How many people are from the Carolinas? (Phoenix: rental car, transplants)

[westcoastbabe]

Beginning to see a lot Carolina tags here in Phoenix metro area and was just wondering whether or not there's an influx of Carolinians on the way to Phoenix?

[AZgarden]

Hmmm. I have not seen one license plate from the Carolinas. I think once they get there, they are pretty happy and don't leave.

[Bert_from_back_East]

If you see a North or South Carolina tag in the Phoenix area and it's not a rental car, I'll bet ten to one it's someone originally from California whose returning to the West, but priced out of California.

During the real estate boom of the mid-2000's, lots of people who cashed out of the California real estate market ended up in North Carolina. That's not to mention that there's a huge pipeline between San Jose and Raleigh due to the tech industry as well as San Diego and Raleigh due to big pharma and R&D.

If it's not someone who's originally from California, it's more than likely someone from the Northeast, Midwest or Florida who moved to the Carolinas and realized those states weren't all they're cracked up to be - cold, icy winters; religious, socially conservative culture; high taxes (at least in NC); low wages/salaries; poor non-wage benefits; lousy race relations; poor healthcare; lack of acceptance and general distrust of "Yankees" and people who aren't part of the "good ol' boy" network; etc.

For what it's worth, I don't think I've ever met a North or South Carolina native in Arizona. People in that part of the country tend to have interests that revolve around either the ocean or the deep woods, so for many, Arizona would never even be a consideration if relocating.

Also, don't forget - lots of people in the Carolinas are black, and there's very little in the way of black culture in Arizona relative to most other areas of the country. Most people in Arizona are either white or Mexican.

Lastly, a lot of Carolina folk are "deeply religious" Evangelicals, and Arizona is one of the least religious states in the country. IMO, it feels even less religious than California. I don't think many "through-and-through" Southerners would be very pleased with that.

[westcoastbabe]

WOW! Generalize much?

[ILikeEveryone]

Merry Christmas WCB.

Many of us got rid of the NC plates very shortly after we arrived.

Although we planned to leave years before the Dan River spill happened, it shed a national light on the coal ash problem plaguing the Southeastern U.S. I am seeing a lot of NY, NJ and FL plates out my way in the West Valley. I think more folks are seeing that AZ may be a better retirement/relocation alternative.

[Carolina Blue]

Originally Posted by westcoastbabe

Beginning to see a lot Carolina tags here in Phoenix metro area and was just wondering whether or not there's an influx of Carolinians on the way to Phoenix?

This .....

Originally Posted by Bert_from_back_East

Also, don't forget - lots of people in the Carolinas are black, and there's very little in the way of black culture in Arizona relative to most other areas of the country. Most people in Arizona are either white or Mexican.

[take57]

Originally Posted by westcoastbabe

WOW! Generalize much?

The generalization is not nearly as troubling as is the simple ignorance of many of the statements.
Raleigh says "Hi, Y'all" ...

[43north87west]

All the Carolina tags I've seen (all NC) have been rentals.

[westcoastbabe]

Resurrecting thread from (2) years ago. Would love to know how your experience has been since moving to the Phoenix metro area.

[westcoastbabe]

Any recent transplants from the Carolinas or the MidAtlantic region.? Would love to know what you think? Are you much happier or do you miss the east coast.??