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moderator note:
Thanks for everyone contribution on the topic about goverment issues to keep this thread on it's original track lets focus back on the original topic.
However the topic would make a good thread in itself in the state forum.
Sorry to the OP.
Thanks
I have not seen either place, but plan a visit soon.
In the meantime, I am trying to research which would
pertain more to my lifestyle.
I am 36, married, with 2 kids (ages 4 and 2).
I am a teacher (stay-at-home mom now and for a long time to come) and
my husband is a Physician's Assistant.
We are looking for an area that is:
low in crime
family oriented
we can get a home with a yard for under $250k in a GOOD neighborhood
great to excellent schools
downtown city life is not a plus (we have kids so as long as we
can have nearby shopping and movies, parks, etc., we're happy).
Thanks.
Honestly, I would take a good look at both places since they could both potentially work for you and your family based on the criteria you listed. If I were in your shoes it would come down to which job offer is the best in terms of salary, company lifestyle, and potential for career advancement.
I have lived in Raleigh and Charlotte. Both are great cities. Seems lot of people are saying Charlotte is twice as big as Raleigh. While this might be true, Raleigh is more or less coupled with Durham. Raleigh/Durham is approximately the same size of Charlotte. The only thing I see in Charlotte that might be better, is cheaper housing. If Forbes and Money magazine "best" places are important to you, Raleigh is always on the top of the lists.
AJ1972 if you happen to come back here to this site i would love to get your opinion from your visits to Charlotte and Raleigh. Also, i would like to know which city did your family choose?. thanks and God Bless.
I have not seen either place, but plan a visit soon.
In the meantime, I am trying to research which would
pertain more to my lifestyle.
I am 36, married, with 2 kids (ages 4 and 2).
I am a teacher (stay-at-home mom now and for a long time to come) and
my husband is a Physician's Assistant.
We are looking for an area that is:
low in crime
family oriented
we can get a home with a yard for under $250k in a GOOD neighborhood
great to excellent schools downtown city life is not a plus (we have kids so as long as we can have nearby shopping and movies, parks, etc., we're happy).
I think I posted this earlier, but I would take a hard look at both Charlotte and Raleigh and go where you find the best employment opportunity. Both areas are great for families. I live in North Raleigh and there are tons of families here. I have friends who live in Ballantyne area of Charlotte (They are 35 and have two kids) and they love it there. Honestly, when it comes to the suburbs of Raleigh and Charlotte there is very little difference between the two IMHO. Find a great job and go wherever it leads you.
I have lived in Raleigh and Charlotte. Both are great cities. Seems lot of people are saying Charlotte is twice as big as Raleigh. While this might be true, Raleigh is more or less coupled with Durham. Raleigh/Durham is approximately the same size of Charlotte. The only thing I see in Charlotte that might be better, is cheaper housing. If Forbes and Money magazine "best" places are important to you, Raleigh is always on the top of the lists.
But it takes 2 cities (Raleigh & Durham) and 2 counties (Wake & Durham) to equal Charlotte's 1 (Charlotte-Mecklenburg).
Charlotte has also made that list to...and Relocate America rated Charlotte as the #1 city in the USA to live in 2008.
Both are nice cities...but they should go where they have employment...especially now-a-days.
But it takes 2 cities (Raleigh & Durham) and 2 counties (Wake & Durham) to equal Charlotte's 1 (Charlotte-Mecklenburg).
Charlotte has also made that list to...and Relocate America rated Charlotte as the #1 city in the USA to live in 2008.
Both are nice cities...but they should go where they have employment...especially now-a-days.
You're wrong. Mecklenburg (Charlotte) is 900,000. Wake (Raleigh) is 875,000. If Durham county were combined, they both would almost equal 1.2 million.
Also, Raleigh has rated higher in more publications than Charlotte consistently for the past 8 years...
Raleigh was also rated higher than Charlotte for top places to live for singles by Forbes magazine. It was in the top ten actually, Charlotte ranked 19th.
Sorry for veering off subject, just had to put that out there.
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welcome to raleigh
You're wrong. Mecklenburg (Charlotte) is 900,000. Wake (Raleigh) is 875,000. If Durham county were combined, they both would almost equal 1.2 million. 
