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I hope this is not too dumb of a question. I have heard stories all around about people who move from California being treated as outsiders. I find this hard to believe but would like to hear some thoughts and opinions.
Thanks! We are on our way in 3 weeks and CANT WAIT!!!
I certainly hope not! I am coming from San Jose in mid-July, and I cannot wait! I'll be at UNC on campus in a grad program, so my experience will be a bit different, but either way Chapel Hill is home for the next 5 years, and I could not be happier about it.
Moved from San Jose, CA in late 2005, and we've loved it.
My wife's family is all located in the SF Bay Area, and there are certainly things about CA we miss, but we've been absolutely overwhelmed with the welcome we've received here.
We first lived in Cary for a year, renting a house until we settled in Sanford.
Cary is a great place, but it really isn't representative of NC in our opinion. Due to the rapid growth of Cary and the transplant demographic, one's experience in Cary may be a bit more big-town "cool" and "disconnected", similar to other big metro areas many residents there came from.
But that being said, we made several friends, and really liked the area.
After renting there a year though, we decided to trade all the convenience and luxury of Cary for a more rural small town experience, and moved to Sanford.
In the two years we've been in Sanford, we've made more friends, become more involved in our community, and felt more "engaged" than in 10 years living in San Jose.
In San Jose, everything was so fast paced, folks were so transitional, and nothing seemed very personal. Here, we can point to several things we have personally affected and had input into. We even setup a neighborhood debate for our city council representative, and the Mayor waves at us in public and knows us by name. That's hard to experience in a burgeoning metropolis, or even mini-metropolis like Cary.
But regardless of whether you choose Raleigh, Durham, Cary, or a smaller satellite community, I think you'll find that NC has a diverse, tolerant, and educated populace that will be welcoming. I've not heard of any area that is insular or resistant to "outsiders" in any way. In fact, it has been the opposite.
I have friend from Calif who say there is definitely an anti-California semtiment in the Pacific Northwest, but not here in the East (probably because there aren't as many Californians moving here, I'd guess). Any anti-"there" sentiment you'll get here will probably be aimed toward NY, NJ, and the Northeast, where a large number of transplants leave to move to this area. I think in general, anti-transplant sentiment comes when there is a huge migration of folks from one area into another, bringing their "ways" with them and conflicting with the local way of life.
My one word of advice to Californians is: learn not to call highways "The [highway number]". It might be "The 10" or "the 5" out there, but here we just say "40", "440" etc.
Most North Carolinians will like anyone that is genuine. If you are passionate about the environment, hate George Bush, are shocked at the current price of gas, and can express your thoughts on these topics eloquently then you’ll do just fine here. Just remember that it’s just as important to listen as it is to talk. Not just hear but actually listen…
We bought a house in Feb and are moving in July. We will be moving from S.B , CA right on "THE 101"
Sorry Francois, I know this is a pet peeve of yours from previous posts! Couldn't help it
We were received very warmly...almost to the point that it was overwhelmeing! I assure you that any hostility you come across will be smothered out by the genuine kindness and friendliness you will experience in the triangle. Oh and the service...outstanding!
We met Debbie F who posted above while in the area and she is one of the local gems!
Last edited by Robyns.Nest; 05-23-2008 at 06:10 PM..
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