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So here we are, fast forward 6 years, contemplating relocating to the Raleigh area. Several years ago, we lived in Cary for a year. Things did not work out as we planned so we returned home. Kids are doing well, both my wife and I are employed at good jobs and financially speaking, doing very well. There are issues here where we currently live that are not specific to the area; all cities experience issues we rather not deal with, but none the less, are present. We recently thought of giving the Raleigh area a second chance and recently spent the last several days there, taking in several activities and traveling the area. We left with a, well, a m e h feeling. Traffic in our opinion, much worse than what we experienced years ago. Rude, inconsiderate drivers hell bent on making our driving experience difficult, everyday. Growth? OMG, off the chain. I knew the area was going though an expansion, but not to the degree we observed. Loved the farmers market (again); met very friendly folks there who were very helpful and courteous. Lights on the Neuse was great. Took in a NHL hockey game, and although the Hurricanes lost, we had a great time. Really the only thing I miss was the cooler, seasonal weather. Thought it was just me, but my wife said she really didn't feel an incredible desire to go back, that it wasn't worth the trouble of relocating, finding work, and establishing ourselves there (again). This isn't a knock on the Raleigh area, for I do find many things about it that I like, however, much seems to have changed from the time I (we) have spent there back in 2013-2014. Not sure if it's just me getting older, my kids getting older, that has changed my perspective on things, but I honestly feel had we remained there, we would have regretted staying, seeing all the change that has, in my opinion, taken away all that was unique to the area. It's like the omen that befalls all "desirable" places in America; everyone wants to move there and turns it into everything they moved away from. Our minds are not made up, for we still like what the area offers to some degree, but we're certainly expanding our search, maybe to the Midwest. The east coast of America, unfortunately, is losing its appeal. I feel we're looking for the heartland of America and the dynamics of change taking place along the east coast states are too much for us to deal with. Regardless, I would like to get some feedback from those of you that have lived in the Raleigh area for several years, what your thoughts are from the changes that have taken place over the years that have either disappointed you or made you happy with the changes.
Again, I'm not knocking the area; I do miss much of what it offers, but am seriously in a state of flux as to whether it's worth the effort in relocating.
So here we are, fast forward 6 years, contemplating relocating to the Raleigh area. Several years ago, we lived in Cary for a year. Things did not work out as we planned so we returned home. Kids are doing well, both my wife and I are employed at good jobs and financially speaking, doing very well. There are issues here where we currently live that are not specific to the area; all cities experience issues we rather not deal with, but none the less, are present. We recently thought of giving the Raleigh area a second chance and recently spent the last several days there, taking in several activities and traveling the area. We left with a, well, a m e h feeling. Traffic in our opinion, much worse than what we experienced years ago. Rude, inconsiderate drivers hell bent on making our driving experience difficult, everyday. Growth? OMG, off the chain. I knew the area was going though an expansion, but not to the degree we observed. Loved the farmers market (again); met very friendly folks there who were very helpful and courteous. Lights on the Neuse was great. Took in a NHL hockey game, and although the Hurricanes lost, we had a great time. Really the only thing I miss was the cooler, seasonal weather. Thought it was just me, but my wife said she really didn't feel an incredible desire to go back, that it wasn't worth the trouble of relocating, finding work, and establishing ourselves there (again). This isn't a knock on the Raleigh area, for I do find many things about it that I like, however, much seems to have changed from the time I (we) have spent there back in 2013-2014. Not sure if it's just me getting older, my kids getting older, that has changed my perspective on things, but I honestly feel had we remained there, we would have regretted staying, seeing all the change that has, in my opinion, taken away all that was unique to the area. It's like the omen that befalls all "desirable" places in America; everyone wants to move there and turns it into everything they moved away from. Our minds are not made up, for we still like what the area offers to some degree, but we're certainly expanding our search, maybe to the Midwest. The east coast of America, unfortunately, is losing its appeal. I feel we're looking for the heartland of America and the dynamics of change taking place along the east coast states are too much for us to deal with. Regardless, I would like to get some feedback from those of you that have lived in the Raleigh area for several years, what your thoughts are from the changes that have taken place over the years that have either disappointed you or made you happy with the changes.
Again, I'm not knocking the area; I do miss much of what it offers, but am seriously in a state of flux as to whether it's worth the effort in relocating.
I agree with everything that you said. However, all fast growing areas are experiencing similar issues, particularly with traffic and rude drivers. Had you stayed in this area, you likely would have become used to these issues and not really noticed. No doubt, things have really changed since 2013-2014. I hope that you make the best decision for you and your family !
One advantage this area still has is affordable housing in really nice areas... but that isn’t going to last. Microsoft bringing jobs here, likely many others on the way, downtown vitalization, plus Durham gentrifying like crazy, ...it’s amazing you can still get a 4B/3bth in Cary under 500k...
If anyone is going to relo here, 2020 is the time to do it, by 2025 - 2030 you may see much higher home prices, etc.
All it will take is one major company to move into RTP, Durham, Raleigh and boom. We lost Apple, Amazon, and MLS... but we gained Microsoft and many other wins recently. Soon enough another major is going to see the advantage of the area.
But look, it’s a ‘suburban city’ and that means traffic etc.
All it will take is one major company to move into RTP, Durham, Raleigh and boom. We lost Apple...
True, we lost their big HQ plans as of recent. However they still own a sizable chunk of land in the RTP, so who knows what the future may hold for them yet.
It all comes down to pros and cons. If you went to the trouble of moving here and then moving back “home” (a telling word usage) you probably were never committed to it in the first place. Whatever issues there are in your current location obviously aren’t bad enough to FORCE a move and honestly shouldn’t be the only driver. The stuff that is worse here - not your imagination. Would have been less noticeable/bothersome if you never left. But again - pros and cons. No one is going be looking to talk to you into moving here (see:traffic and attitudes) so it’s all down to your list of yeses and nos. Been here 9 years and never considered moving back and still never would. Will I be here forever? Don’t know. But if I am I would be happy with that.
As mentioned above a pro's and con's list is helpful. Literally sit down with a pen and paper, and list out all the pro's and cons of each location. Assign a weight to each. Be honest about it.
No matter where you are the grass will always seem greener - no place is perfect.
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