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Sorry, I originally thought Alcoholics Anonymous too. I think different people may have interpreted AA differently based on our life experiences. I think downtown Raleigh is pretty nice and would love to live there. I think dowtown Durham is an up and coming area that I would look into as well.
Recently I visited Raleigh (Holly Springs/Apex/Cary/Rolesville) and was disappointed in a couple of things. First, I did not see alot of AA's living in the nicer neighborhoods. Did I just miss them? or are they nonexistent? Second, I did not find alot of things to do in downtown Raleigh. Is that all there is to downtown. The reason I ask is because I am considering accepting a position with a law firm in Raleigh. Someone please tell me there's more to Raleigh.
Barrister,
What parts of Downtown Raleigh did you visit? I agree that it is smaller and not as busy as a major city like NYC, Chicago, or Boston, but you would be surprised by the offerings of Raleigh once you start to know where to look. What kinds of things do you like to do? What are you looking for in a downtown?
I would also like to add that one of the great pluses of living in the Triangle is that you have access to both Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Each of these areas offer their own local flavor so if you get a little tired of one area you can easily change your surroundings and go check out another for an evening. I love downtown Raleigh, but visit downtown Durham regulalry as well.
As to the question in your title. I think Raleigh is a fine place for you. While some may not find it to be the most diverese area, I feel fairly confident that there are African Americans living in the nicer neighborhoods along with a host of other people as well.
The thing that makes the Triangle a really terrific place to live isn't necessarily read on the face of its citizens. The formula for the Triangle and its cities is a combination of one part education citizenry, one part dynamic influx of newcomers, one part university influence and one part state government.
As for downtown Raleigh, it was neglected as a place to live for decades but never went into the decay that other cities suffered. It always maintained the base of state government and it's that base on which it builds. I think it's an amazing time to come to Raleigh as it rapidly transforms itself into the next level city that it is destined to become. While downtown is not a 24/7 place yet, it is taking steps to that end and is poised to provide an amazing lifestyle to those willing to be part of its emergence.
I live downtown (part time) and in Miami Beach and am never disappointed when I come to Raleigh for an extended stay.
Thank you to those people that responded with serious insight. I went to Glenwood South and stayed at the Sheraton downtown. I walked around and was just surprised that there was not more to offer in terms shopping, restaurants, etc. (That's etcetera, for the Abbreviation Challenged participants). I may be considering Charlotte as well. Any insight to that area?
Thank you to those people that responded with serious insight. I went to Glenwood South and stayed at the Sheraton downtown. I walked around and was just surprised that there was not more to offer in terms shopping, restaurants, etc. (That's etcetera, for the Abbreviation Challenged participants). I may be considering Charlotte as well. Any insight to that area?
We live in a diverse part of North Raleigh and AA's make up at least 1/3 of our residents.
Coming from Manhattan and New Orleans, Raleigh is definitely not a real "downtown" type of "city". If you want the excitement of NYC, you'd be disappointed here.
Raleigh, as you may have seen on your visit, is more family oriented but has some nightlife.
Depending on your stage of life and family status, Raleigh may or may not be what you want. Try staying a week or two for a better picture.
Thank you to those people that responded with serious insight. I went to Glenwood South and stayed at the Sheraton downtown. I walked around and was just surprised that there was not more to offer in terms shopping, restaurants, etc. (That's etcetera, for the Abbreviation Challenged participants). I may be considering Charlotte as well. Any insight to that area?
I'm sure those in Charlotte would have a better first hand opinion, but there does seem to be an active entertainment hub we found in the downtown area. We liked Charlotte, though it seems far more vast than Raleigh.
By the way, I would like to defend those commenting on the AA bit. I, too, did not get it either. But, I faired a guess after thinking about it momentarily. I often refer to the Manual of Style that indicates an acronym is more effective when initially spelled out the first time it is used to ward off guessing and misdirection. Then, once understood and established, an acronym is fine for brevity sake. I wouldn't necessarily categorize those community members as 'challenged' since they seem to contribute regularly and constructively. Anything brought up in the OP is fair game especially since the acronym was placed in the title.
That said, there are numerous posts regarding race and region. Though everyone's comfort level with their own racial makeup differs. That position will directly affect one's own perception on whether or not that person thinks Raleigh is a good place for AA's; or AA's; or CA's; or MA's; or RA's; or even NA's (foreigners). I like to think we are shooting for a color blind sort of mentality where a person's character becomes the real indicator why a particular city or region is guages its taste toward a particular person.
Nonetheless, I think Raleigh will become more entertainment diverse as the months and years go by. From what I've been told, the present state of downtown and the surrounding areas have changed quite a bit just over the last decade (I've witnessed a change in the last two years). It will not become New York, but it will offer more as more people move downtown and around Glenwood South. It's happening. And if you're a social type, there are many a group that come together regularly for outings if you so choose to partake (you can check out Meetup.com as one resource for such groups). Though in comparison to larger cities, the things you refer to might not be as abundant (though there is so much to offer if you're willing to investigate).
Thank you to those people that responded with serious insight. I went to Glenwood South and stayed at the Sheraton downtown. I walked around and was just surprised that there was not more to offer in terms shopping, restaurants, etc. (That's etcetera, for the Abbreviation Challenged participants). I may be considering Charlotte as well. Any insight to that area?
If I were you, I'd be less concerned with the ethnic makeup of a neighborhood where you live and more concerned with the chip on your shoulder the size of Falls Lake. I was obviously not the only one who did not understand - I have never seen any of my black friends refer to African Americans as AAs - but AA does fly into RDU, there are plenty of Asian markets in the triangle as testiment to the Asian American Populace here. The color of ones skin is not as important as the soul within.
Thank you to those people that responded with serious insight. I went to Glenwood South and stayed at the Sheraton downtown. I walked around and was just surprised that there was not more to offer in terms shopping, restaurants, etc. (That's etcetera, for the Abbreviation Challenged participants). I may be considering Charlotte as well. Any insight to that area?
The shopping is the piece that's missing from downtown proper. It's the last puzzle piece. First came the entertainment and clubs (visit on a weekend night and you'll see a completely different place buzzing with activity). Then came more housing. That's the phase we are in now. Hundreds of condos and apartments have/are coming online in the next year. While some stores are opening piecemeal in various neighborhoods, there has yet to be a significant push for something big.
I live part time in Glenwood South and find it more than adequate because of its proximity to Cameron Village. From my condo, I can walk there in 10 minutes via (either) Peace St. or through Cameron Park neighborhood. Cameron Village is a sizable center covering 6 city blocks with groceries, drug stores, restaurants, services, a library, etc. There is a mix of chains and independent retailers as well. Before discounting the area, I'd seriously look at the relationship between Glenwood South and Cameron Village. Frankly, I think the relationship to Cameron Village is one of the catalysts to Glenwood South's "fast out of the gate" development compared to other areas of downtown. That said, I do hear grumblings about bringing something larger to downtown proper. But, in the meantime, living downtown doesn't mean that you have to forego access to goods and services altogether.
Wht in the world...I thought you were talking about Alcoholics Anonymous as well.....
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