Pace of life and pies (Raleigh, Chapel Hill: job market, live, manufacturing)

[GotHereQuickAsICould]

All the gardeners in our neighborhood were out talking with one another today, trading plants and tips.

Neighbors have brought brownies and one has given us several slices of lemon pie. Neighbors pick up each others mail when they are out of town. We feel very welcome in our neighborhood.

Traffic on I-40 is busy, but nothing like Washington DC, Baltimore, or NYC.

Not sure what the old south was like, but loving the new south.

[lovebrentwood]

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.

It all started when houses began being built without front porches.

Seriously.

[lovebrentwood]

Originally Posted by Francois

I periodically look around thinking of changing jobs, but at least in this area, it seems like almost every workplace is stressful and unpredictable right now. Maybe that's how it's always been...

No, that's not how it's always been. When I first moved here twenty years ago, I was able to easily set up five interviews in the week I visited.

When a job was announced to recruitment companies, my phone would ring off the hook.

While I was SAS, I had contracting companies continue to wine and dine me, hoping I'd quit and go with them.

I knew I could always find a job.

Now, it is stressful and unpredictable (nearly) everywhere.

[poppydog]

I think you're onto something lovebrentwood. The lack of the porch and other "public" outdoor gathering places (a front stoop, a seating area in the front yard, even a corner store) has certainly contributed to a lack of sociability. Plus TV and the internet keeps people inside glued to screens. I don't think it's a reflection on this area so much as it is American society. You can still find it, but you have to look for the right neighborhood. Drive through and look for people out in their yards, look for kids playing, toys in the front yard, bikes, etc. Some of the newer neighborhoods with nice gathering places (parks, trails, shops) can work to facilitate interaction, but just having friendly people around helps a lot, too. I don't have a great porch or a great front yard for hanging in and so I don't see people that much unless I'm out walking or doing the occasional bit of yard work in the front yard. Dog walking helps.

[raleighnative2]

Originally Posted by lovebrentwood

It all started when houses began being built without front porches.

Seriously.

I believe you. I am glad I have never lived in a house without one. Of course most are in the older neighborhoods I grew up in. I wouldn't buy a house without one, and I never have, but that's just me.

[raleighnative2]

Originally Posted by goodbyesnow

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?

I think it's like another poster said, technology has killed social interaction. Everyone, even little kids have their face glued to a screen, inside and outdoors too! I was shopping one day and saw this lady with 2 little kids, maybe 6 or 7 years old. Both kids had a tablet with their noses in them as they were walking. I wondered if they even know how to ride a bike, or even go outside to play. I guess kids don't play anymore, unless it's on an Ipad.

I am soo glad I didn't not grow up with all this technology. I have so many good memories of riding, bikes, climbing trees, eating ice cream on the front porch, catching lighting bugs, playing tag and so forth. Kids now days do all that virtually?

Raleigh was like you envisioned up til about the 80's or so. But if you come to Cameron Village area there are still pockets of areas like that you envisioned. Me for one.

[NM posts]

Agree about the front porches, plus kids play in their backyards instead of a front yard.

In my neighborhood, one house on a corner lot has kids, and their corner is a hub of activity. Everyone talks to them.

The hoarder I'm thinking of took spoiled food to potlucks :-/

[RFMan]

I think it has a lot to do with your profession. I'm an electrical engineer. EE seems pretty hectic. Always taking work home. But then again, the economy kind of sucks, and it's an employer's market. Companies are coming and going; often seems there are more going than coming. Not wanting to be caught in yet another round of layoffs makes people really spin that hamster wheel.

[CHTransplant]

Originally Posted by west seattle gal

Commute -- Years ago my commute from Raleigh to Chapel Hill was more than an hour during rush hour -- is the traffic OK, or has it worsened due to the population increase?

I live in the northwest part of Chapel Hill, and work in Raleigh near Crabtree Valley Mall. My commute is about 35 minutes door to door (barring any traffic disruptions).

Not sure when you last lived here, but I-40 west of RTP was widened in 2002-2003.

[RFMan]

Originally Posted by CHTransplant

I live in the northwest part of Chapel Hill, and work in Raleigh near Crabtree Valley Mall. My commute is about 35 minutes door to door (barring any traffic disruptions).

Not sure when you last lived here, but I-40 west of RTP was widened in 2002-2003.

I-540 took some of the pressure off of I-40, too. And the Hwy 55 and Davis Drive widening helped also.