NRA ...Blue Dog Dems...a boating club...
The worst thing,which I won't do is to join those nationalistic "ethnic " orgs,which - to me - smell undercover racism...
As for rude drivers,seatbelt on,10 airbags , psychologically prepared for a damaged car & no quarells ,for in Greece they lead to calling names but in Mia may lead to...gunfight...

[giz2000]

Originally Posted by NCtoMiami

Thanks for all your input. Before moving to FL i was in Chapel Hill Durham area. I like going to different festivals, farmer's market, hiking, beach, eating sushi, dim sum, going to the park, jogging, eating out thai, chinese etc. We will definately check out key west one time we drove as far as key Largo. Miyagi Sushi Bar is very good. Never heard of Robert is Here Fruit Stand i just checked the website and i will sure check it out. I will give it sometime one thing about me i always smile at people and say hi...some people look at me like......but i will never change the way i am...will continue to be nice and smile.

[miamiblue]

Originally Posted by CLTKing

I agree, we all came up here looking for the "promised land", and what we found was not what we thought. Although NC is quiet nice, I still miss some of the wonderful things Miami has to offer, and I made some nice friends down there. I have been in NC for two years, and I still have not made any real friends.

I've not spent any time in Charlotte, but I know that the area that the OP is coming from is quite different.

To me, it was harder to make friends in Miami. People are fickle and much quicker to judge, or not even give you a chance to start with. I've made more good friends in NC in 3.5 years than I had in Miami in 26. Most of my friends here are transplants (including some from Miami!), with a few natives mixed in. The people I choose to associate with are positive, non-judgemental, and non-materialistic. It might have something to do with the things that I am interested in, who knows.

OP, definitely check out Robert Is Here, one of the few remaining fruit stands that used to be all over south FL when I was growing up. Another place you might want to check out is the Fruit and Spice Park.

Homestead is certainly no mecca of culture and entertainment, but the proximity to the Keys will afford you a lot of natural opportunities. It is nothing like the Chapel Hill-Durham area. You have gone from a very highly educated area to an area that has a high population of laborers and service workers. The entertainment options are much different. You will probably find yourself traveling up to Miami for some of the festivals that go on, but be prepared to pay a lot more than you are used to for entry.

Keep up the positive attitude. Unfortunately from personal experience I know that it doesn't change the way unfriendly people behave toward you, but at least you know you are taking the high road.

[StreetSmarts]

Originally Posted by miamiblue

I've not spent any time in Charlotte, but I know that the area that the OP is coming from is quite different.

To me, it was harder to make friends in Miami. People are fickle and much quicker to judge, or not even give you a chance to start with. I've made more good friends in NC in 3.5 years than I had in Miami in 26. Most of my friends here are transplants (including some from Miami!), with a few natives mixed in. The people I choose to associate with are positive, non-judgemental, and non-materialistic. It might have something to do with the things that I am interested in, who knows.

OP, definitely check out Robert Is Here, one of the few remaining fruit stands that used to be all over south FL when I was growing up. Another place you might want to check out is the Fruit and Spice Park.

Homestead is certainly no mecca of culture and entertainment, but the proximity to the Keys will afford you a lot of natural opportunities. It is nothing like the Chapel Hill-Durham area. You have gone from a very highly educated area to an area that has a high population of laborers and service workers. The entertainment options are much different. You will probably find yourself traveling up to Miami for some of the festivals that go on, but be prepared to pay a lot more than you are used to for entry.

Keep up the positive attitude. Unfortunately from personal experience I know that it doesn't change the way unfriendly people behave toward you, but at least you know you are taking the high road.

I can imagine.

[NCtoMiami]

Miamiblue you are right Chapel Hill Durham area is educated area... No bookstore in homestead ahhh I was shocked...no good restaurant.. You have to drive miles to go to one. We will stay here maybe for 2 years and then move to NC. Harrymiamifl you are right "psychologically prepared for a damaged car & no quarrels ,for in Greece they lead to calling names but in Mia may lead to...gunfight..."
yes in MIA may lead to gunfire...

[StreetSmarts]

Originally Posted by NCtoMiami

Miamiblue you are right Chapel Hill Durham area is educated area... No bookstore in homestead ahhh I was shocked...no good restaurant.. You have to drive miles to go to one. We will stay here maybe for 2 years and then move to NC. Harrymiamifl you are right "psychologically prepared for a damaged car & no quarrels ,for in Greece they lead to calling names but in Mia may lead to...gunfight..."
yes in MIA may lead to gunfire...

I thought you were going from "NCtoMiami?" You already moved from NC to Miami and you're moving back to NC in 2 yrs?

[harrycrat]

Somewhat irrelevant,but since bookstores in Mia are mentioned,in this day & age of the internet ,there shouldn't be any bookstores left ,in Mia or elsewhere...

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by ComSense

I can imagine.

I think you imagine a little too hard.

[StreetSmarts]

Miamiblue, Miami is a great place to meet great people and establish long-lasting relationships.