From the Tropics to the Country (Charlotte, Raleigh: neighborhoods, schools, live)
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I am considering a move to NC from South FL. My daughter's father is encouraging me to move there because he wants to be closer to our daughter. He moved back there from FL. I have been to Raleigh, as I have family there, a few times. I think the scenery is nice. I didn't stay long to get an overall perspective. He says I should consider Charlotte though. I know it would be a considerable amount of a culture shock to take in moving from the tropics. But I would chance it if it meant improvement.
Also, I know it is apart of the Bible belt so religion is a focal point. South Florida is very diverse with people of many different cultural and religious backgrounds, so diversity is accepted and respected. I would like to get an honest perspective on these areas. Not ones based on stereotyping. I don't want to be sold, LOL. But I would like some insight on:
Schools (performance)
Networking (outside of religion)
Entertainment (jazz clubs, comedy shows..etc)
Neighborhoods
Family activities
Business industries
Overall atmosphere and environment
Your thread title says "from the tropics to the country", yet the only places you mention being interested in are the two most urbanized areas of the state. How "country" do you mean?
I'm not sure, but from what I've seen of South Florida (I have a friend who lives in Miami and posts pix) NC is more "family friendly" and less bling. I have another friend who lives in Gainesville and I have the impression NC is not unlike northern Florida. I think you have some mis-impressions about NC. The areas you mention, Raleigh and Charlotte, are very diverse — not NYC, but plenty of folks of all stripes. Probably less Cubans than South FL and more Mexicans and Central Americans, lots of Indians, lots of Asians, plenty of gays and lesbians. Church is important to some folks, but there are plenty of Jewish folks and also Muslim folks and agnostic and atheists, too. I know Wiccans and Pagans, too.
The "Bible Belt" culture comes into play more visibly in the smaller towns and rural areas in the South (not just NC). I doubt it would hit you in the face in Raleigh or Charlotte, other than you're likely to see a lot more churches than in S FL.
As for insights on the items on your list, there are LOTS and LOTS of posts in the Triangle and Charlotte sub-forums that will give you plenty of information. Read, read, read.
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