About to go crazy! Trying to relocate from Conn. Need advice! (Raleigh: transplants, crime)

[kindredinkling]

I have been searching NC and SC for the past 6 months.. Each time I think I found a nice place Eg: Salisbury, east spencer, albermale, greenville, I research further to find the crime is high, we are outnumbered by race or would not be welcomed as "Northerners" We are in need of a 4 bedroom fixer upper home with some land near decent school, hospital, etc. would love to be an hour or two from beaches in a setting similar to our town now (New Milford, as dwindling as it is) One place I fell in love with is the old Robert E.Baily home in robinsonville, as with each after further research think it would be like moving to NYC.

Can anyone help me to locate a place of interest? our priorities are school, safety, living expense and acceptance. As an animal lover, places littered with strays or shelter's that gas would be tough on me to be near, how are the pet laws?

Our daughter has been near Greenville sc for about 2 years, although I find many mobile/older homes cheap, she does not recommend we go there as she herself feels "unwelcome" as a northerner.

Thank you for any advice in advance! It would be GREATLY appreciated!

Also, I have been using these forums to research and help..only to be left with less homes and more questions.

[dragon_fly_12]

Seeing that NC has experienced a population boom over the past 10 yrs from northern transplants, I would think a large metro area would not be abnormally unwelcoming.

First question - employment? If you need to find a job, this is a tough state for an out of state applicant. If you need to live near the job, you'll be spending some dough on the land you're seeking if the job is in a metro area. Or, you'll have a stellar (sarcasm) commute.

Observations from someone that has lived here for just over 2 years:
1. Yes, crime is high. Take it for what you will.
2. Schools down here, for the most part, don't compare to schools in the north. If an outstanding education is a priority, are you sure NC is the right destination?
3. Cost of land is going up - high demand is creating high prices since everyone else is also moving here, and a lot of them want the same you're looking for. I understand the cost may not be as high as what you're seeing in CT, but keep this in mind ... If the purchase price is LOW, the schools will probably not be as good. If you want BETTER schools, you're competing against a cut throat market.
4. Animal shelters --- most of the county shelters have no money and no ability to change their set up. NC is a high kill rate for shelters, and many have gas chambers. This is not something that will not be changed as it is not a priority with local governments that are already struggling to fund roads, schools and public service. Take it for what you will.

[superk]

Off the top of my head, how about a town like Wilson, NC? Seems to me as if it might meet most of your requirements.

[arbyunc]

Well, this is an interesting thread. First, there seems to be a lot of misconceptions and mystery in the first post. I'm quite sure crime in NC is no worse than anywhere else in the country. There is crime here, as there is everywhere, but in my experience it's generally compartmentalized--i.e., there are certain sections of most towns that are high risk, but if one avoids those areas they find that crime is not a problem. Second, what do you mean by "outnumbered by race"? You don't say what race you are, but simply being outnumbered doesn't mean you'll have problems. Like crime, there is racism in NC like there is in every other state, but I think for the most part people in NC are more accepting of different races than many other parts of the country (the North included). Same for being "welcomed as Northerners". I think most people don't care where you came from. What's important to them is how you act, how you treat others, and how accepting you are of things in NC. There are far too many happy Northerners in NC, and people from lots of other places, to assume you'll have problems just because of where you're from. It's just not an issue.

Now to the second post. "Schools down here...don't compare to schools in the north. If an outstanding education is a priority..." That's just ridiculous. You can get an outstanding secondary education in NC, and we have some of the top universities in the world here. You don't have to live in a "cutthroat market" (whatever that means) to get a great education here. Really, ignorant attitudes like that may be the reason you feel unwelcome.

To the OP, I don't know where you're getting your information, but I would suggest you find better research sources rather than relying on misconceived internet posts for something so important as a relocation decision. Quite simply there are plenty of great places to live in NC, regardless of race or where you're from.

Just my opinion, of course.

[Francois]

First, I don't know why you looked into Salisbury if being near the coast is a high priority?? First thing you need is a map of NC

Second, one thing you have not mentioned is WHY you are looking at NC specifically, since you don't mention have a job that's transferring you here? Is there a reason is MUST be North Carolina, or are you looking at certain amenities in whatever state they might be? That will help a lot with those trying to answer your questions. Just because NC is a popular destination for transplants doesn't always mean it's the best place for YOU. You haven't said anything about where you'd be working or what industry you'd be looking for work in.

[kindredinkling]

Thank you to all who replied!
Although I did not claim high quality education or being on the coast are "high priorities" Just don't want to be in the worst school area nor coastal/mountain regions. Are we sure NC is right for us, nope! That is why I have come to the forum of NC'rs to ask for opinions ..As I stated we first looked in SC.
As for race, Do not want to be in any racist spot, for any race. Diversity and acceptance would be great in a town/community. I understand every place has it's good and bad.. this is the problem in my researching, (researching by city data, forum postings here, [domain blocked due to spam] and local news postings on the internet as well as thoughts from friends who have gone coastal SC and Mountain NC as well as my daughter near Greenville SC)

Hubby works in construction but is accepting or open to any work as we do realize it is not the best spot for employment. high taxes, over long cold season and cost of living are why we are looking in the Carolina sections.

Thank you for suggesting Wilson, NC.. Will look into it!

[escapenc]

You mentioned affordability, great schools, and 1-2 hours from the beach. Have you looked into Clayton? They have top-ranking schools, small-town feel, diversity, and affordability with access to the beach via 40 east. There are many northerners who have settled there as well. They have a hospital plus there are MANY great healthcare facilities in nearby Raleigh.

[rakeNtrail]

Try Moore County NC It's probably "the most northern" county in NC. Not geographically either. Lots of transplanted Yankees their. In a couple hours you can be in Myrtle beach Three and a half hours and you're in the mountains. Onlyr an hour and a half to Raleigh or Greensboro. (BTW, Greensboro was named after a Yankee too. General Nathaniel Greene was from Rhode Island) Schools are decent and crime is low. Golf communities (Pinehurst) horse farms also some rural areas if you 'd rather live amongst the tall pines and mother nature. Good sized mall less than an hour away in Fayetteville. Summers are hot but the winters are mild. They seem to be able to play pasture pool year round in Pinehurst. Moderator cut: can only list realtor.com
Pinehurst
Southern Pines
Aberdeen
Carthage
Vass
Pine Bluff
West End
Seven Lakes
Cameron
Jackson springs
Eagle Springs
Foxfire
Robbins
High Falls
Eastwood
Whispering Pines

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by kindredinkling

Hubby works in construction but is accepting or open to any work as we do realize it is not the best spot for employment.

There is a lot of construction of homes going on around Fayetteville and Jacksonville geared toward military families. Try the builders 70West, H&H Homes and Savvy Homes, and their sub-contractors. The pay may not be great, as they sell homes by keeping profits low. The Fayetteville location would allow you to live in Moore County. Jacksonville and Onslow County are not too bad either.

[Jc299]

Hey! I moved to Moore County NC f you rom Stratford, Connecticut. However, I would recommend Raleigh/Chapel Hill at the top, with Whispering Pines, Pinehurst and Seven Lakes all following closely behind. Robbins & Carthage.are very "rebel" towns, I don't recommend considering them at all. No offense, just from experience I know that yankees aren't welcomed in either town. It will be a huge change, be ready, be sure, visit the towns first & good luck!!!!!!