Thinking of moving to NC in the comming new year (Charlotte: apartment, credit)

[Liz_G_84]

Hello all, i live here in the bay area of California and have lived here my whole life. I'm thinking about a change. I'm thinking of moving to North Carolina in either Hickory, Charlotte, or Raleigh region. I was wondering if anyone could give some tips for me. This will be my first move and am hoping it to by my last.

I would like to know:

How to find jobs while still in Ca?
Finding an apartment?
Any local information?

[greatblueheron]

Have you visited NC? Charlotte and Raleigh are 2 of the largest cities...Hickory quite a bit smaller, with less opportunities in jobs, nightlife, arts/culture etc. Have you checked those cities out in cd forum?

NC is my home state and is quite lovely from the mountains in the west to the beaches of the east coast. If you have not been here, perhaps plan a trip....you don't want to make a huge mistake by not being certain of your choice!

Check local jobs through newspapers of the city ie Charlotte Observer, Hickory Daily Record. And online too.

Apt. should be no problem anywhere. I imagine you could have some culture shock in smaller towns....

Good luck!

[sll3454]

Originally Posted by Liz_G_84

Hello all, i live here in the bay area of California and have lived here my whole life. I'm thinking about a change. I'm thinking of moving to North Carolina in either Hickory, Charlotte, or Raleigh region. I was wondering if anyone could give some tips for me. This will be my first move and am hoping it to by my last.

I would like to know:

How to find jobs while still in Ca?
Finding an apartment?
Any local information?

The best way to find a job might be to have one that transfers. Are you working now? What kind of work? Can you change jobs to something that can transfer to a different location, stay where you are for another year or so, then transfer?

Or save a lot of money and come prepared to live for six months before finding work. Lots of people have been out of work longer than that, although the most motivated usually find something faster.

Also, don't set your heart too much on it being your last move. I thought it might be my last move, and now I can't wait to get back to the West Coast (mostly for the climate).

Look for an apartment on craigslist. It has a bad reputation in some areas, but I have used it successfully several times here.

Housing is a lot cheaper here, but as you may have read in other threads, other expenses may be about the same.

If you say what it is you're looking for and why this area appeals to you, people may have other helpful suggestions.

[Liz_G_84]

Yes. I have in fact visited NC last week, which was the first week in June. I stayed with a friend in Hickory. I did feel Hickory was just like my home town and quite small.

I'm a certified early childhood educator. I think that's a job that could work most anywhere. The only thing about NC is when i look for jobs in that state... i get the "MUST HAVE NC CREDENTIALS" would i be able to transfer my credits accordingly.

I did have a chance to visit Charlotte for a day or so and i do think a bigger city is for me.

[Francois]

You should post in the sub-fora for Raleigh and Charlotte to ask about those places. Hickory questions would be best here in the General NC forum. But all three are quite different, and since you are asking for local recommendations, until you know which one you will be moving to, it's impractical to give advice on particular neighborhoods.

You should look at the websites for the school systems in areas you're looking at, to get a vibe for the job market in that locale. Many teacher positions are frozen right now due to budget.