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I am currently living in New York State and have had it with the weather and cost of living. My parents moved here a few years ago from Florida (my mother is disabled) so I can help out. I had a change of life and am now looking to relocate to North Carolina. I know my parents would follow me there. I have my Bachelors degree and many years of work experience. I have worked in a College for over 12 years and am looking for that type of work or I would love to do event planning. I would like a smallish town with friendly people and hopefully places for my parents to go and meet other people their age. I am not ready to move right now – but I would like to get some suggestions/advise on areas. I would really like to make this move by the end of this year, early next year. Thanks for any help anyone can give me.
Given all of your requirements, desires, I think the Triangle would best meet your needs. Mild winters, 'retirement capital' of the South (or one of them), excellent health facilities and access to medical care, major hospitals and excellent DRs, reasonable cost of living, and numbers of colleges and universities. . . lovely amenities like the theater, museums, sports, a parks system and green way. Good choices for shopping. Easy commutes, relatively speaking -- easier than what you may be used to.
Water is of concern, right now, but places like Cary are in a little better situation.
You might do well settling in a smaller community like Apex, Clayton, Holly Springs, unless that would be too small, too laid-back to suit you. I would stay out of Raleigh, and other big cities, only because of the drought right now, and population concentration.
You should consider Tarboro. We moved here just 3 years ago and will be moving my octogenarian parents here from Maryland this spring. This town of 11,000 people is located just over an hour east of Raleigh and centrally located for an easy 15-30 minute commute to Wilson, Greenville, Rocky Mount or Williamston. The employment situation in town is not ideal but the lower price of real estate makes it a very appealing option and there are many many programs for senior citizens.
The town is looking to hire a new head of the Chamber of Commerce, your experience might be perfect for the job.
Tarboro is welcoming newcomers with open arms. It has seen some hard times but has come out shining. A beautiful town with the friendliest people you'll ever meet. In the past 3 years, the newcomers to Tarboro have brought with them energy and creativity to enhance the historic charm of this town with a new vibrancy. Visit Grassroots of Tarboro, North Carolina to see what I mean.
Last edited by stillma; 03-02-2008 at 05:01 AM..
Reason: spelling error
Consider Elizabeth City (coast), Chapel Hill (mid-state), and Black Mountain (mountains), all smallish to tiny, I'm familiar with them, Chapel Hill is my favorite. Do some searches, check them out, see whatcha see. Neighborhood and location is everything for older people, they like sidewalks, porches, close-by shops. And of course you'll need good hospitals and healthcare options. All three have those things. Your college working experience will go a long way in those places, as well.
All of these are good suggestions for you, woodstocksnoopy. You have a lot of homework to do now.
Maybe as you look at some of these areas, we'll have answers to questions you may develop. Have fun searching, and good luck. Wherever you end up in the state, NC is a nice place to call 'home.'
Thank you so much for all your help. I appreciate the comments so much - being that healthcare for my parents and my employment are the 2 biggest issues I face. I would prefer a small town to a larger one to live and commuting to work wouldn't be an issue - as long as I am not commuting in blizzards!!!
Also consider the Fort Mill / Charlotte area. My parents (they are independent, so at this point the location is great for them) live in Sun City, which is in Lancaster county just south of the Charlotte border, while we live in Union County. We also relocated from NY (but not from Woodstock!) almost 10 years ago...yes "snow" is a four letter word in our book...
Also consider the Fort Mill / Charlotte area. My parents (they are independent, so at this point the location is great for them) live in Sun City, which is in Lancaster county just south of the Charlotte border, while we live in Union County. We also relocated from NY (but not from Woodstock!) almost 10 years ago...yes "snow" is a four letter word in our book...
I was a little concerned when I read some forums about the crime in Charlotte. I am not the type of person that panics over everything, but it did send some signals off in my head. Have you or your parents ever felt unsafe?
dont know if you have decided yet, but i was wondering if you plan to live with your parents or just near them?
consider Mebane. there is a subdivision called Ashbury, its about 15 minutes from Duke. the subdivision is split and had apartments, single homes and also town homes and condos for people over 55.
its a small cute town with a lot to offer
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