Pace of life and pies (Raleigh, Chapel Hill: home, find a job, buy)

[twingles]

We had some neighbors bring us brownies when we moved in. I can't imagine where you might now that a neighbor might bring you a home baked pie and some home-canned goods.

As mentioned it can vary by street. In my 'hood, my side is generally considered the more social side, for whatever reason. It also depends on what you have in common with whom in your neighborhood and that's not something you can ever know ahead of time.

[Claire_F]

Regarding traffic, I think it depends on where you live and where you're going. I've heard about the horrible traffic in RTP and elsewhere. However, I live way out in the boonies in Franklin County (about a mile from the Wake County line), and drive into downtown Raleigh every day. My commute of 33 miles takes about 35 minutes.

[west seattle gal]

Originally Posted by toodie

Oh, I see what you're saying. Makes sense.
I thought the OP was asking for personal experiences, so that's why I explained my personal experience. I think everyone knows things can't be generalized very well. You're right.
best,
toodie

I was asking for personal perspectives, not philosophical statements about how to be happy in life. So thanks, Toodie! I appreciate your input.

[west seattle gal]

Originally Posted by Francois

Population has grown something like 40% since you were here, of course traffic is worse. Yes, there are a few new roads, but they can never keep up with the infulx of new residents (ditto for schools)...

Wow, 40%. That's rapid growth, so I imagine the infrastructure is not keeping up in today's economy. Probably a lot of frustrating 2-4 lane roads with few alternative routes?

The job situation sounds the same as here. Guess there is no escaping that.

[lauradrops]

Hi
We moved in 4/21 and got a plate of fresh baked cookies. Everyday about 4pm -6pm the kids all play together outside. Met all the Moms and some Dads on day 1. It reminds me of a time when kids called for each other and played, not like in NY where you made appointments to play. We are in a very friendly community and love it.
I would imagine traffic has gotten heavier as more people relocated, but can't say for sure as I am only in the area less than a year and don't commute.

[NM posts]

it's really bad that after watching Hoarders I don't want anyone I don't really know bringing me pie, isn't it...and I really love pie...

My neighborhood is a small development that has quite a bit of drama at times, but is also generally friendly. I think most of my neighborhood is from somewhere else and some really keep to themselves, but people will stop and chat if you're in your front yard.

[goodbyesnow]

Originally Posted by lauradrops

Hi
Everyday about 4pm -6pm the kids all play together outside. Met all the Moms and some Dads on day 1. It reminds me of a time when kids called for each other and played, not like in NY where you made appointments to play. We are in a very friendly community and love it.
I would imagine traffic has gotten heavier as more people relocated, but can't say for sure as I am only in the area less than a year and don't commute.

This is the kind of neighborhood we were hoping for!! You're lucky!

[goodbyesnow]

Originally Posted by NorasMom

it's really bad that after watching Hoarders I don't want anyone I don't really know bringing me pie, isn't it...and I really love pie...

My neighborhood is a small development that has quite a bit of drama at times, but is also generally friendly. I think most of my neighborhood is from somewhere else and some really keep to themselves, but people will stop and chat if you're in your front yard.

What happened on Hoarders that deters you from pies? I can't imagine a hoarder would give away a pie!

I think where we live too, almost everyone is from somewhere else. They sure do keep to themselves.

[raleighnative2]

Originally Posted by goodbyesnow

I'll just share my experience so far. We moved here last summer. I feel it's hectic and faced-paced here, with people too busy to stop and talk. After we moved in, months went by and not even a hello from a neighbor. We finally met the guy next door when he was out doing yard work and we were outside. I've never met his wife and we will have been here a year in July. I've met a couple neighbors only because they have crossed our path when we were outside. No friendly, social feel where I live, which was what I was really hoping for, and we live in a neighborhood with a pool, lake, and walking trails. The people seem anti-social. Now, a neighbor who lived here temporarily just left this neighborhood, moved 10 minutes away and has found her new neighbors very friendly and social.
I think it just depends on the area. I have talked to some people who love their neighborhood and their neighbors. I'd love to MEET my neighbors! I envisioned kids running between yards, neighbors out talking to one another, even if only for a few minutes. None of that here
Now in my workplace, the people I work with (except the boss who treats many of us like trash) are really friendly and helpful. I'm a teacher, so can't comment on business attire, but am happy we have "jeans on Friday".
I also don't have a long commute so can't give input there.

Why has Raleigh changed so much in the past 30 years? People used to sit on their porches to sun set and talk to neighbors and welcome them when they moved in and so forth. Why does everyone liked to be so isolated these days? In their own little worlds so much they can live next doo for 2 years before even seeing their neighbors. This is not how the south used to be.

[goodbyesnow]

Originally Posted by raleighnative2

Why has Raleigh changed so much in the past 30 years? People used to sit on their porches to sun set and talk to neighbors and welcome them when they moved in and so forth. Why does everyone liked to be so isolated these days? In their own little worlds so much they can live next doo for 2 years before even seeing their neighbors. This is not how the south used to be.

What you describe is what I envisioned of the south. Even in the midwest growing up, my parents would sit out on the porch and chat (even with neighbors that really were not the nicest people) and the kids would run between yards playing until dark.
Everyone here is shut in their houses-last summer I thought it was the heat, but fall and this spring haven't been too hot, so where is everyone?I know it's different with households where both people work and people are scrambling to get everything done-I know I am, but the lady next door and next two houses down have stay at home moms with older school age kids, and I still never see any of them?