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My wife and I are now "Empty Nesters" and want to move to North Carolina. We live in Frisco,Texas now and the summers are unbearable. We want to relocate to an area that has four seasons. Right now our seasons are "Hot" and "Damn!" We are winter people and enjoy the Fall. We are retired school teachers; I was a high school band director and my wife, a third grade teacher. We want to know what the winters and summers are like in the north part if the state. Which cities are more affordable, with our budget for a home would be $300,000. We want to be active in the community and volunteer where needed. Could you lead us to the perfect area?
Given what might appear to be interest in music and cultural events along with affordability I would recommend Winston Salem. It's a larger city but has a pleasant suburban feel with lots of trees and a park-like aesthetic, especially the NW side (north of Business-40 and west of University Parkway). Worth noting in retirement years that Winston Salem has excellent access to quality health care, with Wake Forest University's Medical Centers and Forsyth Medical Center. Check out the neighborhoods of Sherwood Forest, Bethabara, Country Club and Reynolda Park. In terms of weather the typical pattern is pretty much three months of each season tending toward the moderate side. Average summer highs in June, July and August are in the mid-80s with beautiful Falls and Springs. Winter is not that big a deal with three months of average highs around 50 and average lows around freezing (32), and snowfall totals averaging 7.5 inches per year.
We want to know what the winters and summers are like in the north part if the state.
NC has more of an east-west orientation rather than north-south. Elevation will make more of a difference in climate. The eastern third of the state is flatter and hotter. The central part of the state (known as the Piedmont = foothills) is rolling and more moderate. The western part of the state is more mountainous and has cooler summers and winters.
Winston-Salem is also one of my favorities. But if the OP is interested in the mountains, they could consider Boone, Weaverville, Waynesboro, etc. Other interesting places in the center of the state are Hillsborough and Saxapahaw. See this summer music festival: Saturdays in Saxapahaw | River Mill Village
My wife and I are now "Empty Nesters" and want to move to North Carolina. We live in Frisco,Texas now and the summers are unbearable. We want to relocate to an area that has four seasons. Right now our seasons are "Hot" and "Damn!" We are winter people and enjoy the Fall. We are retired school teachers; I was a high school band director and my wife, a third grade teacher. We want to know what the winters and summers are like in the north part if the state. Which cities are more affordable, with our budget for a home would be $300,000. We want to be active in the community and volunteer where needed. Could you lead us to the perfect area?
There is no "perfect" are for everyone--you need to check out the place and see what fits YOU. NC is a large and diverse state. It's like asking "Hey, we're moving to Texas, can you point us to the perfect area?" How would you respond to that question?
If you are "winter people" you may want to look a little north of NC, as our summers are pretty hot and humid, unless you're in the mountains. You didn't mention mountains so I don't know if that is in yor criteria, nor did you say whether you want more urban or rural living.
It would do you to pay a visit to a state (any state) before deciding you want to move there, check out various cities that you've of course researched in objective sources such as City-Data's cities pages. and usually people choose a city/area to move to rather than an entire state, sight unseen. Again, it's like saying "Where in Texas should we move to??"--there is just no "one answer" for someone one doesn't know because people have different ideas of what they like.
Charlotte is on the top 10 list of best cities to reside in. It has a nice mix of everything and 300K can get you a very comfortable selection of home choices. If you would like me to shed some light on any further questions you may have please feel free to reach out and ask. We also have all 4 seasons.
Winston Salem is also home to the North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). The have a constant program of top notch events. Many of these gifted young people will soon be world class. Another great reason to take a look at Winston Salem.
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