Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I am afraid that it is too late to "close the door". Out here in Colorado, only one town managed to limit growth (Boulder), and they are constantly being pummeled by the pro growth crowd, eager for the almighty dollar. It is nearly impossible to stop development once the land is purchased, politicians are bought, and zoning is changed to accomodate the development. Good luck in NC, but it is happening all over.
I am afraid that it is too late to "close the door". Out here in Colorado, only one town managed to limit growth (Boulder), and they are constantly being pummeled by the pro growth crowd, eager for the almighty dollar. It is nearly impossible to stop development once the land is purchased, politicians are bought, and zoning is changed to accommodate the development. Good luck in NC, but it is happening all over.
Just remember that when it comes to the big builders of new homes, they generally buy our land approximately a decade prior to building. So, look up your county records and see who owns various 'large' or many contiguous parcels in an area. If you don't see any signs of building but the land is owned by a big corporation or holding company, the next decade will show signs of new development and increased lobbying. Big builders will always sneak into an area and, by the time they make the big lobbying push to build, it becomes rather difficult to stop them. Not impossible, but difficult.
Hit up your neighbors and local citizens regarding their outlook on the area and encourage them not to sell out their big parcels if they want their community to maintain a level of intimacy. Contact your public officials to find out if developers are buying land by the acres. Public officials 'should' always know if land is being bought up. Just remember, the influx of developers usually starts with simple acquisitions... quiet and covert, oftentimes. And this takes place usually years and years ahead while your lying in your bed listening to the birds and crickets and enjoying the peace and quiet of your natural surroundings.
That's what worries me about moving to the South from IL/IA is the hidden old boys networks and family networks. That doesnt work up here very well and we definitely promote diversity (yes, even in Iowa they are TRYING to get a diverse population here). I have not heard about too much in NC but in Alabama and Georgia that's how it goes for sure based on talking to others in those states.
Sure: Iowa is over ninety percent white (definitely not a bad thing), but it is certainly ridiculous for you make such a preposterous assertion.
I don't know I lived in northern NY, then Charlotte NC, then Annapolis, MD...of all three NC was the most unwelcoming. I have never felt like an "outsider" here in Maryland. They are very nice and welcome everyone of all races, religions, different states you name it. When I lived in NC it was the whole north VS south, black VS white, Hispanic VS illegal immigrants, Poor VS rich, NC VS SC, rednecks VS city dwellers...it was INSANE. That is why I left Charlotte. I had never seen soo much racism and discrimination then there.
No, Njrover is right. People do like to discriminate and stereotype here, A LOT.
No offense nyxmike - but you are VERY young and I think you don't necessarily understand that this kind of thing can happen everywhere, and it is certainly not any worse here than anywhere else
Sure, as do they everywhere else. That you think it is worse is a product of a biased media drilling garbage into your head.
I don't think you can just summarily dismiss his experiences like that. He said that among the three cities he lived in, he had the worst experience in Charlotte as far as feeling welcomed. I could actually see how he might arrive at that conclusion, since Charlotte is the highest-growth region out of the places the poster said he lived; thus, there tends to be less consistency in terms of people's attitudes. As a matter of fact, I was pondering this myself not too long ago. I see a difference having moved from one of the SC outlying cities in the metro area into Charlotte itself. Residents in my former apartment complex in Rock Hill, SC were more prone to say "Hello" if passing by; they didn't act like they didn't see you. At my current complex in the city of Charlotte, it's practically the exact opposite. I don't see what the "biased media" has to do with that.
Can we possibly be prepared for that kind of growth? .
Most of the 75%> growth areas don't have enough water for the population today. Municipalities are going to have some tough decisions, as if the draw is still there for people to move into the area, they are going to have to say *_NO_* for the simple reason the water recourses will be exhausted.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.