Can you tell me about Raleigh? (Cary: school, college, living)

[amyduke86]

Hi everyone, I'm a college senior and will be graduating in May. I'm looking for a gis technician job which can be tough to find but there always seems to be listings in Raleigh. I'm from Maine so I was hoping someone on here can tell me a little bit about the area. Do you enjoy living there? Are people generally welcoming? I've heard a little bit about the area and it's on the top of my list for after graduation. Thanks!

[Francois]

I had some experience in GIS and looked for jobs in the field after grad school--really the only place with a "GIS center" was city government, or a place in Cary where they require new hires to work second shift and "work up to" a first shift slot.

Also, since one of the skills requisite in GIS work is knowledge of local geography, I'd be surprised if most places didn't give hiring preference to people who've actually lived in the area awhile, and know the names of local counties, towns, landmarks, etc. Moving here knowing none of this would be a disadvantage in that field.

[PennyH]

I love Raleigh, but am more fond of the outskirts for living - depends on what you're looking for! There's tons to do here for singles, marrieds, and families, and the weather is MOSTLY great, except for those humid deep summer days. Beach and mountains are close by, weekend and day trips in all directions, and a healthy mixture of dozens of industries including the "Silicon Valley of the East".