Considering a move to Pensacola (crime, home, school districts)

[sagirl76]

I am 38 year old single mom living in Charlotte, NC and not a fan of it and been offered a job in Pensacola. Wondering what peoples thoughts are if i should make the move. My child will be entering 8th grade in the new year. Any suggestions?

[AustinTraveler]

Kind of hard to say if you should make a move somewhere without more information about why you want to move. What is it you don't like about Charlotte?

[sagirl76]

Would like a new start! The city is big - i have long commute to work and the job opportunity is much better. I would love to be near the beach. The forum on here is very mixed about what people think - I am hoping to head down next weekend to have a look and make my decision. wondering what things are like - such as activities for people to do on weekends -

[osufeth24]

I lived in Pensacola for 2 years and Charlotte for 5 months for an internship...I'd stay in Charlotte if I had the choice. There's nothing I like about Pensacola. I'm not trying to scare you, it's just my honest opinion. There's a few nice areas (pesnacola beach, downtown has a nice parts too), but overall, I couldn't wait to graduate to get out of there. Depending on where in Penscola the job is, you could look at Gulf breeze to live.

[edavis44]

Lots of considerations. I've lived in Pensacola for 10 years, grew up in PA, and have family in Charlotte.

Climate: Pensacola is very hot in the summer and has a very short winter (more of a northern fall). Charlotte has a nice mix of seasons.

Population: Pensacola doesn't really have traffic problems (very brief rush hour traffic downtown) so long commutes are only based on distance between home and work. Pensacola has great beaches and activities (lots of festivals, concerts, minor league sports teams, etc). Charlotte has lots of great areas like downtown that you can do just about anything you want.

Schools, crime, etc.: Pensacola (and Charlotte) have less desirable areas but you can avoid them. I personally don't stay, or even drive though, parts of Pensacola because of crime but it's nothing like downtown metro areas like DC or Atlanta. Charlotte you can avoid that too by staying in areas like Fort Mill and Tega Cay. You can move near good school districts which is your choice in either area. Pensacola has several different high schools and I'm sure Charlotte has many.

Overall: When I am making a similar decision, my final answer comes down to a few things. Do you have a good job in either area? Is having family around important, etc? Do you want hot weather, mild winters and beach access? Or do you enjoy some seasons and cooler overall weather? I think both areas have lots of positives (and a few downsides) but you have a lot of control on these by choosing where to live and what activities to involve yourself with.

[m1a1mg]

It seems to me that there are two key statements in your second post. A new start and a better opportunity. Charlotte is a nice city with some rough spots. Same with Pensacola.

For me the key would be your child. What does your child think about moving?

[Olson2]

Never lived in Pensacola but have vacation in the area quite a bit over the last several years and really like the area.Unless other things tie you to Charlotte and the job advancement if pretty good consider the move.Could you let us know what area the job is in as to better advise you on the housing and schools in the area.