Seriously considering relocating to NC from Philadelphia, PA... PLEASE HELP!!! (Charlotte: apartment, rent)

[IndiBlu]

Hi...

I am currently a 30 year old female, from Philadelphia, PA. I am employed a Child Advocate Social Worker, and am currently in graduate school, working toward a MA in Forensic Psychology. I would love to remain in the field of Child Advocacy, as well as the Juvenile Court System.

I am seriously considering relocating to another state; NC is one of my considerations.

I am looking to remain in a city-like environment, with the following:
-- accessibily to public transportation (bus, train, trolley, etc.), as I do not have car
-- close proximity (possible walkability) to neighborhood grocery stores, shops, movies, restaurants, etc.
-- reasonable cost of living (looking for a 1-2 bedroom apt. around $700/month)
-- good job market
-- friendly, culturally rich, artsy neighborhoods

I am aware that NC has some big cities, such as Charlotte and Raleigh. Are there others? What neighborhoods in those cities would be good considerations?

Thanks,

Toni.

PS: I am looking to relocate no later than 12-2010.

[Francois]

The public transportation sucks in Raleigh--it's a sprawling city that, like LA, you really need a car to live in, for the most part. I don't know so much about Charlotte's situation. Hopefully it will improve in the coming years...

[lovebrentwood]

Francois is right.

But I think it will be a long time before it improves. They don't even have bus service at the level they have in most other big cities. (When I was younger, and living in western NY, I rode the bus a lot, but here, I wouldn't survive. There aren't enough buses or routes.)

Originally Posted by Francois

The public transportation sucks in Raleigh--it's a sprawling city that, like LA, you really need a car to live in, for the most part. I don't know so much about Charlotte's situation. Hopefully it will improve in the coming years...

[Reynman]

Charlotte has the best public transportation but you will have to look pretty hard to find a home to meet your budget. It's a great town. Asheville is also nice but doesn't have that big city feel.

[tcmancini]

Originally Posted by IndiBlu

Hi...


I am looking to remain in a city-like environment, with the following:
-- accessibily to public transportation (bus, train, trolley, etc.), as I do not have car
-- close proximity (possible walkability) to neighborhood grocery stores, shops, movies, restaurants, etc.
-- reasonable cost of living (looking for a 1-2 bedroom apt. around $700/month)
-- good job market
-- friendly, culturally rich, artsy neighborhoods

You might want to look at Asheville. It is not a BIG city, but there is public transport, if you live in the city itself you can walk to various stores restaurants depending on what location you live in. The people are friendly, and Asheville does have a bit of an artistic scene.

700 a month rent is doable, but you will have to look around a bit. If you were to visit the area, pick up a copy of the IWANNA add newspaper at one of the local grocery stores, you can ussually find a good deal renting an apartment this way.

Downside, you should consider getting a car. The busline works, but it is so much more freeing having your own transport, especially for those times you want to go outside the city itself. There are alot of outdoor recreation oppurtunites around Asheville. (hiking, camping, whitewater rafting, national forests, ect.)

Job scene, Find a job before you move. At least have something lined up until you can find what you want. If you are thinking of working for state governement, the state budget is in the red, so job postings that come open may freeze during the interview process and might have to wait a long minute before they actually get around to hiring someone. For more info, I sent you a private message, message me back.